Land Management Technician

Riverland Conservancy is hiring a part-time Land Management Technician for field-based ecological restoration and land management at its nature preserves in Merrimac, WI. Responsibilities include invasive species control, trail maintenance, and leading volunteers. The position requires physical stamina and experience in natural resource management. Flexible scheduling is offered, with occasional travel to the Lansing Preserve. A degree or relevant experience is preferred.
Riverland Conservancy is a non-profit land trust created in 1997. Riverland Conservancy owns and manages two nature preserves including the 1,642-acre Merrimac Preserve in Sauk County, WI and the 200-acre Lansing Preserve in northeast Iowa. Our mission is to protect, conserve, and restore the lands, waters, and natural communities of our preserves. The Merrimac Preserve is located between the Baraboo Hills and Lake Wisconsin and features wetlands, streams, oak savannas, and hundreds of acres of restored prairie. Over 9.5 miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, traverse the gently rolling terrain.

The Lansing Preserve encompasses a steep bluff adjacent to the Mississippi River with rich, mesic woods, white oak woodlands, a small bluff prairie, and restored grasslands. Our preserves are open to the public for low-impact recreation including hiking, birding, hunting, and fishing. In addition to our regular ecological restoration activities, we host occasional educational events, field trips, and volunteer work days. For more information, visit our website.

About the Position

Riverland Conservancy is seeking to hire a Land Management Technician to conduct land management activities and ecological restoration of prairie, wetland, oak savanna, and forest communities on its two nature preserves. This is a field-based, part-time (average 20-hours/week), year-round position. We are offering a flexible schedule through communication and coordination with the Executive Director, occasional weekend and overnight travel is expected. The primary work location will be the Merrimac Preserve located near Merrimac, WI with occasional overnight travel to the Lansing Preserve.

Job Duties

The Land Management Technician will work under the direction of the Executive Director to complete ecological restoration and land management activities including:
• Invasive species control through hand pulling, cutting, mowing, and herbicide applications.
• Tree and brush removal using chainsaws, brushcutters, and mowers.
• Firebreak preparation.
• Participating in prescribed burns.
• Native seed collection, processing, and planting.
• Mowing operations with Kubota tractor.
• Trail mowing with riding lawnmower.
• Trail and boardwalk maintenance.
• Building, fencing, and parking lot maintenance.
• Responsible for shop management including equipment and vehicle maintenance and repairs.
• Communicating, working with, and leading volunteers, summer interns, and contractors.
• Facilitating educational events and field trips.
• Maintaining records of land management activities.
• Other duties as assigned based on interest and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications
• Positive attitude and motivation to contribute to Riverland Conservancy’s mission.
• College degree in natural resources, conservation biology, or related field; or equivalent on-the-job experience.
• Minimum 1-year experience conducting field-based work.
• Physically able to work on your feet all day, including hiking and lifting and hauling up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, humidity, cold, rain, and biting/stinging insects.
• Experience, certification, or ability to learn the safe use of herbicides, chainsaws, brushcutters, hand tools, power tools, tractors, mowers, off-road vehicles, and trailering.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Familiarity with native and invasive plants of the Upper Midwest.
• Self-directed and able to accomplish tasks alone safely and in accordance with all company policies.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Good leadership and interpersonal skills including the ability to relate effectively to people of all ages and backgrounds including volunteers, interns, contractors, neighbors, preserve users, and members of the community.

Compensation

This position offers an hourly pay rate of $25 – $30 per hour based on experience. No additional benefits at this time. Future retirement benefits with employer match possible.

How to Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter stating relative experience to Jessica Renley, Executive Director at jessica@riverlandconservancy.org. Applicants are encouraged to apply by February 23, 2025 to assure consideration. Position open until filled.