Position Summary:
The Restoration Technicians will be successful by contributing to our team-oriented, values-centered organization through implementing high quality ecological restoration field work and monitoring restoration projects. Individuals must be self-motivated, have prior experience in a related field, and be comfortable working without supervision. Work will be approximately 90% outdoors and field based. The remaining 10% is allocated for planning, organization and department meetings, data management, and other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Restoration Manager.
Primary Responsibilities:
Habitat Management and Restoration
- Implement field work for restoration projects (70%).
- Invasive species removal (manual, mechanical, and chemical).
- Native habitat enhancement (planting, seeding, and occasional burning).
- Maintenance of tree plantings and past restoration projects.
- Operate and maintain equipment (10%).
- Proper care of work trucks, equipment, tools, and supplies.
- Safely load and transport equipment and supplies via truck/trailer daily.
- Maintain compliance with safety standards and organizational policies.
Monitoring, Data Collection, and Organization
- Monitor restoration projects (15%).
- Inventory and monitor invasive species, plantings, restoration projects, soil health, and plant community response to management.
- Collect, record, and organize field data including photo documentation, metric tracking for grant deliverables, and organization goals.
- Organization (5%).
- Organizational and department meetings and logistics planning.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Experience and Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license and experience driving a pickup truck and trailer.
- Implementation of restoration or similar field work (2+ years).
- Invasive plant control methods and basic restoration techniques.
- Ability to identify invasive and native plants common to southeast Wisconsin.
- Working as part of a team and with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, abilities, and degrees of expertise.
- Demonstrated ability to work without supervision and exercise sound judgment when facing unexpected challenges (e.g., equipment failure, weather changes).
- Operation and maintenance of equipment including brush mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, power and hand tools, and herbicide backpacks.
- Ability to work outdoors in variable terrain and weather (e.g., bugs, high/low temperatures).
- Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs., hike long distances, and perform physical labor.
- Ability to work with other employees, supervisors, volunteers, and members of the public.
- Experience collecting field data using GPS mobile applications or willingness to learn.
Compensation and Benefits
- $20 – $24 /hour depending on prior experience.
- Mileage reimbursement for mileage outside of personal commute distance.
- Generous paid time off and holiday policy.
- Employer-sponsored 401K with up to 4% match.
- Gear stipend of $150.
Location: Travel to our Stewardship facility at Kratzsch Conservancy in West Bend, our Milwaukee office/shop, and preserves throughout the Milwaukee River Basin (primarily in Ozaukee and Washington counties) is required. Occasional travel to West Bend office.
To Apply
Please email your resume, three references, and a cover letter in one PDF document with the file format “Restoration Technician Application - [Insert Name]", which speaks to specific skills and experience that enable you to fulfill the qualifications and responsibilities detailed above to Employment@restoringlands.org with “Restoration Technician” in the subject line of the email. The hiring team will review and interview candidates on a rolling basis.
Visit our website to see the full Job Description and learn more about us!
Restoring Lands is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.