Ecological Restoration Technician

RES is looking for a Ecological Restoration Technician, preferably with 1+ years working in the natural resources field experience, based out of our Chattanooga, TN.

The mission: Our Techs work on a variety of projects, including Stream restoration, Stormwater, Restoration planting, Invasive plant removal/management, and Landscape construction. The work is seasonally steady and will require over 50 hours per week. Opportunities for weekend work during peak periods. Ability to travel up to 75% within the region. Significant travel may be required for some projects. The region includes North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. Travel with overnight stays of 2–4-night periods will be required for some job sites.

If you are an avid outdoorsman and want to start your journey in ecological restoration industry – this is the right job for you.

Why You’ll Love This Job

• You’ll work outdoors in nature, helping restore real ecosystems

• You’ll learn to use specialized tools, equipment, and techniques

• You’ll work with a team that values safety, hard work, and environmental impact

• You’ll gain experience in planting, seeding, erosion control, and invasive species management

• You’ll be part of a team that is growing and making a difference in communities and landscapes

You’ll spend 90% of your time in the field, operating equipment like large trucks, UTVs, brush cutters, cutting tools, and chainsaws—don’t worry, safety is always the top priority. You’ll use GPS mapping systems to navigate and document your work, and you’ll get hands-on experience with backpack and hand sprayers for herbicide application.   Keeping everything running smoothly, you’ll report any equipment maintenance needs and even perform some basic upkeep yourself.

If you love plants, you’re in the right place. You’ll be identifying native and invasive plant species and using that knowledge to guide your work. Mixing and applying herbicides to manage invasive species will be part of the job, and you’ll play a key role in implementing an invasive species management program to restore balance to the ecosystem.

You’ll also roll up your sleeves for planting and seeding projects, where your techniques will help bring restoration projects to life.  There will also be some assistance with vegetation monitoring, storm water sampling and other various duties.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of your duties. 

Physical requirements:

• Ability to lift 50lbs
• Ability to walk in various steams/wetlands, up/down hills and other rugged terrain
• Ability to work long hours outdoors and in inclement weather

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Reliable means of transportation to get to the field office.
• Keen interest in natural resources and outdoors.
• Confidence in your physical and mental ability to effectively work outdoors in all weather.  

What will make you stand out?

• • 1+ years of work in ecological restoration.
  • Ability to read and understand the project plans, details, and specifications.
  • Commercial Pesticide Technician/Apprentice License in applicable categories
  • Native and invasive plant species knowledge
  • 1+ year experience mixing and applying herbicides for managing invasive species.
  • 1+ year experience performing planting and seeding techniques.