Restoration Ecologist

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The primary purpose of the position is to restore and conserve the land using established best management practices. The Restoration Ecologist will train and lead volunteers, interns, and season staff in invasive species removal, restoration plantings, prescribed burning and other essential land management projects. Assessing hazard trees, and then felling and processing them is another key role for this position. In addition to leading these activities, the Restoration Ecologist will educate passing school groups, preschool classes, and general trail users on ecological land management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The statements below reflect the general details necessary to describe the principal functions of the position and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements related to the position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Assists in the refinement of land management annual work plans.
• Trains, coordinates and supervises volunteers and interns in the performance of ecological land management activities.
• Operates track loaders, UTVs, chainsaws, brush saws, pesticide application equipment and other equipment needed to achieve the land management goals of the Center.
• Performs tree felling and wood chipping and processing.
• Assists in all aspects of the prescribed burning program.
• Assesses ecological impacts of the Center’s projects and activities.
• Uses GPS and GIS technology to generate natural community maps, record management activities, and delineate important natural features.
• Assists in writing of grant proposals.
• Educates the public and education groups about land management techniques and activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Must possess an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, forest resource management, biology, ecology, natural resources, conservation/environmental science, forestry, forest ecology, or substantially similar area from an accredited college or university and (1) one or more years of professional work experience in ecological land management with experience as a tree faller using power chain saws.
• Must possess a certificate of completion of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group course work S130/S190 or will obtain within 10 months of employment.
• Must possess a current Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator’s License or will obtain within 10 months of employment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have knowledge of the flora and fauna found in South Eastern Wisconsin
• Able to work independently, but also be able to develop and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate and respond to both internal and external customers professionally and in a timely manner. Must have the ability to read, interpret, write and complete documents such as reports, newsletters and general correspondence.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work with frequent interruptions. Must have the ability to professionally respond to variations in schedules and plans
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) as well as a willingness to learn other software as needed
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential information
• Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets the qualifications of the organization
• May be required to work outside of regularly scheduled hours, including some Saturdays

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Requires the ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain. Regularly required to stand, sit, stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.  Must be able to lift and/or 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift and/or carry items 80 pounds.  Must have the ability to speak and hear.  Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work environment is typically outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult terrain. May occasionally work in an office environment.  The noise level is usually moderate and occasionally loud.

Compensation

• Competitive pay of $20-$21 per hour.
• Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Life and Accidental Death Insurance
• Disability Income Insurance (Long-Term and Short-Term)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 36 days of PTO per year
• 401(k) Retirement