Ecological Restoration Technician I (SNR)

Summary: Ecological Restoration Technicians gain experience in native biodiversity management and ecological restoration in a diverse array of habitat types across the 2,400 acres of Shaw Nature Reserve. Develops and applies skills to control invasive species, identify plants and collect native seed, operate chainsaws, tractors, skid loaders, and other power equipment and implements. Works with volunteers conducting ecological restoration, participates in prescribed fire program, maintains site management records, and assists with other site management and restoration activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Controls invasive species through the use of manual, mechanical, and/or chemical methods including chainsaw operation.
• Participates in prairie, woodland, and glade restoration efforts by collecting, cleaning, and sowing seeds. Maintains seed lists and databases.
• Assists in all aspects of prescribed fire program including fire break preparation, scouting, monitoring and implementation.
• Operates skid loaders and tractors in a safe and effective manner, as per manufacturer's manual and following OSHA guidelines.
• Works directly with volunteers on a regular basis.
• Maintains accurate data entry for database of management activities.
• Ensures that all applicable safety standards are followed; informs employees/students/volunteers of safety guidelines, methods to reduce hazards.
• Reports all accidents, injuries and near-miss accidents immediately.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned; follows established policies and procedures, including maintains acceptable attendance record.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities, however, at times, may monitor or direct job duties for volunteers in the absence of their supervisor.

Core Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration -Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum one to three(1-3) years' of relevant experience.
• Experience in invasive species control.
• Ability to learn and apply safely operation protocols for use of chainsaws and tractors.
• Understanding of the ecological role of fire in natural areas and willingness to contribute to prescribed fire operations.
• Experience with the use of computers for data recording and management.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels; must enjoy and feel comfortable interacting and working in close proximity to the general public to answer questions about ecological restoration in a friendly manner.
• Enthusiasm regarding Missouri natural areas and keen interest in learning native flora is a plus.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• Associate's or B.S. degree in biology, ecology, botany, natural resources, or related fields
• An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written).

Mathematical Skills: Requires ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; calculate percentages and decimals; etc.

Reasoning Ability: Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Computer Skills:

• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license within 30 days of hire date is required.
• Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain a pesticide applicator license within 3 months of the hiring date.
• First Aid and CPR certifications or ability to obtain these certifications within 3 months of the hiring date.

Physical Demands:

• Position requires extensive outdoor work.
• Works at times with power equipment and/or carrying loads of up to 50pounds.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing).
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stools, etc.)
• Requires extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching for extended periods of time-- 75% or more of the workday is standing on feet.

Work Environment:

• Ability to perform physical labor working indoors and outdoors in all seasons
• Ability to work outdoors in temperatures over 100F as well as temperatures below 0F, in rain, snow and other inclement weather conditions as needed.
• Ability to work independently for extended periods in isolated settings.
• Willingness to work a variable schedule as needed, including occasional weekends

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Works cooperatively with other Garden departments and strategic partners with other conservation organizations as needed
• Visitors to Shaw Nature Reserve

Supervisor (title not person): Manager, Ecological Restoration & Land Stewardship