Restoration Technician

About Restoring Lands:

The mission of Restoring Lands is to protect, connect, and restore southeast Wisconsin’s lands and waters for the benefit of all. Restoring Lands owns and actively manages 41 nature preserves totalling over 2,500 acres that are open to the public, free of charge; and oversees 50+ conservation easements totaling over 7,000 acres that are protected into perpetuity. Our efforts improve water quality, protect and enhance wildlife habitat, and preserve the scenic and open spaces that define our rural landscape and urban green spaces.

We promote public awareness of the benefits of land preservation, provide opportunities for nature-based recreation, and improve the quality of life in our communities.

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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Organizational and department meetings and logistics planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 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 50lbs., 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.

• Mileage reimbursement for mileage outside of personal commuted distance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday policy.
• Employer-sponsored 401K with up to 4% match.
• Gear stipend of $150.

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 with “Restoration Technician” in the subject line of the email. The hiring team will review and interview candidates on a rolling basis.

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.