Natural Areas Restoration Technician

Job Summary
Under the direction and supervision of the Natural Areas Manager and responsible to the Director of Parks, the Natural Areas Restoration Technician is responsible for natural areas management and planning, and other park operations projects as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
May be responsible for training and providing day-to-day task instruction for seasonal employees and/or volunteers.

Essential Job Duties
Include, but not limited to the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Natural Areas Restoration
• Control brush and exotic weeds, including cutting with use of hand and power tools; application of herbicide by hand and spray methods; and removal by means of hauling and/or properly constructed brush pile burns.
• Ability to identify native trees, shrubs and flora in the field, as well as collect native grass and forb seeds at proper times and provide for correct storage, preparation, and inclusion in habitat specific seed mixes.
• Propagate native plants from seed and cuttings in greenhouse and garden settings especially regarding supplying material for upcoming volunteer events.
• Plant plugs, bare rootstock, seeds, shrubs, and/or saplings, containerized and ball and burlap trees.
• Assist with prescribed burn planning and execution.
• Planning, design, and installation of plants in demonstration natural areas- naturalized gardens and rain gardens.

Preserve Maintenance
• Mowing Park District turf using walk-behind and riding equipment.
• Turf maintenance: seeding, sodding, watering, and aerating.
• Weed management including hand, mechanical, and chemical control methods.
• Trimming trees and shrubs using hand tools and power equipment.
• Removal of garbage and refuse materials from parks and natural areas.
• Inspect, repair, construct, paint, and clean all park amenities.
• General asphalt path repair including patching.
• General road repair including gravel road.

Research and Monitoring
• Assist in research and monitoring projects for vegetative cover, plant species of concern, hydrology, and wildlife. Prepare and maintain accurate written records and reports as directed by the Natural Areas Manager, including GPS mobile and GIS mapping software.
• Perform data quality checks and analysis for water monitoring projects.
Volunteer Coordination
• Plan and facilitate scheduled and requested group and corporate volunteer workdays in natural areas.
• Prepare and execute volunteer workdays and activities to include providing day-to-day training for volunteers on daily tasks and safety; lead workdays and activities on their own or in the absence of the Natural Areas Manager.
• Must be available for occasional weekend special events (estimated 3-4 per year) including River Day, Arbor Day, and September Adopt-a-Beach.

Other
• On and off-road driving/operation of Park District vehicles.
• Inspect and repair park equipment, amenities, and facilities.
• Tree felling and pruning.
• Streambank erosion control.
• Maintain all equipment and hand tools.
• Assist with set up and take down of programs and special events as necessary.
• General landscape and turf maintenance, and cleanup of park facilities as needed.
• Attend seminars and workshops to provide for professional growth.
• Communicate matters of departmental interest or importance to the Natural Areas Manager in a timely manner.
• Offer suggestions to improve job efficiency and quality while keeping the best interests of the District in mind.
• Customer service; including addressing patron concerns.
• On a scheduled on-call basis, including weekends, assist with District snow removal efforts from designated parking lots, sidewalks, roads, driveways, and pedestrian paths.
• Performs other duties as assigned.