Internship - Ecological Restoration Technician Intern

Encap, Inc.
$17.50/Hour
United States, Illinois, DeKalb
2585 Wagner Court (Show on map)
Mar 25, 2025
Ecological Restoration Technician Intern ENCAP, Inc. is searching for motivated, hard-working and passionate individuals to add to our ecological restoration intern team. As an ENCAP, Inc. intern, the successful applicant will assist with invasive species control, native planting, erosion control measures and other stewardship tasks throughout Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana. We work in forest/nature preserves, parks, created natural areas, rain gardens and anywhere native landscaping has been implemented for an ecological purpose. Help us help our local habitats and join our team! ENCAP, Inc. offers interns an immersive field learning experience in natural habitat restoration. Successful interns can expect to learn/improve native and non-native plant identification, become familiar with operation of common restoration equipment, gain understanding of key local habitats and practical restoration knowledge. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Maintaining a safe and clean work environment on job sites, during travel, and within the shop through proper use and maintenance of ENCAP, Inc. equipment, tools, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Implement and abide by ENCAP Safety Manual and Company policies to foster a safe and effective work environment as well as a positive and inclusive company culture. Maintain a high level of professional conduct and a positive attitude while interacting with ENCAP, Inc. staff, clients, and the public. Participate in company training to be familiar with and practice safe and proper operation of small power equipment, such as weed eaters, chainsaws, backpack blowers, etc. Ecological restoration services including herbicide application (with license), cutting/mowing, hand weeding, native seed installation, native plug installation, native tree and shrub installation, installation of erosion control blanket and other erosion control practices and prescribed burns. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS Applicants pursuing a degree in ecology, botany, natural resources, environmental studies or similar study preferred. High School graduate or GED required. Must be able to perform manual labor, operate small tools such as chainsaws, weed eaters, and back pack blowers, etc. Training is provided. Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs. and navigate rugged/uneven terrain on foot. Must be able to follow oral and/or written instructions, work outdoors in variable and rugged conditions, and establish effective working relationships with other employees, officials and the general public. Must possess or be able to obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator License. ENCAP, Inc. will assist with providing study materials and setting up the exam in DeKalb, IL. Must have reliable transportation to various ENCAP, Inc. work locations and/or the ENCAP, Inc. headquarters located in DeKalb, IL from where transport to work locations is provided. Plant identification skills, experience working outdoors, and a can-do attitude a plus! ENCAP, Inc. is an EEO and participates in E-verify. ENCAP, Inc. is drug-free workplace and advocates strongly against sexual harassment- All employees are expected to comply with company policies. This contractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4 (a), 60-300.5 (a) and 60-741.5 (a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.