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Stewardship Technician (Full-Time AmeriCorps Member)

The mission Bur Oak Land Trust is to protect and conserve natural areas to enrich and engage current and future generations. The Stewardship Technician will play an integral role on Bur Oak Land Trust’s stewardship team implementing aspects of numerous restoration projects, controlling invasive species across our three county service area, and improving nature preserve infrastructure including trail maintenance and design. As such, the ability to perform well both in a team, and independently is crucial. We will ensure the Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps member receives a well-rounded term of service gaining experience in nearly all aspects of nature preserve management, and an extensive introduction to non-profit land trust organizations. The Stewardship Technician crew member will improve the ecology and sustainability of Bur Oak Land Trust’s nature preserves and their partner organization’s natural lands through on the ground work, spending a majority of their time in the field. Any given day may be extremely physically challenging.
           
POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Habitat Restoration
●     Lead volunteers and other AmeriCorps members in land management projects
●     Conduct prescribed burns on prairie and woodland habitat
●     Remove trees to reduce woodland canopy 
●     Native tree and shrub planting and native grass and forb seeding
●     Conduct plant and animal surveys
●     Creation of management maps and plans

Invasive Species Management
●     Scout for invasive species within the Trust’s 11 properties
●     Implement control methods for target invasive species through mechanical and chemical removal methods, including chain-sawing and brush cutting
●     Partner with other staff and volunteers to remove invasive vegetation during scheduled volunteer work days on nature preserves

Infrastructure Improvement
●     Complete chainsaw safety certification
●     Participate in trail maintenance work days which may require chainsaw operation
●     Install preserve infrastructure including signs, gates, and kiosks

Team Leadership
●     Manage the day-to-day activities of half and quarter time members under the direction of Bur Oak Land Trust’s Property Stewardship Specialist
●     Prepare and maintain stewardship equipment
●     Maintain a safe working environment

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS: Prepare and submit 2-week schedules, timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms
●     Prepare and submit 2-week schedules, timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms
●     Conduct at least 2 presentations to community groups about Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps
●     Provide regular project updates and photos for the website
●     Represent yourself as a Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps member at all times
●     Attend required trainings provided by the AmeriCorps Coordinator
●     Complete the IDALS pesticide applicators license within 3 months of employment (training provided)
●     Complete National Wildfire Coordinating Group S-130/S-190/L-180 online wildland firefighting certification within 3 months of employment (training provided)

QUALIFICATIONS:
✓    Bachelor’s Degree
✓    Computer efficiency (typing, email, word processing, excel)
✓    Ability to pass a background check*
✓    U.S. citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien
✓    At least 17 years of age at the commencement of service
✓    Valid driver’s license
✓    Commitment to conserving natural Midwestern habitats

Preferred Qualifications
●     Experience with handheld GPS devices
●     Experience working with volunteers
●     Experience utilizing power tools
●     Field experience and familiarity with Iowa flora and fauna
●     Experience with prescribed fire
●     Excellent verbal and written communication
●     Experience utilizing ArcView or other GIS platforms

On occasion, service will be required at an off-site location. Use of a personal vehicle may be required to perform duties. This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position and runs from September 1, 2019 to July 31, 2020. Benefits include $18,700 living stipend, health insurance, and an education award upon successful completion of the term of service and deferment of qualified student loan.

Applications and directions are available at www.buroaklandtrust.org and will be accepted until June 30, 2019.

Reasonable accommodations: If you need to make a request for a reasonable accommodation, due to a disability, such as obtain materials in a format that works for you or to fully participate in the application process, please contact Brooke Flattery, AmeriCorps Program Director at 319/338-7030 or brooke@buroaklandtrust.org.

*Registered sex offenders and murderers are not eligible for AmeriCorps positions.