Land Restoration Technician

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are hiring one open position as a Land Restoration Technician to join our team as a part of our professional development program. You may learn more about our program here: https://discoverycenter.net/professional-development-program/

DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for engaging in restoration and habitat improvement activities through our campus gardens and Northwoods woods and water. As a Land Restoration Technician, work includes planting, seeding, weeding, watering, and tending to our native habitats and discovery gardens, in addition to assisting with other ecological restoration projects as a part of our Woods and Water team. The Land Restoration Technician also provides high quality, engaging assistance to visitors who are interested in our gardens and delivers guided educational walks to visitors throughout the summer. 

EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Care and Maintenance for Discovery Gardens on Campus—Conduct maintenance in native rain gardens and planting areas, shrubs and trees, and green roof. Also assist with care of existing and expanding native pollinator gardens, tall grass prairie garden, and other Discovery Gardens with the assistance of volunteers and the Garden Club.
• Trail Maintenance—Assist with establishing new trails and maintaining existing trails which may include tree removal, brush clearing, boardwalk construction and repair, mowing and clearing new trails, and interpretive signage maintenance.
• Ecological Restoration —Assist with AIS monitoring, purple loosestrife bio-control beetle rearing, water quality monitoring, and snorkel surveys. Enter data and maintain record of GPS coordinates of AIS. Assist with planting and seeding of restoration projects and shoreline restorations.
• Individual Development Opportunity—Identify, develop, and execute a personal project that benefits personal development and the organization’s mission. 
• Contribute to the Organization’s Mission—Assist in programs, special events and fundraisers, and community outreach as needed. Communicate needs to and be willing to help other team members as needed. Assist with storytelling initiatives for the organization, through social media, photos, and presentations.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, and dependable organizational skills.
• Passion for working outdoors with experience and appreciation for the conditions field work presents.
• Garden enthusiast with basic horticultural skills including planting, seeding, watering and weed management. 
• Understanding of the importance of data collection and the ability to record and enter data.
• At least some classwork or field experience using taxonomic keys for identification, knowledge of native plants of Wisconsin, and ability to identify plants including native and non-native species.
• Working towards a B.S in botany, landscape ecology, landscape architecture, restoration ecology, horticulture, natural resources, or a closely related field. 
• Strong sense of personal ownership and responsibility for your work with immense care for details.
• Collaborative with supervisors and a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hiring.

THE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL GAIN

Extensive knowledge of native plants and plant communities, horticultural skills, trail maintenance, vegetation survey data collection, entry, and report writing, community and volunteer engagement, volunteer supervision and coordination.

TO APPLY

Hiring begins immediately and the position is open until filled. Send a letter of interest, résumé, and three references by March 15, 2024 to jobs@discoverycenter.net with ‘Land Restoration Technician’ as the subject. 

Questions regarding this position? Please contact jamie@discoverycenter.net