Ecological Restoration Technician - Seasonal

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

This seasonal full-time position is anticipated through early December 2026. Individuals in this position will work with staff ecologists and volunteers who manage the natural areas to support native plant species diversity. Technicians will have the opportunity to learn how to identify and manage a wide range of both native and invasive plant species. They will gain knowledge about characteristics of prairie, woodland, and aquatic ecosystems and acquire skills required to manage these habitats. All technicians, under the guidance of Garden ecologists, will assist with stewardship in all of our natural areas including the prairie, woods, and the lakes and shorelines. On average, about 80 percent of the candidate's time will be focused on conducting hands-on stewardship in our natural areas. They 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 technician'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. The employment term for these seasonal positions begins in mid-April and continues through early December. The normal work schedule is Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Responsibilities

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.

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.

Other:

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

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.
• Experience with or an interest in learning plant species of the Chicago region, including the use of dichotomous keys to identify plant species.
• Possess or be willing to obtain an Illinois pesticide applicator license and a prescribed burning certification.
• 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.

Benefits

Seasonal Full-time employees scheduled to work at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement plan
• Holidays
• Holiday Thank you pay
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night