Equipment Operator
Overview
RES is looking for applicants with prior experience in the ecological restoration field. The job will consist of 100% field work ranging from invasive brush cutting, tree felling, planting, seeding, and maintenance of natural areas through equipment operations and herbicide application.
Work is seasonally steady and often will require over 50 hours per week. Some weekend work required during peak periods. Significant travel may be required for some projects throughout the region. Travel with overnight stays of 2-6 night periods will be required for some job sites.
What your day-to-day might look like?
- Execute invasive brush clearing, tree felling, planting, seeding, erosion and sediment controls
- Maintenance and mowing of natural areas through equipment operation and herbicide application
- Perform restoration activities, including identifying and protecting native species, identifying and controlling invasive species and site clearing
- Loading plant and project materials at nurseries and other suppliers
- Assist with projects related to:
- Stream restoration
- Stormwater
- Restoration planting
- Invasive plant removal/management
- Landscape construction
- Renewable facilities management
Qualifications
Required:
- High School degree or equivalent
- 2 or more years working in field operations or civil construction
- Ability to Travel up to 75% with overnight stays of 1-6 nights within the region.
- Valid driver’s license required.
- Ability to think quickly and adapt required
- Team player- able to operate and adapt within a team
- Experience driving large pick-up trucks and hauling trailers
- Ability to study for and pass a test to become a licensed IL and/or IN Pesticide Applicator within 1 year
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Horticulture, or a related field
- Experience working on natural resource or water resource infrastructure projects
- Prior experience performing native seed and plant installation, including erosion control measures
- Native plant ID, including winter woody plant identification
- Experience with repair and maintenance of small engines and equipment is a strong plus
- Class A commercial driver's license
Physical Requirements:
Willing and able to perform and comply with the following items:
- Strict adherence to safety protocols, including proper PPE requirements
- Ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds
- Ability to work outside in harsh and under adverse weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, and exposure to insects including ticks and mosquitoes. Exposure to poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
- Ability to walk long distances
- Ability to undertake field work that includes, operating ATVs, tractors, skid steers, and trucks with trailers
- Ability to safely operate chainsaws and gas-powered brush cutters & augers
VEVRAA Federal Contractor
RES is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.