Seasonal Ecological Restoration Technician

A3 Environmental Consultants; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Illinois Paid Leave

Mileage Stipend

PPE allowance

Licensing study materials provided

Job summary

A3 Environmental Consultants seeks a 2027 Seasonal Ecological Restoration Technician for the April–October season to perform herbicide applications and invasive species control at FPCC sites in Cook County. You will work with a team of A3E technicians and the prime contractor Foreman, handling tools and native plant installations as needed.

Field work requires outdoor endurance, PPE use, and adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Plant identification skills, or willingness to learn.
• Comfortable operating small tools and equipment.
• Enthusiastic, courteous, cooperative, positive, and a team player.
• Available for the full April - October season, or able to clearly commit to a defined portion of it.

Responsibilities

• Herbicide application via backpack sprayer - this is the primary, day-to-day task for the majority of the season
• Invasive species control via spot-mowing, hand-pulling, and brush cutting (concentrated in early spring and fall)
• May assist with prescribed burning (early spring and fall)
• May install native plant materials
• Operate hand tools, gas-powered equipment, and machinery (chipper, ATV, chainsaw, weed whacker)
• Plant identification in the field

Skills

Plant identification

Small tools operation

Team player

Valid Driver’s License

Education

Illinois Pesticide Operator/Applicator license (certification)

Tools

Backpack sprayer equipment

Job description

2027 Seasonal Ecological Restoration Technician (April - October)

Position Summary

A3E provides year-round ecological restoration services throughout the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) focused on invasive species control. During the growing season, our work primarily includes selective herbicide application to target species growing among native plants. Our technicians work on a team composed of fellow A3E technicians and staff of a prime contractor at FPCC sites. The quality of the sites vary, with some sites being younger restorations requiring more intensive management and other sites being high-quality natural areas with rare plants and wildlife.

Supervisory Relationships

The Ecological Restoration Technician reports to A3E’s Project Manager and takes daily direction from the prime contractor’s Foreman.

• Herbicide application via backpack sprayer - this is the primary, day-to-day task for the majority of the season
• Invasive species control via spot-mowing, hand-pulling, and brush cutting (concentrated in early spring and fall)
• May assist with prescribed burning (early spring and fall)
• May install native plant materials
• Operate hand tools, gas-powered equipment, and machinery (chipper, ATV, chainsaw, weed whacker)
• Plant identification in the field

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Walking up to 8 hours a day at a steady pace, carrying a backpack sprayer weighing up to 45 lbs
• Outdoor work in heat, humidity, frequent exposure to direct sun, and all-weather conditions
• Uneven, often muddy or wet terrain with twigs, logs, and hidden depressions underfoot
• Exposure to insects and other outdoor hazards
• Approximately 37 hours per week, 5 days per week (weather and workload dependent)
• Personal vehicle required for travel to work sites
• Wearing of personal protective equipment required (e.g. hard hat, boots, long-sleeves, long pants, eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, etc.)

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older
• Valid Driver’s License
• Plant identification skills, or willingness to learn
• Comfortable operating small tools and equipment
• Enthusiastic, courteous, cooperative, positive, and a team player
• Available for the full April - October season, or able to clearly commit to a defined portion of it

Certifications Required

• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain an Illinois Pesticide Operator/Applicator license (Indiana or Wisconsin licensure may apply depending on assignment)
• A3E provides study materials; candidates register for and pay for the certification exam (~$15)

What We Offer

• Pay: $19.83-$22.00+/hr, depending on experience and qualifications
• Illinois Paid Leave (1 hour for every 40 hours worked).
• Mileage Stipend
• PPE allowance (over and above what A3E already provides) ($100)
• Pesticide licensing study materials provided
• Hands-on field experience in ecological restoration - a strong entry point for those pursuing a career in natural resources, ecology, or environmental science

A3 Environmental is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email [e-mail].