Grounds Steward

About the Position

The Grounds Steward position will be successful when sustainable management techniques are used to support the landscape maintenance and visitor infrastructure on our 40 nature preserves, ensuring that they are welcoming, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing to visitors. The Grounds Steward represents Restoring Lands’ public image and is expected to interact with the public, assist with answering questions from users and volunteers, making the preserves a welcoming experience for all.  RL is looking for someone who enjoys working outdoors, to both help restore our lands and also help visitors enjoy them.

The work is largely based in the field and in our field workshop in West Bend with regular travel throughout our service area. This position will report to the Grounds Manager and collaborate with other staff, partners, and volunteer groups to support our mission. The Grounds Steward will interact with, and answer questions from users and volunteers. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors and balancing land restoration with assisting the public to enjoy our beautiful natural areas.

This a 35-40 hour Full-Time Seasonal, Hourly Non-Exempt position and is based in the field (95%) and workshop / office (5%). The work week is Monday – Friday, generally starting at 7am in the late spring and summer months, with occasional Saturdays required.

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Mow and maintain walking trails

• Drive truck with trailer

• Brush cut entrances to welcome public

• Remove litter and clear debris from trail

• Maintain equipment: Mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, small engines, hand tools

• Mark property boundaries

• Install and maintain signs

• Invasive species removal

• Tree planting and tree protection

• Prescribed fire
• Use herbicide responsibly

Minimum Qualifications Required

• High school Diploma or equivalent

• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Experience doing maintenance on natural landscapes

• Ability to drive a truck with landscaping trailer

• A firm interest in the outdoors and nature

• Basic use and repair of hand tools and power equipment including hand shears, loppers, chainsaws, lawn mowers, brush cutters etc.

• Ability to work independently, in a team setting, with partners, and with the public

• Ability to communicate effectively with landowners, the public and government entities

• Self-motivated, flexible, and ability to adapt to change and meet project deadlines

• Experience/certification in herbicide use and chainsaw safety

• Experience in the use of GPS and GIS technology
• Knowledge of local wildlife and vegetation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in all weather conditions and traverse different types of terrain, and lift 50 lbs.

Salary and Benefits:

• Compensation: $18-$20/hour based on experience

• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays

• Employer-sponsored 401K with up to 4% match
• Gear stipend of $150

Location:  

Primarily based out of our Stewardship Office at Kratzsch Conservancy in West Bend with some office time in West Bend or Milwaukee. Travel to other preserves throughout the service area is required.

Travel: 

Use of an organization vehicle may be available for commuting and travel during the workday. Restoring Lands compensates mileage above personal commute distance for work-related travel.