Field Ecologist II-III

V3 Companies, Ltd.; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Savings Account

Retirement plan with up to 6% company

Paid time off

Holidays

Volunteer paid time off

Job summary

V3 in West Chicago, IL is seeking an experienced Field Ecologist to join our Ecological Restoration team. You will study ecosystems, habitats, and environmental processes to support conservation and sustainable land management.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of field experience, a passion for natural resources, and a valid driver's license. CDL is a plus, and the role includes hands-on fieldwork, equipment operation, and collaboration with project teams.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor degree in environmental science or related field.
• 5 years of field experience in ecological restoration or natural resource management.
• Valid driver's license and ability to perform physical field work year-round.

Responsibilities

• Carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management.
• Application of herbicide (hand wicking, backpack spraying, etc.).
• Perform general field labor and manual weed removal by hand, mowing, weed whipping.
• Installation of native plant plugs and erosion control.
• Conduct brush clearing, tree cutting and general chainsaw work.
• Participate in prescribed burning.
• Coordinate with construction foreman, project managers and ecologists.
• Assist with other duties as assigned or requested.
• Facilitate site assessments, field monitoring, and reporting.
• Project administration (define and input work orders, daily logs, and contract administration).

Skills

Field ecology

Excellent communication skills

Physically able to perform hard labor

Valid driver’s license

Education

Associate/Bachelor degree in environmental science/related

Tools

Licensed herbicide applicator

Job description

Join the V3 Team and take your career to the next level! We are seeking an experienced and passionate Field Ecologist to join our Ecological Restoration team in our West Chicago office. As a Field Ecologist, you will play a crucial role in studying and understanding natural ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and environmental processes. Your work will contribute to conservation efforts, ecological research, and sustainable land management. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of field experience and, ideally, hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

About Us

V3 is more than just a place to work. It is a place where you can make an impact, build your skills, create your path and dive into meaningful, rewarding work that is challenging, inspiring and fun!

As a civil engineering consulting firm, we transform communities. Our diverse array of specialties includes civil engineering, contracting, environmental, planning, landscape architecture and surveying services. We believe in excellence in all we do and have an unwavering commitment to success. We have over 425 employees, with offices in six states and one in Canada. We are a growing firm and that creates exciting opportunities for our staff!

Key Responsibilities

• Carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management.
• Application of herbicide (hand wicking, backpack spraying, etc.).
• Perform general field labor and manual weed removal by hand, mowing, weed whipping.
• Installation of native plant plugs and erosion control.
• Conduct brush clearing, tree cutting and general chainsaw work.
• Participate in prescribed burning.
• Coordinate with construction foreman, project managers and ecologists.
• Assist with other duties as assigned or requested.
• Facilitate site assessments, field monitoring, and reporting.
• Project administration (define and input work orders, daily logs, and contract administration).

Qualifications

• Associate/Bachelor degree in an environmental discipline with 5 years of relevant experience.
• A passion for ecosystems, natural resource conservation, and the outdoors.
• Demonstrate proficient knowledge of native and non-native plant species of the Chicago region.
• Background in natural area installation and management and/or agricultural knowledge related to planting and seeding in natural areas.
• Licensed herbicide applicator or ability to obtain the license through the state of Illinois state herbicide exam.
• Ability to perform physical labor throughout the year (lift/carry minimum 50 lbs).
• Competent in the use hand tools and equipment.
• Strong work ethic and willingness to perform multiple tasks.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Excellent communication skills and work ethic.
• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Health Savings Account with V3 funding contribution
• Retirement plan with up to 6% company match
• Paid time off, holidays and volunteer paid time off
• Collaborative and supportive work environment
• Explore our website atwww.v3co.comto learn more about us!

V3 IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Veteran/ Disability