Solar Vegetation Mowing Specialist

Employment Type

Full-time seasonal position. Work period is approximately May 1st and October 31st, 2025, may vary based on work availability and weather conditions. Typically four 10-hour days/week, all work occurs Monday-Friday. Work will default to Monday-Thursday but will be required on Friday when there is adverse weather earlier in the week (can be expected during summer months). Employees can generally expect 30-40 hours each week. Overtime may be offered at key times in the season. Several positions available.

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

Quercus is 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.

About the Position

We will be hiring several Solar Vegetation Specialists to work at utility-scale solar field sites throughout southern Wisconsin. They will begin their work day by meeting at one of their assigned work sites most days, but may occasionally report to our shop in Deforest, WI for equipment shuttling, staff training, meetings, etc. These positions will be largely independent; the Specialists will be expected to work alone at the large solar field sites most of the season, but also alongside 1 or 2 other solar crew members at times.

Solar field vegetation management activities include, but are not limited to: the operation of commercial riding mowers, zero-turn mowers, and string trimming equipment among utility solar arrays, along security fences, and in open areas. The solar fields are planted with a mix of native grasses and wildflowers that simulates a natural shortgrass cover type. This vegetation reaches a height of 18” or taller. All crew members will receive training in safe and proper use of all job-related equipment at these sites. They will be expected to perform daily maintenance of mowers and other equipment as vegetation debris accumulates quickly. They may have opportunities to receive training in ecological restoration concepts and native and invasive plant identification as interested and time allows.

Locations

Quercus will be servicing multiple utility-scale solar field sites throughout southern Wisconsin in 2024. Each Specialist will be hired to perform work at two sites. They will drive their personal vehicle to either of their assigned sites and clock in upon arrival at the gate. They may be required to occasionally perform work in other regions to assist with varying workloads and as requested by supervisors.

The locations of sites are as follows:

North Region:

• Lomira & Beaver Dam

South Region:

• Edgerton (“North Rock”)
• Cassville & Lone Rock

• Wautoma & Nekoosa

• Brodhead (“Albany”)
• Beloit (“Paddock”)

Job Requirements

Work safely at all times

Must be at least 18 years old

Have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Conversational English skills required

Ability to repeatedly lift up to 50 lbs / pull 75 lbs

Perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods

Have a charged and functioning cell phone at all times

Work outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat, rain, full sun

Work in difficult environmental conditions including rough terrain, wet ground, brambles, and insects

Identify or learn specific invasive and native prairie plants

Use maps and aerial photos, and portable GPS units, to determine location and work area boundaries

Maintain awareness of location and compass directions at work sites

Wear proper PPE as required for the job being performed at all times

Identify job hazards and be able to conduct safety briefings

Obtain daily job requirements from supervisors and execute assigned tasks

Develop and carry out a plan for completing tasks each day

Adapt the job plan as necessary in response to changes in job conditions or other factors

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

Recognize equipment maintenance and repair needs, resolve or communicate to supervisors

Job Duties

Solar Vegetation Specialists will be responsible for ensuring safe work performance at all times. They will communicate effectively with clients, the general public, and other Quercus staff, and report issues as they arise. The majority of their time will be spent independently completing vegetation management tasks at solar field sites. We anticipate that their time will be divided roughly as follows:

80% - Mowing and String Trimming

Safely operate commercial wide-area mowers and zero-turn mowers among solar panels and in open areas

• Perform string-trimming as needed around solar equipment and along fences (less than 15% total)

15% - Equipment Maintenance and Work Reporting

• Perform basic maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of Quercus equipment
• Track work progress, report issues, and concerns to supervisors

*

• 5% - Meetings, Trainings, and Miscellaneous Tasks
• Participate as part of the Quercus staff as assigned by supervisors

Qualifications

Strong communication and interpersonal skills (required)

Previous experience working independently (required)

Previous experience operating and performing general maintenance of commercial mowers (preferred)

OSHA 10-hr training certification or ability to become certified within 30 days of hire (paid for by Quercus after successful probationary period)

Compensation

Hourly Wage: $20 per hour depending on qualifications and experience

3 paid holidays, 8 hours each (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day)

Paid Lunch

To apply, send resume and brief letter of interest to:

Kailey Goethe, OR mail to 4640 Selje Rd, Deforest WI 53532

Applications will be considered as they are received.

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Overtime

Experience:

• Mowing: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• OSHA 10 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 50% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20