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Ecologist - Plant Ecology - Job Opportunity at Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Wheaton, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: March 14, 2025
On-site
USD 61,776 - 67,517 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield with PPO and HMO options - competitive for public sector
Dental and vision coverage with flexible spending options for healthcare and dependents
Strong retirement package combining IMRF pension and 457 plan - above market for sector
Generous paid time off: 12 holidays, 12 vacation days, 5 personal days, 8 sick days
Professional development support through tuition reimbursement
Field equipment provided including uniforms and safety boot allowance

Key Responsibilities

Lead ecological assessments and develop strategic management plans for preservation of wildlife species and habitats
Design and implement natural areas restoration programs with focus on native biodiversity enhancement
Conduct scientific research and data collection to inform conservation strategies
Manage relationships with federal, state and local agencies for permit coordination
Oversee seasonal staff and contractors while providing technical guidance
Develop and present scientific reports to District Commissioners and stakeholders

Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree in related field, Master's Degree preferred

Experience

1-3 years of experience

Required Skills

Proficiency in ecosystem understanding and preservation Familiarity with natural resource information gathering and analysis Knowledge of local natural resources Understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Statistical analysis expertise Flora and wildlife identification and cataloging skills Ecosystem management proficiency Strong communication abilities Relationship building capabilities Organizational and record-keeping skills

Certifications

Illinois Department of Agriculture Pesticide Operator's License (required within 6 months) NWCG I-100, S-130, S-190, S-290 (required within 1 year) First Aid CPR AED certification (required within 6 months) Valid Driver's License
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Increasing focus on climate change adaptation in ecological preservation strategiesClimate resilience planning becoming central to conservation workGrowing emphasis on native species restoration and invasive species managementRising importance of public engagement and educational components in conservation rolesExpanding use of data analytics and GIS technology in ecological management

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of USD 61,776 - 67,517 is slightly below market median for similar roles in the Chicago metropolitan area, where ecological positions typically range from USD 65,000 - 85,000. However, the comprehensive benefits package and public sector stability offset this difference.

Role Significance

Typically operates within a team of 5-8 professionals, supervising 2-4 seasonal staff members
Mid-level professional role with significant technical authority and project management responsibilities, though not senior management

Key Projects

Large-scale habitat restoration initiatives spanning multiple preservesNative species reintroduction and monitoring programsPublic education and volunteer coordination programsLong-term ecological monitoring and research projectsInvasive species management campaigns

Success Factors

Strong technical expertise in plant ecology and local ecosystemsAbility to balance scientific rigor with practical implementationExcellence in stakeholder management and public communicationProject management capabilities for complex ecological initiativesAdaptability in working with various environmental conditions

Market Demand

High demand with steady growth projected. Conservation and ecological management positions are seeing increased demand due to climate change initiatives and expanding urban preservation efforts.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Botanical expertise - Essential for species identification and management planningProject management - Critical for coordinating multiple conservation initiativesData analysis capabilities - Crucial for monitoring and reporting program effectivenessStakeholder communication - Key for public engagement and inter-agency collaboration

Beneficial Skills

GIS proficiency - Increasingly important for spatial analysis and planningGrant writing experience - Valuable for securing additional project fundingVolunteer management experience - Helpful for community program coordinationResearch publication experience - Beneficial for program documentation and sharing

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work with endangered species like Eastern Prairie Fringed OrchidCombination of scientific research and practical conservation implementationSubstantial public education and community engagement componentAccess to extensive preserved lands for research and management

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior role in 3-5 years, management position in 5-7 years with demonstrated leadership

Potential Next Roles

Senior Ecologist with broader program oversightNatural Resources ManagerConservation Program DirectorEnvironmental Research CoordinatorRestoration Ecology Consultant

Company Overview

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a significant public land management organization overseeing 60 preserves and serving 6 million visitors annually

Leading regional conservation organization with substantial land holdings and community impact
Major player in Chicago metropolitan area conservation efforts with significant influence on regional environmental policies
Professional public sector environment with strong emphasis on scientific integrity and community service
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