Natural Areas Technician

TEMPORARY EMPLOYEE - SEASONAL

Title: Natural Areas Technician

Campus Planning and Landscape Architecture –

UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Possible multiple positions

PAY:

$13.62 to $15.00 per hour depending on experience; 40 hours/week

EMPLOYMENT DATES:

May – November 2021 – there is some flexibility in start and end dates, as well as hours worked per week.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position assists with land stewardship activities, with an emphasis on invasive species management and volunteer facilitation in the Lakeshore Nature Preserve of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The position operates independently and in coordination with other Preserve staff under the general supervision of the Lakeshore Preserve Program Manager. The position requires knowledge and experience with natural resource land management and the ability to interact in a positive, professional manner with Preserve visitors, students and academic users, and to establish a productive working relationship with Preserve staff and volunteers. We are looking at hiring multiple positions.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve is committed to the highest standards of customer relations principles for its customers, fellow staff members, students, and visitors. Staff will serve as role models by practicing exemplary behaviors when working with customers and fellow staff members.

GOALS AND WORKER ACTIVITIES

(70%) A. Land Management

1. Identify and manage regional native and invasive species via manual (hand-pulling, cutting, hauling), mechanical (brush cutter, chainsaw, mower), and chemical (herbicide application) tools.

2. Maintain field equipment and tools in a safe and efficient working condition.

3. Install herbaceous and woody plantings, and collect/sow native seeds.

4. Monitor and map invasive plant species in the Preserve.

5. Assist with vegetation surveys.

6. Maintain daily records of field work activities and herbicide applications.

7. Assist with or facilitate volunteer work events.

(20%) B. Grounds maintenance

1. Maintain public fire circles and stock wood racks.

2. Perform trail maintenance, including mulching trails and removing downed and/or hazard trees.

3. Collect and properly dispose of litter.

(10%) C. Miscellaneous tasks

1. Provide support to fellow staff members as needed.

2. Participate and provide input during staff meetings.

3. Educate visitors about Preserve policies and stewardship activities while working in the field.

4. Other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge and/or experience working in the field of ecological restoration and natural resources management, botany, horticulture, or related field required.

2. Knowledge and experience with identification of regional native and non-native plants, weed control techniques, and cultural requirements.

3. Knowledge and experience with tools and equipment used in land management (i.e., trucks, UTV’s, mowers, skid-steers, tractors, chainsaws, brush cutters, and hand tools).

4. Knowledge of sprayer calibration for pesticide application.

5. Experience leading volunteer natural resource stewardship activities or serving as a volunteer.

6. Ability to recognize hazards and take proper safety precautions at all times, especially in the field.

7. Skill in written and verbal communication, especially interpersonal skills.

8. Ability to exercise a strong sense of priority and time management.

9. Ability to work independently or as part of a crew.

10. Ability to read and understand graphic maps and aerial photos for land management purposes.

11. Ability to be creative, flexible, self-motivated, quality oriented and to maintain a professional and service oriented relationship with Preserve users and co-workers.

12. Ability to perform heavy manual tasks including lifting (~50 lb), standing, bending, stooping, twisting, squatting, kneeling, and other motions for extended periods of time.

13. Ability to work outdoors in all seasons, tolerating heat, cold, rain, and snow/ice.

14. Ability to keep records and develop reports.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Preferred education: Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources management, forestry, conservation biology, environmental science or related field of study.

2. Must possess a valid driver’s license, have a motor vehicle record that meets UW Risk Management standards, and maintain ability to drive State of Wisconsin owned vehicles.

3. Must possess sturdy work boots and clothing as well as provide personal sun, rain, and insect protection.

4. Must possess first aid/CPR/AED certification, or be willing to obtain within 6 months of hiring.

5. Must possess a commercial pesticide applicator license for Forestry or Landscape pest control, or be willing to obtain within 6 months of hiring. More info at http://ipcm.wisc.edu/pat/.

6. Prefer: basic certification as wildland fire crew member through completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses S130, S190, I100.

7. Prefer: chainsaw safety certification.

Work Hours

Regular work hours: M-F 8am-4:30pm (half-hour lunch)

Additional irregular and weekend work hours may be required for prescribed burns and volunteer events.

TO APPLY:

Click on the green Apply Externally button.

Note: Job is listed as “Natural Areas Technician”. Deadline is April 11, 2021.

The University of Wisconsin – Madison is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities and persons with disabilities. It is our policy to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment.