Seasonal Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Stantec was recently named the fifth most sustainable company in the world and first in North America by Corporate Knights and has recently pledged to carbon neutrality by 2022 as a first step in achieving net-zero operations by 2030 across its entire global footprint.

Your Opportunity

We are seeking passionate and energetic individuals with an interest in natural areas, ecology, and ecosystem restoration who are looking to gain valuable career skills out of our Lawrence, Kansas office. Successful applicants will receive training related to office and field safety, interpretation of project designs and plans, field restoration methods, equipment operation, and use of technology (GIS via iPad) as part of employment. Learn from our dedicated team of experts while working on long-term projects to conserve, restore, and manage prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and other native habitats of the central Midwest. 

This role involves extensive regional travel throughout the field season and may require employees to be away from home for extended periods, including consecutive days or weeks at a time depending on project location and schedule.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Working with field crews to interpret and carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management on sites ranging from one to 100’s of acres. 
• Specific job field tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide spraying and cutting / mowing), native seeding and planting. Depending on experience and proficiency, equipment and tool operations to conduct the above tasks may include the use of light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, chainsaws / brushsaws, herbicide sprayers, ATVs / UTVs, and tractors / skid loaders with various attachments.
• Willingness to learn and apply new skills while conducting field tasks, such as plant identification, invasive species control methods, ecological restoration techniques, and natural area assessments.
• Assisting project managers, staff scientists, and senior scientists with the planning, collection, and documentation of field and written/tabular data for various restoration tasks.
• Implementing a safety-first mindset and applying all established health, safety, security, and environment (HSSE) standards during all office and field operations. 

Required:

• Positive safety-first attitude.
• Effective communicator and a collaborative attitude.
• Organized and capable of following detailed instructions with attention to detail.
• Ability to read and interpret herbicide labels and Safety Data Sheets and apply herbicides following label instructions and safety procedures.
• Commitment to producing high quality in-field work products.
• Ability to walk 4-6 miles per day over rough terrain and lift up to 50 lbs.
• A good driving record and valid state driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to travel regularly during field season.
• Ability to obtain KS/MO/AR Pesticide Applicators licenses within one month.
• Willingness and availability to travel extensively, including frequent overnight travel, multi-day field deployments, and schedules that may change based on project needs, weather conditions, or restoration windows.

Preferred:

• General knowledge of upper Midwest native and invasive species, plant identification, natural areas, and ecology. 
• Experience in natural areas management including herbicide applications, cutting / mowing, controlled burning, and native planting.
• Ability to operate and conduct routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment and tools that includes light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, chainsaws / brushsaws, backpack herbicide sprayers, UTVs / ATVs, and tractors.
• ATV / UTV and chainsaw safety training.
• Valid commercial driver's license and/or Federal DOT Medical card.
• Previous experience utilizing iPads and must be comfortable with computers, tablets, and GPS units.
• Travel: 90 % of the Time, up to 100% during Busy Season.

Education and Experience

Pursuing or have obtained Undergraduate or Associates Degree in an environmental discipline.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

About Stantec

Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what’s previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital tr