Restoration Associate Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that's vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that's naturally committed to the environment.
Your Opportunity
Advance your career in the natural resources field by gaining experience supporting projects to conserve, restore, and manage prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and other native habitats while expanding your network to include industry-leading scientists and environmental professionals.
This ecosystem restoration team works on a variety of projects in natural areas including properties owned by forest preserve districts, state and federal agencies, municipalities, energy providers, and private landowners.
This is a full-time (40+ hours per week), benefits eligible position.
Project sites are generally within 60-90 miles of Stantec's two local offices, Monee and Naperville. #StayInquisitive
Your Key Responsibilities

• Working with field crews to carry-out tasks related to ecosystem restoration and management on sites ranging from one to 100s of acres.
• Specific job tasks include invasive species identification and control (herbicide application, cutting, and mowing), native seeding and planting, prescribed burning, and brush and tree removal. Depending on experience and proficiency, equipment operation and tools to conduct the above tasks may include the use of light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide sprayers, ATVs / UTVs, tractors, and skid loaders with various attachments.
• Demonstrating skills and experience with field tasks such as plant identification, invasive species control methods, ecological restoration techniques, and natural area assessments.
• Lead field efforts for 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.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

• Positive, safety-first attitude.
• Effective communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Organized and capable of leading work assignments 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.
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to obtain state Pesticide Applicators licenses within one month, including applicable categories for herbicide application in natural areas and aquatic environments.
• A good driving record and valid state driver's license.
• Where lawful and at Stantec's discretion, your passing drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred:

• Applied knowledge of upper Midwest native and invasive species, plant identification, natural areas, and ecology.
• Demonstrated experience with crew or volunteer leadership, mentorship, and effective team communication.
• Ability to operate and conduct routine preventative maintenance on a variety of equipment and tools that includes light and heavy-duty trucks and trailers, tractors, skid-steers, UTVs/ATVs, chainsaws/brush saws, and backpack herbicide sprayers.
• National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Intro (S-130 / S-190 / L-180).
• Chicago Wilderness Prescribed Burn Crew Training Certificate.
• First Aid/CPR/AED training, OSHA 10-Hour, OSHA 30-Hour, and 24- or 40-hour HAZWOPER training.
• ATV/UTV and chainsaw safety training.
• Valid commercial driver's license and/or Federal DOT Medical card.
• Current commercial pesticide license.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Undergraduate or associate's degree in an environmental discipline, preferred.
• 1 to 4+ years of experience in natural areas management techniques including herbicide applications, cutting / mowing, controlled burning, and native planting.

Hiring Period: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. If there is a delay in receiving a response, applications will remain active. Best efforts are given to review applications timely; however, hiring is handled in cycles.
Past Applicants: Past applicants are encouraged to reapply if not selected from previous years.
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 transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
Pay Range:
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas-$45,500.00 - $63,700.00 Annually
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$50,100.00 - $70,100.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | IL | Naperville
Other Locations: United States | IL | Monee
Organization: BC-2390 EnvSvcs-US ERI
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 12/08/2026 04:08:27
Req ID: 1006287
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.