Ecosystem Restoration Field Technician

Kate on Conservation; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks dedicated individuals to join their Restoration Services team in the Sarasota area. The position involves managing invasive vegetation and participating in ecological restoration projects, requiring a background in environmental sciences and a commitment to safety. Candidates should expect to work outdoors in diverse and sometimes challenging weather conditions while receiving training on the job.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing invasive species and ecological restoration is a plus.
• Ability to operate ATVs, airboats, and various hand tools.
• Willingness to work overnight and traverse rugged terrain.

Responsibilities

• Implement restoration projects under supervision and apply herbicides.
• Conduct native planting and erosion control activities.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and corporate guidelines.

Skills

Plant identification

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Herbicide application

GIS knowledge

Education

Standard First Aid certification

CPR certification

Associate or higher in environmental science or related field

Tools

UTV

GPS

Chainsaw

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields and guide our work with rigor, a creative spirit, and vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties around the globe and are committed to fostering an inclusive community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. We’re a place to apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental talents on work that’s critical to our clients and the communities they support. Join a team that has the environment down to a science.

Your Opportunity

Join Stantec’s Restoration Services team in the Sarasota/Manatee/Hillsborough County area to help manage nuisance and exotic vegetation in wetlands, water conversation areas, stormwater treatment areas, canals, and conservation lands. Enjoy exploring Florida’s beautiful outdoor and backcountry adventures? Stantec is willing to train reliable individuals with the right attitude to make working at Stantec their career. Daily work tasks include traversing natural areas via truck, UTV, and/or on foot treating nuisance and invasive vegetation, installing native plants, or other activities necessary for ecological restoration projects. Projects will involve plant identification, assisting with herbicide mixing and/or application of targeted vegetation, installation of various native plant species, and working with various gas powered and manual hand tools. A typical workday consists of 10 hours days, four days per week, with one day remaining for weather delays. While not typical, this position may require overnight travel (lodging and per diem covered by Stantec).

Your Key Responsibilities

• Implementing restoration project work at the ground level under the direction of a Field Supervisor or Project Manager
• Herbicide application to targeted nuisance/exotic plants using an UTV, boat, backpack, or airboat
• Native planting, erosion control installation, or any other activities necessary with field implementation of ecological restoration projects
• Compliance with all company and client safety requirements
• Follow corporate policies, operate through the proper management channels, and act in the best interest of the company

Capabilities and Credentials While Stantec provides on the job training for the position described above, the following experience is a plus:

• Experience in native and invasive species plant identification
• Experience working or recreating in Florida natural areas
• Experience operating equipment such as ATVs/UTVs, swamp buggies, airboats, tractors, chippers, and skid steers
• Experience with herbicide mixing, application, and application equipment
• Experience in ecological restoration techniques
• Experience in map reading, GIS, and operating a GPS
• Standard First Aid, CPR, and Red Card
• Experience in boat operation
• Experience operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and brushcutters
• Availability and willingness to travel overnight 10% of the time
• Ability to traverse wet and rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions while carrying heavy loads
• Willingness to work in a culture where safety is at the forefront of all operations