The Door Peninsula is a slender peninsula that juts out into Lake Michigan and is well-known in Wisconsin and beyond for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Its rocky cliffs, marshy bays, fertile wetlands, and conifer forests provide habitat for a diverse group of plants and animals, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns and manages approximately 4,800 acres in four preserves on the Door Peninsula and collaborates with multiple partner organizations on the Peninsula to achieve common conservation goals. The unique and high-quality natural communities on the Peninsula provide numerous opportunities for research, important land management, and outreach with the public. The Conservancy is looking for a seasonal (16-week, June-September) Stewardship Assistant to support priority land management on TNC preserves and to assist with planning and outreach as time allows.
The Stewardship Assistant maintains preserve areas frequented by the visiting public and performs land management activities. This may include invasive species removal through manual or chemical control, species monitoring, resource mapping using a handheld GPS or tablet, trail maintenance, and sign installation. This also includes interacting with the visiting public and preserve neighbors. The Stewardship Assistant conducts monitoring of TNC-owned properties to assess issues such as boundary encroachment, preserve overuse, or vandalism. This monitoring involves keeping detailed records on monitoring dates and property conditions. The Stewardship Assistant will frequently work under the supervision of the Lead Field Technician and Door Peninsula Land Steward and may occasionally work independently in the field or with volunteers. This position helps maintain the tools and equipment necessary to perform the above functions and maintains records of all land management actions and herbicide applications using databases, mobile devices, and/or ArcGIS. The salary range for this position will be $13-14/hour depending on experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct preserve work groups, including staff or volunteers.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. May require long hours in isolated settings.
- Makes day to day decisions as delegated by supervisor.
- May work under varying levels of supervision (from close to minimal).
- 1 year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management.
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Experience operating various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g. lawn mower, chainsaw, UTV, ATV or OHV, two-way radio, or similar equipment).
- Experience working in a team environment.
- Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g. First Aid, CPR, herbicide or pesticide application).
- Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 1-2 years’ experience in land management or related field.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems.
- Ability to obtain driver’s license and maintain a good driving record.
- Ability to follow instructions from colleagues/coworkers/team members.
- PC and/or mobile device familiarity, including knowledge or understanding of databases.
- Experience or willingness to apply herbicides and operate various types of equipment in a safe and effective manner (i.e. brush mower, chainsaw, UTV, etc.). Necessary training will be provided.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.