Field Crew Leader

Mississippi Valley Conservancy (Conservancy) is a regional, non-profit land trust based in La Crosse, WI that has permanently conserved over 27,000 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern Wisconsin. The Conservancy owns and manages 28 nature preserves totaling more than 5,500 acres and also works with private landowners and local communities on voluntary conservation projects and environmental education in nine counties along or near the Mississippi River.

Summary of position:
We are hiring for the position of Field Crew Leader who will assist with habitat management and restoration of native prairie, forest, oak savanna, and wetland habitat on Conservancy-protected lands throughout southwest Wisconsin. Managing the ecological health of the natural communities throughout the Mississippi River Valley is rewarding hard work. The crew leader will provide guidance to three seasonal crew members around aspects of wildlife habitat management, including species identification, timber stand improvement, forest, oak savanna and prairie restoration, invasive species control, and trail maintenance under the direction of the Land Manager.

Duties include crew motivation, communication, equipment maintenance, invasive species control, use of herbicides, tree and brush removal, prairie restoration, boundary posting, supervising school and volunteer groups, coordinating work days, record keeping, and more. Sites and projects will be physically demanding and provide excellent hands-on experience in many facets of land management. This position will be approximately 95% field work and 5% office/shop work. The work schedule may include occasional evenings or weekend work for volunteer events. Chainsaw and plant identification experience required.

Key Responsibilities of the Crew Leader:

• Supervise, direct and work alongside crew members and volunteers
• Ensure all crew members have appropriate PPE and are conducting activities in a safe and responsible manner at all times
• Facilitate equipment loading and unloading at the start and conclusion of each work day
• Accurately document materials used (herbicide, fuel, etc.) on a daily basis and report to the Land Manager when refills/additional materials are needed and if preparation work is needed (i.e. sharpening, filling water) for the next field day
• Keep accurate and concise records of land management activities in accordance with the Conservancy’s record keeping practices
• Ensure the shop, vehicles, and equipment used are maintained in an orderly and clean condition
• Coordinate and lead at least one public volunteer work day
• Prepare and utilize talking points to solicit donations for the Intern Crew Endowment at each private conservation easement property visited

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Previous experience leading a field crew on land restoration projects
• Willingness and ability to use herbicides, chainsaws and other power equipment
• Working outdoors in adverse conditions (heat/cold, biting insects, etc.)
• Sincere interest in preserving southwest Wisconsin’s ecosystems
• Strong work ethic & positive attitude
• Physically fit & able to work long days on steep, rugged terrain
• Plant and tree identification specific to SW Wisconsin
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a valid driver’s license and working vehicle

Details:
The Field Crew Leader will work under the direction of the Conservancy Land Manager and/or Restoration Coordinator, and will direct the summer intern crew and assure crew compliance with project priorities and all Conservancy policies. The position runs from May 18th until August 28th. The successful candidate will work approximately 30 hours/week dependent on weather conditions and land management priorities and will be paid $18/hr. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to those who apply prior to February 1st, 2026.

For more information contact Levi Plath at levi@mississippivalleyconservancy.org  or 608-784-3606 ext. 5