Lead Ecological Restoration Technician

Title: Lead Ecological Restoration Technician, Natural Areas  

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Native Habitats 

Reports to: Program Manager

Year-Round Full-time

About our Natural Areas: 

The Garden’s natural areas encompass 60 percent of our 385-acre campus in Glencoe (located 25 miles north of Chicago). They represent prairie, woodland, and aquatic habitats, and are stewarded by a team of ecologists to support, showcase, and better understand the unique and diverse natural history of our region. We use stewardship techniques like prescribed burning and invasive species control to support the widest diversity of appropriate native species in each habitat type. We also encourage and support research, conducted in partnership with other staff in the Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action, and are dedicated to monitoring to assess long-term change and impacts of our stewardship efforts. The person in this role will spend a majority of their time in our shorelines, which weave our natural areas and formal gardens together. Five of our six miles of shorelines have been restored using bioengineering techniques and more than half a million native wetland plants (representing 250-plus species) to stabilize shoreline soils, increase resilience to flooding, improve water quality in our six lakes, and provide habitat for wildlife.  

Position Overview:

The Lead Ecological Restoration Technician (ERT), Natural Areas will have the unique opportunity to work with ecologists managing all of the Garden’s natural areas to conduct ecological restoration, management, and related activities. They will work with staff ecologists within the various natural areas as needed to conduct daily stewardship activities and assist with leading volunteers who manage the natural areas to support native plant species diversity. The Lead ERT will have the opportunity to enhance their current skills in native and invasive plant species identification and their management. They will gain knowledge about characteristics of prairie, woodland, and aquatic ecosystems and develop the skills required to manage these habitats. On average, about 80 percent of the candidate's time will be focused on conducting hands-on stewardship in our natural areas. The Lead ERT will also be part of our new career pathway program called the Stewardship and Ecology of Natural Areas (SENA) internship program, launched in 2023. As a participant in our SENA program, about 20 percent of the Lead ERT’s time will be comprised of career development training. This will include activities such as scientific explorations that support the care of natural areas, inclusive leadership training, as well as other collaborative opportunities between internal and external partners. Working with the Natural Areas staff, the Lead ERT will increasingly take on a leadership role in helping to develop, adapt, and implement relevant aspects of the SENA program for the 12 seasonal ERTs. This is a year-round, full-time (average of 40 hours per week) position, renewable annually dependent upon contingent grant funding. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.   

Responsibilities:

In the Lead Ecological Restoration Technician role you will be responsible for the following:  

Natural areas stewardship (average of 4 days a week):  

• Assist in controlling invasive woody and herbaceous species in diverse native plant communities. This includes applying herbicides, cutting, and burning woody invasive species, digging, mowing, raking, and removing debris, and deadheading. 
• Collect, clean, and disperse native seeds. 
• Help maintain a native seed nursery (weeding, watering, planting). 
• Prepare burn breaks and participate in prescribed burns.  
• Operate small power tools including mowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, weed whackers, and water pumps and use herbicide sprayers, backpack water tanks, and hand tools.  
• Care for garden vehicles, tools, and machines. 
• Coordinate with Garden personnel (e.g., mechanics) related to work responsibilities.
• In collaboration with Managing Ecologists, play an increasing leadership role in supporting the work of a crew of 12 seasonal ERT staff in carrying out stewardship activities.

Training and career development (average of 1 day per week; training hours may be non-consecutive): 

• Work with SENA program manager and Garden staff to set and work toward learning goals that will support continued career development. 
• With other SENA participants, Garden staff, as well as other external partners, participate in workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one or team-based projects to enhance skills and expertise in target areas.  
• Assist with native species monitoring and other projects conducted in collaboration with department scientists, students, and other staff.
• Working with SENA staff, play an increasing leadership role in developing, implementing, and adapting relevant aspects of the SENA training program.

Other:

Assist with algae and macrophyte removal on the lakes and shorelines utilizing motorized john boats, trail maintenance, and litter collection throughout the natural areas and adjoining spaces. 

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications
 Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• At least one growing season of working experience including natural areas restoration or conservation work, or related experience working outdoors over a range of conditions. 
• At least one growing season of leadership experience including volunteer work.
• Knowledge of at least 20 to 25 Midwest regional plant species including native and non-native species. 
• Experience with or an interest in learning plant species of the Chicago region, including the use of dichotomous keys to identify plant species. 
• Possess an Illinois pesticide applicator license and have or be willing to obtain a prescribed burning certification (including Chicago Wilderness Midwest Ecological Prescription Burn Training).
• A proven strong work ethic. 
• An ability to function well in both team and individual work situations. 
• Strong interpersonal communication skills.  
• Possess a high comfort level being in and around water along with an ability to swim should the need arise in an emergency. 
• A valid driver’s license and a good driving record. 
• Commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.  

Physical Demands: Standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, including outdoors in inclement weather. Exposure to poison ivy, bees, ticks, mosquitoes, pollen, other potential allergens, and wildlife. Listening and speaking in group settings. Must be able to lift and carry up to 60 pounds.  

To Apply: To apply, submit an application and upload a resume. Please do not submit a cover letter; instead, complete the three questions provided as part of the application. Application reviews will begin on January 13, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. This job posting will close on January 31, 2025.

Why Apply? 
 Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.