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Job Title: Restoration Ecologist
Education: BS in Natural Resources and Environmental Management - emphasis in Land Management
Previous Experience: I worked as a seasonal restoration technician for 4 years Finally landed a full time salary position with benefits
Job Tasks: I am a restoration ecologist. What this means is that I along with a crew work to try and restore the land to the way it was during pre-settlement times. This includes prairies, woodlands, savannas, and wetland ecosystems.
I supervise seasonal crew members during the growing season. We manage against - non-native invasive weed species. In the process we care for the native flora and fauna of the region. To manage against the non native invasive weed populations - we use several different techniques they are as follows; chemical herbicide application, mechanical removal, and regular burning of the sites.
The chemical application requires obtaining a pesticide license through the state and becoming familiar with the various chemicals applied. The mechanical removal is more labor intensive and hands on. It can range from pulling weeds out, to cutting down trees or shrubs. To perform the necessary prescribed burning of the site you must obtain your s190-s130 fire training certificate and understand the fire basics. The prescription burns help to fight back non-natives that are not fire tolerant and help to limit the amount of woody invasions.
Native seed collection also plays a large part in the day to day job tasks during the growing season. We try to collect as much seed from as many different species as possible without overharvesting. Diversity is the key. We collect the seed and dry it out on drying racks with in a building, then we bag it and label it and store it until fall. In the fall, we then mix all of the collected seed and spread it out over land that needs to be restored. Timing is important for this - we prefer to try to plant right before a good rain or snow event. This helps to push the seed into the soil and limits the amount of seed predation from birds and varments.
During the winter months we mainly work in the woods removing aggressive, non-native trees. This includes chainsaw work along with bobcats and dozers at times.
A strong ability to identify native plants and trees is required. Also a strong knowledge of soils, geology, and historical ecosystem dynamics is highly recommended. This is a very rewarding field to work in but you must have patience. You do not see immediate results from you labor but give it a few years and you have helped to improve the landscapes around you.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The worst part of the job is having to work in inclement weather conditions. It does not matter what the weather is like, chances are good that you will be trying to work out in it.
The best part of the job is knowing that you are helping to improve the planet not just for humans, but for the plants, animals, insects, and so much more that it is hard to put into words.
Job Tips:
1. Buy as many identification guide books to plants, animals, birds, and trees as possible and start trying to learn to identify the different species.
2. Take and pay attention to science classes such as: biology, geology, soils, and botany - trust me you will use a lot of the information in your daily work as a restoration ecologist.
3. Volunteer as much as possible at your local state parks, forest preserves, or nature centers. The sooner you get involved with nature - the more you will learn.
4. Learn to respect mother nature. She is stronger and more complex than you can ever imagine.
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