Forester - Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County provides opportunities for people to connect with nature. We offer to the public 60 forest preserves, 166 miles of trails, 47 miles of rivers and streams, and 6 nature and cultural centers. We have 6 million visitors each year.

The District's mission is, "to acquire and hold lands containing forests, prairies, wetlands and associated plant communities or lands capable of being restored to such natural conditions for the purpose of protecting and preserving the flora, fauna and scenic beauty for the education, pleasure and recreation of its citizens.

Job Summary

This position manages district trees and shrubs in order to provide safe and aesthetically pleasing areas for recreation and to promote natural area conservation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Apply best practices in nursery management, including planting, harvesting, and plant health care.
• Maintain and operate equipment for clearing, mowing, invasive species control, restoration, planting, and loading.
• Operate and perform minor repairs on tractors, loaders, skid steers equipped with bucket/grapple bucket attachments, mulchers, chainsaws, and similar equipment.
• Perform tree removal, storm damage cleanup, pruning, trimming, and hazard assessments.
• Conduct turf restoration, including soil prep, grading, seeding, and erosion control.
• Assist with prescribed burns, invasive species removal, native plantings, and tree inventories using GIS.
• Diagnose and treat arboricultural issues and apply insecticides or herbicides as needed.
• Assist with public relations events.
• Foster a working environment that promotes safe work habits; Become familiar with and observe all applicable safety rules, policies, and work procedures; Follow all safety rules that pertain to the duties performed and support all aspects of the district's safety and risk management program; Keep work area clean, orderly, and free of hazards; Immediately report all unsafe conditions and incidents.
• Maintain a supportive working environment and demonstrate a desire to exceed the expectations of internal and external customers.
• Perform other duties as required.

Requirements:

• 18 years of age or older at time of hire.
• Technical Certification programs - less than two years, 4-6 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid Driver's License in good standing.
• Illinois Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker and airbrakes endorsement within (6) months of employment in good standing.
• ISA Arborist Certification within (1) year of employment.
• Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator's License within (6) months of employment.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) I-100, S-130, S-190, S-290 within (2) years of employment.
• Must have and maintain CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification within (6) months of employment(training provided).
• Knowledge of tree safety standards (ANSI), nursery management, turf science, and restoration concepts.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining landscaping and arborist equipment.
• Strong understanding of native and invasive flora, GPS/GIS use, and record-keeping.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining productive working relationships.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain accurate records and data.

Hours: Monday - Friday, 6:45 am - 2:45 pm.

Starting Salary: $27.80 - 31.29 an hour.

Eligible for performance review and possible pay increases biannually.

Benefits: Medical (PPO and HMO plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield), Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Account for Health and/or Dependent accounts, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, 12 paid Holidays, 12 paid Vacation Days, 5 paid Personal Days, 8 paid sick days, Pension through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), 457 Retirement Plan. Uniforms will be provided, along with an annual safety boot and glasses allowance.

Additional Information: ISA.IAA memberships, recertification fees, and training for CEUs are provided by the district for certified arborists. Work is completed in various preserves, bring lunch and water accordingly.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace built on a foundation of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. Our organization provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.