Ecological Restoration Technician (Full-Season and Summer)

EcoNorth LLC is hiring summer and full-season Ecological Restoration Technicians for the 2025 season. The job would be out of our headquarters in Ashland WI, near Lake Superior. Our work takes us to a variety of northern ecosystems including pine barrens, coastal estuaries, northern forests, and lakeshores. Because of our unique location, we get to work in old growth forests, remnant prairies, dune-swale complexes, and rare plant communities that few others have the opportunity to see. The bulk of our time is spent controlling invasive species, but we also survey plants, plant prairies, and create habitat for rare wildlife.

Starting wages range from $19.00-$21.00 and the job is full time (40 hr/wk). Positions would start around June 1, 2025. Summer positions would end around August 15, 2025; full-season positions would end around December 15, 2025. Flexible start and end dates. If weather allows, work may be extended later into the winter. Opportunity for pay increase would be available frequently (monthly) after performance review. Paid time off and other benefits available.

EcoNorth is a young company but has individuals who have been in the field for years. As the company expands, there is promotion opportunity for the right employee to a long-term crew leader position.

The technician’s responsibilities would include:

• 70% Invasive species control (operating backpack sprayers and chainsaws)
• 10% Planting trees and assisting in the establishment of prairies and pollinator plantings
• 10% Maintaining equipment and facilities
• 5% Plant surveys
• 5% Other duties as assigned (erosion control, organizational, etc)

This job requires that you have or willingness to learn:

• The ability to work long hours in sometimes harsh conditions including temperatures ranging from -10°F to 100°F, rain, snow, and swampy conditions
• The ability to lift and carry heavy loads (~50lbs)
• The ability to identify plants including common invasive plants of northern WI
• Experience with invasive plant control by methods such as cut-stump, foliar spray, basal bark, etc.
• Attention to detail working in the field and in record-keeping
• Ability to professionally communicate and work with other employees, supervisors, and land managers
• Willingness to learn more about the ecosystems and species that we work with
• Valid driver’s license

Not required, but preferred, skills:

• A degree in natural resources, forestry, conservation biology, or related fields
• Herbicide application certification
• Chainsaw experience and/or certification
• Experience operating work trucks, ATVs, boom sprayers, boats, and other restoration equipment
• Experience with GIS and GPS