Ecological Restoration Technician

Resource Environmental Solutions LLC; Huntley (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401k

Paid time off

Promotion opportunities

Job summary

Resource Environmental Solutions LLC is seeking a Restoration Technician to work outdoors on ecological restoration projects. You will operate field equipment, navigate with GPS, and apply herbicides while gaining hands-on experience in habitat restoration.

You will plant and seed, assist with erosion control, and support invasive species management. The role requires readiness for fieldwork and safety-conscious teamwork in varying conditions.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Reliable transportation to the field site.
• Strong interest in natural resources and outdoor work.
• 1+ year experience in ecological restoration.
• Ability to read and understand project plans and specs.
• Knowledge of native and invasive plant species (state-specific).

Responsibilities

• Work 100% in the field operating trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, augers, and chainsaws.
• Use GPS mapping to document your work and perform herbicide applications.
• Assist in planting, seeding, erosion control, and invasive species management.
• Support invasive species management programs and habitat restoration.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance needs.
• Possibly participate in prescribed burns with required certification (S-130/190).

Skills

Fieldwork outdoors

Equipment operation

GPS mapping

Herbicide application

Plant identification

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Commercial Pesticide License

Job description

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here.

Are you ready to be a key player in the restoration of natural environments while operating top-of-the-line equipment? At RES, we’re looking for a passionate and motivated Restoration Technician to join our team. In this hands‑on role, you will have the unique opportunity to work outdoors, make a tangible impact on vital ecosystems, and operate a variety of specialized equipment—all while gaining valuable experience in the field of environmental restoration.

The mission:

Our Techs work on a variety of projects, including Stream restoration, Stormwater, Restoration planting, Invasive plant removal/management, and Landscape construction. The work is seasonally steady and will require over 50 hours per week.

Why You’ll Love This Job

You’ll work outdoors in nature, helping restore real ecosystems.

You’ll learn to use specialized tools, equipment, and techniques.

You’ll work with a team that values safety, hard work, and environmental impact.

You’ll gain experience in planting, seeding, erosion control, and invasive species management.

You’ll be part of a team that is growing and making a difference in communities and landscapes.

A Day in the Life

You’ll spend 100% of your time in the field, operating equipment like large trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, augers, and chainsaws—don’t worry, safety is always the top priority. You’ll use GPS mapping systems to navigate and document your work, and you’ll get hands‑on experience with backpack and hand sprayers for herbicide application. Keeping everything running smoothly, you’ll report any equipment maintenance needs and even perform some basic upkeep yourself.

If you love plants, you’re in the right place. You’ll be identifying native and invasive plant species and using that knowledge to guide your work. Mixing and applying herbicides to manage invasive species will be part of the job, and you’ll play a key role in implementing an invasive species management program to restore balance to the ecosystem.

You’ll also roll up your sleeves for planting and seeding projects, where your techniques will help bring restoration projects to life.

Lastly, if prescribed burns are part of your region’s restoration practices, you’ll have the chance to earn your S-130/190 Burn Certification and be involved in this important habitat management technique.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of your duties.

Physical requirements

You must be able to lift 50lbs, walk over uneven surfaces and up/down hills, climb on construction equipment and work outdoors and in inclement weather.

We would love to talk to you if you have many of the following

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Reliable means of transportation to get to the field office.
• Keen interest in natural resources and outdoors.

What will make you stand out?

• 1+ years of work in ecological restoration.
• Ability to read and understand the project plans, details, and specifications.
• Commercial PestiAcide Technician/Apprentice License in the applicable categories for your assigned state.
• Native and invasive plant species knowledge, applicable to your assigned state.
• 1+ year experience mixing and applying herbicides for managing invasive species.
• 1+ year experience performing planting and seeding techniques.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401k, paid time off; other comp programs may include bonus/commission/RSUs. We post promotion opportunities internally.

New Jersey Pay Range (Hourly)

$19.50 - $21.50 USD

Please note that the Day in the Life section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.