Seasonal Ecological Restoration Specialist

About Quercus

Founded in 2003, Quercus Land Stewardship Services offers high-quality ecological restoration services throughout southern Wisconsin and beyond. We are committed to improving the ecological health of our lands and waters by offering services that strengthen the connections among local plant, animal, and human communities.

Quercus employs people with a strong work ethic who love the outdoors. If you value teamwork and collaboration, and continuously improving your skills and capabilities, you’ll fit right in!

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We value diversity in our workforce just as we value diversity on the land, for many of the same reasons. A range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds gives us the variety of experiences and perspectives that make us stronger, more resilient, and better able to cope with the many challenges that come with doing our work. Women and people of color and diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Quercus takes pride in running a safe operation. Protecting the health and safety of our workers, our customers, and the community is our top priority.

About the Position

The Seasonal Ecological Land Stewardship Specialist, located in Black Earth and/or Deforest, Wisconsin, will conduct natural area stewardship work on properties throughout southwest and south-central Wisconsin, Eastern IA, and Northwest IL

Restoration activities through the spring and summer months include prescribed burning, invasive weed treatments (hand-pulling, herbicide application, mowing) and installing native trees, shrubs, and plants. In the fall and winter months restoration activities focus on invasive brush and tree removal. Training will be provided in all aspects of the job including ecological restoration concepts, native and invasive plant identification, and safe and proper use of herbicide application equipment, mowers, and power tools. Training is available to obtain a Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator’s License and Basic Chainsaw Safety certification.

Summer Seasonal Specific Work

Spring through late summer, the majority of invasive control is done using herbicide spot application to target species. Teams will work in groups of 2-4 working strategically to grid an area to treat the undesirable herbaceous species and use spot application techniques. Employees wear backpacks that contain the herbicide. Teams use different herbicides and concentrations depending on the objectives of each site. Teams will also use mechanical methods like brush/grass cutters or hand pulling when appropriate. Basal bark application is also used. During the spring and summer months, controlling invasive plant species primarily involves the targeted application of herbicides. Teams of 2-4 individuals will systematically work through designated areas, identifying and treating unwanted herbaceous plants using precise spot application techniques. This method utilizes backpack sprayers containing the herbicide solution. The specific herbicide and its concentration will vary depending on the site's unique requirements and objectives.

In certain situations, mechanical methods such as brush/grass cutters or hand pulling may be employed as a more appropriate alternative to chemical control. Additionally, at specific times of the year, teams may utilize cut and treat methods, which involve the strategic cutting of targeted plants followed by the immediate application of herbicide to the cut surfaces. This technique is often used in conjunction with chainsaws. Another technique that may be used is basal bark application, where herbicide is applied to the lower portion of a plant's stem or trunk.

Overall, the team will employ a variety of techniques depending on the specific conditions and requirements of each site, with the goal of effectively controlling invasive plant species while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.

Work hours are generally 35-45 hours per week.

• Be Professional – demonstrating the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well

Requirements to become successful in the Seasonal Land Restoration Technician role

• Work safely at all times
• Work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate good decision making and time management when working independently
• Learn to identify invasive and native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
• Good oral and written English skills required
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs / pull 75 lbs
• Perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods (daily)
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, full sun
• Work in difficult environments including rough terrain, wet ground, thick brush, brambles, and insects.
• Work outdoors daily, often without access to public and private restrooms
• Use maps and aerial photos, and portable GPS units, to determine location and work area boundaries
• Maintain awareness of location and compass directions in remote sites
• Perform basic maintenance and field repairs on equipment
• Communicate status of projects to Crew Leader
• Be available for occasional overnight travel at company’s expense (up to 5 nights/month in some seasons)

Specific Job Role Requirements

Note: (The required skills or certifications below do not necessarily need to be met prior to hire, Quercus will train or help certify a candidate that is willing to learn and is passionate about land conservation efforts. The required skills are needed to continue to be successful at Quercus and develop the candidate into a restoration specialist.)

Invasive Species Control (spring/summer)

Qualifications

Certified as a Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator, or ability to become certified within 30 days

Duties and responsibilities

Able to walk for long periods of time up to 7-8 hours carrying a 25 lb backpack with herbicide on different landscapes (moderate to extreme slopes, wet footing, uneven and rocky terrain, etc).

Apply herbicides by cut stump, basal bark, and spot spray application

Coordinate with other crew members to achieve thorough coverage of the treatment area

Document amount of herbicide used

Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of spray equipment

Mix herbicide solutions to proper concentrations

Dispense herbicide mixtures to application equipment

Clean herbicide containers and application equipment

Solar Field Vegetation Management (spring/summer)

Qualifications

Valid drivers license, able to learn/willing to run zero turn professional mowers, ability to lift 50lb and pull 75lbs, ID or learn native and non-native plant species, use maps and photos and portable GPS to determine locations and work boundaries Lead, support, and work alongside crew members as needed to complete tasks, Operate off-road vehicles including commercial riding mower, ATV, 4-wheel drive truck. Certified in Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator (6.0), Non-CDL DOT certification (paid for by Quercus), complete a 10-hr OSHA training (online and self guided)

Duties

Will be responsible for working alongside and in support of Crew Leaders to perform pollinator prairie restoration work at solar fields and/or other energy company properties. Work sites are located throughout Southwest WI, Eastern IA, and Northwest IL. The Specialist will be expected to work as part of the small crew and independently at times.

Pollinator prairie management activities include, but are not limited to: the operation of riding mowers, string trimmers, and herbicide spraying equipment among utility solar arrays and along security fences. The Specialist will assist the Crew Leaders in completing these tasks. All employees will receive training in safe and proper use of herbicide application equipment, mowers, and power tools.

Land Stewardship (fall/winter) - Tree and Brush Removal

Note: this may not be a requirement for the summer seasonal work, but if a candidate is interested in future full time permanent openings, this certification is required.

Qualifications

Completed Level 1 chain saw safety training: FISTA, Game of Logging, USFS, or equivalent. Coming in to saw months, the ideal candidate will already have a safety certification listed above and have some chainsaw experience. Certified as a Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator, or ability to become certified within 30 days

Duties

Able to walk for long periods of time up to 7-8 hours carrying a ~12lb chainsaw on different landscapes (moderate to extreme slopes, wet footing, uneven and rocky footing, etc). Able to repeatedly bend over with 12 lb chainsaw and moving cut material by hand to burn pile (repeatedly bending over, picking up, twisting, dragging, throwing).

Cut trees and brush using hand tools, power brush saw, and chain saw

Fell trees using directional felling techniques

Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of chainsaws and other equipment

Move cut material by hand or by skidding or grappling using a tractor or skidsteer

Pile cut material and burn brush piles

Operate a wood chipper

Communicate effectively with team members

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary, Seasonal

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Expected hours: 36 – 45 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• On-the-job training
• Opportunities for advancement
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to work outdoors every day?

Ability to Commute:

• Black Earth, WI 53515 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18