Ecological Restoration Technician

The Ecological Restoration Construction Technician will assist in the implementation and maintenance of ecological restoration projects. This role involves working on diverse restoration activities, including active restoration construction, 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. This position also works closely with construction contractors and their teams to ensure proper design-build construction. The ideal candidate would have a multidisciplinary background containing a mixture of surveying, construction oversight, river morphology, wetlands, landscaping, and invasive species management.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Field Work

• Verify and approve grading and environmental construction.
• Conduct habitat restoration activities including streambank stabilization, erosion control, and wetland restoration.
• Assist in the planting, watering, and maintenance of native vegetation.
• Perform soil preparation, seed collection, and seeding of restoration sites.
• Collect and record field data accurately and efficiently.
• Implement invasive species control measures, such as manual removal, herbicide application, and mechanical control.
• Perform design plan layouts using AutoCAD/Civil 3D

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.
• Conduct water quality testing and other environmental assessments as needed.

Equipment and Safety

• Operate and maintain field equipment and tools, including survey/data collection equipment, hand tools, power tools, and herbicide sprayers.
• Follow all safety protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe working environment for oneself and colleagues.
• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure proper storage and transportation.
• Operate/maintain company vehicle and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.

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: Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences (Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Biology, Fisheries, Forestry), Construction Science and Management, Surveying or Civil Engineering. Degree requirements may be waved with comparable work experience/training in one of these fields with demonstrated progressively increasing responsibilities. Work experience in lieu of a formal degree to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Experience: 2 years of working in large scale earth moving, excavation, and grading operations or 2 years conducting construction oversight/management. AND One or more years' experience or comparable class work/training in AutoCAD required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience: Candidates who also possess training in fluvial geomorphology and/or previous experience implementing restoration projects will be preferred. Formal stream morphology training or Rosen Level 1 is a plus.

Desired Skills:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office computer programs (i.e. Word, Excel etc.)
• Strong technical writing capabilities with excellent communication skills
• Proficient with AutoCAD / Civil 3D - Formal coursework or equivalent work experience
• The candidate should be technically proficient with various modes of surveying instruments including but not limited to Total Station, GPS-based surveying systems and rotating laser levels.
• Autonomous, highly motivated individual that can communicate effectively, document work activities, solve problems and troubleshoot in an earth moving and heavy equipment atmosphere.
• A strong desire to improve the environment and passion for restoration
• A creative design-minded individual that can operate in a design-build setting

Work Environment

This is predominantly a field work position working outside with a specialized construction crew throughout the year. On an annual basis work duties would be approximately 75% field and 25% office. During the field season, approximately April through October expect to work 75-80% in the field. A typical workday consists of an 8-10-hour day although, in accordance with the requirements of specific assignments, may include irregular hours. Overnight travel and working for extended periods throughout Ohio and surrounding states will be project specific, but overnight travel will be required.

Additional:

Department & Division: 430 Restoration Services

Exempt Status*: Non-Exempt

Reports to**: Restoration Construction Manager

Works with Inside Company:

• Internal Human Resources Team
• Internal Corporate Teams
• Field leadership & personnel
• Other ES service teams

Works with Outside Company:

• Contractors, consultants, vendors, and government agencies as necessary

Working Conditions:

• On-site work, outdoors, on active construction sites
• Long periods of driving
• Overnight travel can be expected

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
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 50 lbs.
• Communication with others to exchange information. Must be able to see, read, write, and speak.
• Occasional standing, walking, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching
• Working outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Walking for periods of time including, maneuvering uneven, uphill, and downhill terrain
• Work near/in river, streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands

Travel Requirements:

• % of travel time: 5%

*This position is classified as non-exempt based on the job duties.

**The company reserves the right to make changes to the reporting structure for this position due to business needs.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)