At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Prairie/River Management Technician (mid-April to mid-December)

Requisition Number 21

PURPOSE: Help manage and develop the Chicago Botanic Garden's 15-acre prairie and 22-acre river corridor natural areas.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

1. Perform a variety of activities related to invasive weed management including herbicide application, brush cutting and removal, digging, mowing and debris removal, deadheading, etc.

2. Perform a variety of activities related to the development and maintenance of these natural areas such as seeding site preparation, planting, watering, seed collection and cleaning, seed nursery maintenance, path clearance, litter pick-up, etc.

3. Seasonal staff will be working with other staff, interns, and volunteers. Supervision of volunteers will be required at times.

4. Operate, safely, small equipment including mowers, hedge trimmers, water pumps, and sprayers. Care and responsibility for tools and machines is expected.

5. Learn to identify plants in work areas.

6. Participate in prescribed burns (assuming appropriate training standards are met).

7. Assist with plant surveys, data entry, literature research and/or other research, and report writing. Miscellaneous office work and organizational duties required.

8. Perform work in the river channel in chest waders.

DEPARTMENT: Restoration Ecology

REPORTS TO: Ecologist

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Individuals in good physical condition with a bachelor's degree and/or experience in restoration ecology, natural areas management or equivalent. Good taxonomic skills. Knowledge of local flora desired. A very strong work ethic, good people skills (will be working as part of team and as a volunteer supervisor), and an ability to carry out delegated assignments with little supervision. Individuals must be able to work for long hours, whether alone or with a team, in the out-of-doors performing physically demanding, often daily or weekly repetitive work. Ability to work under inclement conditions: heat, rain, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and allergens (e.g., pollen). Willing to take a two-day prescribed burn training course. Willing to perform work in the river channel in hip waders.

Ability to take and pass the State of Illinois' General Standards Pesticide License Test and lift and carry 40 pounds, sometimes for an extended period of time. Experience with Microsoft Office Excel and Word programs desirable. A valid driver's license is necessary with a good driving record.

References, letter of interest and resume required. School records may be requested.

PAY: $11/hour.