Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Stantec; McCordsville (IN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Stantec in Indiana is seeking a field technician to support ecosystem restoration projects near McCordsville. You\'ll work with field crews on invasive species control, native planting, prescribed burning, and data collection, gaining hands-on experience across multiple habitats.

This full-time role requires ability to hike several miles daily, lift up to 50 lbs, and obtain pesticide licenses within a month.

Qualifications

• Experience with herbicide applications and native planting required or preferred.
• Ability to read herbicide labels and follow safety procedures.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Work with field crews on ecosystem restoration and management tasks.
• Invasive species control, native seeding and planting, prescribed burning.
• Operate equipment such as trucks, trailers, tractors, and skid loaders as needed.
• Lead data collection and documentation for restoration tasks.
• Maintain safety and HSSE standards in all operations.

Skills

Herbicide application

Cutting / mowing

Controlled burning

Native planting

Reading labels/SDS

Education

High school diploma

Environmental degree preferred

Tools

ATV/UTV operation

Tractor operation

Chainsaws/brushsaws

Job description

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.

Join a team that’s naturally committed to the environment.

Your Opportunity

Advance your career in the natural resources field by gaining experience supporting projects to conserve, restore, and manage prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and other native habitats while expanding your network to include industry-leading scientists and environmental professionals.

This ecosystem restoration team works on a variety of projects in natural areas including properties owned by forest preserve districts, state and federal agencies, municipalities, energy providers, and private landowners.

This is a full-time (40+ hours per week), benefits eligible position.

Project sites are generally within 100 miles of one of the McCordsville local offices, 5559 N 500 W Building H, McCordsville IN 46055.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Working with field crews to carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management on sites ranging from one to 100s of acres.
• Specific job tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide application, cutting, and mowing), native seeding and planting, prescribed burning, and brush and tree removal. Depending on experience and proficiency, equipment operation and tools to conduct the above tasks may include the use of light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide sprayers, ATVs / UTVs, tractors, and skid loaders with various attachments.
• Demonstrating skills and experience with field tasks such as plant identification, invasive species control methods, ecological restoration techniques, and natural area assessments.
• Lead field efforts for planning, collection, and documentation of field and written/tabular data for various restoration tasks.
• Implementing a safety-first mindset and applying all established health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) standards during all office and field operations.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• 1 to 4+ years of experience in natural areas management techniques including herbicide applications, cutting / mowing, controlled burning, and native planting.
• Positive, safety-first attitude.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Organized and capable of leading work assignments with attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret herbicide labels and Safety Data Sheets and apply herbicides following label instructions and safety procedures.
• Commitment to producing high quality in-field work products.
• Ability to walk 4-6 miles per day over rough terrain and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain state Pesticide Applicators licenses within one month, including applicable categories for herbicide application in natural areas and aquatic environments.
• A good driving record and valid state driver's license.
• Where lawful and at Stantec’s discretion, your passing drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred

• Applied knowledge of upper Midwest native and invasive species, plant identification, natural areas, and ecology.
• Demonstrated experience with crew or volunteer leadership, mentorship, and effective team communication.
• Ability to operate and conduct routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment and tools that includes light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, tractors, skid-steers, UTVs/ATVs, chainsaws/brushsaws, and backpack herbicide sprayers.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Intro (S-130 / S-190 / L-180).
• Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Crew Training Certificate.
• First Aid/CPR/AED training, OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30-Hour, and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• ATV/UTV and chainsaw safety training.
• Valid commercial driver's license and/or Federal DOT Medical card.
• Current commercial pesticide license.

Education

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate or associate’s degree in an environmental discipline, preferred.

Hiring Period

Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If there is a delay in receiving a response, applications will remain active. Best efforts are given to review applications timely; however, hiring is handled in cycles.

Past Applicants

Past applicants are encouraged to reapply if not selected from previous years.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what’s possible.

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Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.