Ecological Restoration Technician

Shultz Forest Management and Consulting is hiring a full-time Ecological Restoration Technician in Califon, NJ. The role involves conducting wetland and forest restoration, overseeing an Invasive Plant Crew, and performing tasks such as invasive plant control, tree planting, and equipment maintenance. Candidates should have relevant experience, a degree in a related field, and be prepared for outdoor labor in various conditions. The position offers a salary of $20-30/hr plus benefits.
Job Title: Ecological Restoration Technician

Position Type: Full Time Permanent

Work Area: New Jersey

Location: Califon, NJ

Salary: $20-30/hr (dependent on experience and qualifications) plus benefits

Benefits: Vacation/sick leave, paid holidays, work clothing and footwear allowance, and health, vision, and dental insurance

Job Description:

Shultz Forest Management and Consulting LLC is seeking applicants to fill a full time (40hrs/week) permanent Ecological Restoration Technician position. The primary focus of this position is to conduct wetland restoration on private lands in accordance with NJ DEP regulations and perform forest restoration through invasive plant control, tree planting, and timber stand improvement cutting. This position is a leadership role, overseeing the Invasive Plant Crew Members, organizing and maintaining equipment and supplies, determining work schedules, and overseeing projects according to specifications.

Primary duties include invasive plant control through chemical and mechanical treatments, crop tree release and timber stand improvement by felling trees with chainsaws, native and non-native plant identification, tree planting and maintenance, and other duties as assigned. Herbicides will be applied with backpack sprayers and spray bottles using different types of herbicides. Mechanical treatment will involve using loppers, handsaws, and some chainsaw work. The Restoration Technician will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Invasive Plant Interns during the summer season to make sure projects are being accomplished correctly and in a timely manner. Work on additional sites in eastern Pennsylvania may occur. The position may include some amount of out-of-town travel.

Job Requirements:

This is a labor-intensive field position, and the employee should expect to spend >90% of their time working outdoors, must be able to carry a 30-pound pack over various terrain, lift 50 pounds, maintain a leadership role, and work in all weather conditions. Some work will be conducted in wet areas and proper footwear will be required. Encounters with poison ivy, stinging and biting insects, ticks, venomous snakes, and other hazardous conditions common to the forests and wetlands of the area occur regularly. Applicant must have experience in identifying eastern U.S. tree species and invasive plant species common to the area. Herbicide application experience is preferred for this position. Experience felling trees with chainsaws is preferred for this position. An associate degree or higher in Forestry, Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management or other related program is required for this position. Previous work experience is preferred. The applicant must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. The successful applicant must demonstrate an ability to work independently and in a team environment. Applicant must present themselves in a professional business-like manner when interacting with contractors, clients, and the public. Applicant must be a legal U.S. resident.

To apply: Please send a résumé and cover letter including three references (work-related) to Jacob Shultz at jshultz.sfmc@gmail.com Résumés will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicants will only be contacted if an interview or additional information is requested.