Ecological Restoration Technician

The Ecological Restoration Technician will assist in the implementation and maintenance of ecological restoration projects. This role involves working on diverse restoration activities, including native plant installations, invasive species management, habitat monitoring, and data collection. The technician will work closely with a team of ecologists, project managers, and other technicians to ensure the success of restoration efforts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Field Work

• Assist in the planting, watering, and maintenance of native vegetation.

• Implement invasive species control measures, such as manual removal, herbicide application, and mechanical control.

• Conduct habitat restoration activities including streambank stabilization, erosion control, and wetland restoration.

• Perform soil preparation, seed collection, and seeding of restoration sites.

• Collect and record field data accurately and efficiently.

Monitoring and Data Collection

• Monitor restoration sites to assess plant health, invasive species presence, and overall project success.

• Use GPS and GIS tools to map and document site conditions and project progress.

Equipment and Safety:

• Operate and maintain field equipment and tools, including hand tools, power tools, and herbicide sprayers.

• Follow all safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and colleagues.

• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with project teams, landowners, and volunteers.

• Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding project status, challenges, and needs.

• Participate in training sessions and team meetings.

Reporting and Documentation

• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and project documentation.

• Document field activities with photographs, notes, and data entry.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Currently pursuing, or holding, a bachelor's degree in an environmental science related field (Restoration Ecology, Conservation Biology, Botany, Forestry).

• Experience: With invasive and native vegetation identification, and with native plant installation or maintenance.

• Professional experience operating and servicing power tools including chainsaws, brush saws, and augers.

• Ability to trailer equipment including UTVs, Argos, boats, and heavy machinery.

• Experience with AutoCAD or GIS.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate would have a multidisciplinary background in botany, land stewardship, natural resource management, and environmental construction.

• An Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator License in the categories of 3A, 4A, 5, CORE is preferred but not required.

Desired Skills:

• Creative problem solver

• Effective communicator of complex problems

• Passion for restoring habitat in Ohio and surrounding areas

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, GIS, and basic computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

• Ability to perform physically demanding work in various outdoor conditions.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.

Work Environment

• The work environment for this position is outdoors in all types of terrain and weather, sometimes in remote and challenging locations. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we'd love to learn more about your work experience and your strengths.

Additional:

Department & Division: 430 Restoration Services

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to**: Varies

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Restoration Team

• Field leadership & personnel

Works with Outside Company:

• Consultants and vendors as necessary

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• None

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time

• Repeat motions that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

• Work that includes lifting/carrying objects up to 50 lbs. Team lifting items exceeding 50lbs may occur.

• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.

• Requires standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching

• Regularly works outdoors in varying weather conditions.

• Requires physical exertion, including lifting heavy objects, standing for long periods, and performing repetitive tasks.

• May involve working in remote locations and potentially hazardous environments.

• Includes the ability to trailer equipment including UTV's, Argos, boats, and heavy machinery.

• Walking for periods of time including, maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain