Ecological Restoration Technician

DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for engaging in restoration and habitat improvement activities through our campus gardens and Northwoods woods and water. As a Ecological Restoration Technician, work includes planting, seeding, weeding, watering, and tending to our native habitats and discovery gardens, in addition to assisting with other ecological restoration projects as a part of our Woods and Water team. The Ecological Restoration Technician also provides high quality, engaging assistance to visitors who are interested in our gardens and delivers guided educational walks to visitors throughout the summer.

EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Care and Maintenance for Discovery Gardens on Campus—Conduct maintenance in native rain gardens and planting areas, shrubs and trees, green roof, existing native gardens, and tall grass prairie garden.
• Trail Maintenance—Assist with establishing new trails and maintaining existing trails which may include tree removal, brush clearing, boardwalk construction and repair, mowing and clearing new trails, and interpretive signage maintenance.
• Ecological Restoration and Invasive Species Management — Assist with planting and seeding of native restoration projects and shoreline restorations. Assist with AIS monitoring, purple loosestrife bio-control, snorkel, and free-dive to remove AIS, and enter data.
• Inspect Boats, Decontaminate Boats, and Conduct Trainings — Conduct Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) boater surveys including boat inspections and enter data into SWIMS.
• Individual Development Opportunity—Identify, develop, and execute a personal project that benefits personal development and the organization’s mission.
• Contribute to the Organization’s Mission—Assist in programs, special events and fundraisers, and community outreach as needed. Communicate needs to and be willing to help other team members as needed. Assist with storytelling initiatives for the organization, through social media, photos, and presentations.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, and dependable organizational skills.
• Passion for working outdoors with experience and appreciation for the conditions field work presents.
• Garden enthusiast with basic horticultural skills including planting, seeding, watering and weed management.
• Understanding of the importance of data collection and the ability to record and enter data.
• At least some classwork or field experience using taxonomic keys for identification, knowledge of native plants of Wisconsin, and ability to identify plants including native and non-native species.
• Working towards a B.S in botany, landscape ecology, landscape architecture, restoration ecology, horticulture, natural resources, or a closely related field.
• Strong sense of personal ownership and responsibility for your work with immense care for details.
• Collaborative with supervisors and a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hiring.

THE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL GAIN

Extensive knowledge of native plants and plant communities, horticultural skills, trail maintenance, vegetation survey data collection, entry, and report writing, community and volunteer engagement, volunteer supervision and coordination.

COMPENSATION AND REQUIREMENTS

• Compensation: $1,400 monthly stipend and includes free shared onsite housing.
• Hours: Minimum 40 Hours/week with usual Tuesday-Saturday work week. Evening, weekend, and holiday work are required but position does provide a good deal of flexibility for days off. Field work often requires longer workdays which in trade results in some 4-day work weeks, allowing ample time off for exploring the Northwoods and its abundant wilderness, serene freshwater lakes, and backcountry areas.
• Length of Service: 6-months, approximately May 20 – October 18, start and end dates may be flexible.
• Internship Opportunities: Position may be adjusted to earn school credit for internship or work-study projects. Option to discuss these opportunities during the interview process.