Restoration Ecologist

~The Prairie Enthusiasts (TPE) is a private organization committed to the protection and management of native prairie and savanna of the Upper Midwest. ~

We have an incorporated, nonprofit status and are a grass roots organization run mainly by volunteers. The Prairie Enthusiasts differ from other conservation groups in our sole dedication to the preservation of the last remaining pieces of the once vast, now endangered, prairies and savannas of the Upper Midwest through land protection and management.

The Prairie Enthusiasts evolved from small prairie preservation organizations that began in the mid-1970's. We now have 11 chapters in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Check out our website to learn more.  

Position Overview 

This is a full-time field position leading, supervising, and educating four college level student interns in hands-on ecological management and restoration of native prairie, wet meadow, streams, and oak savanna.  

This position is with The Prairie Enthusiasts, a non-profit conservation group focused on the protection and recovery of fire-dependant ecosystems of the upper Midwest. This position starts on May 23, 2016.

Location: TPE owned and managed preserves in southeast Iowa County and western Dane County, WI. The work will be headquartered out of the field facility at 8624 Reilly Rd, Barneveld, WI.  

Responsibilities 

• Direct and lead interns in the field.
• Lead by example.
• Foster a safe, productive, and educational work environment. Assess the abilities of the interns and be responsible for their well being.
• Provide on the job training to interns in the use of equipment and restoration and biological survey methods.
• Provide education about the natural history of the preserves, the need for restoration/management, and the methods used. Be responsible for equipment care and maintenance.
• At the direction of preserve site stewards, develop weekly work plans. 

Qualifications 

• B.S degree, or equivalent experience, in biological or natural history sciences related to native fire-dependant ecosystems of the upper Midwest.
• Experience in hands on land management and restoration techniques, with power equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.), and in supervising and directing people is required. 
• Knowledge of the species and ecology of upper Midwest prairies, sedge meadows, and oak savanna is required.
• Must be self-motivated, have ability to motivate others, have a positive attitude, have a commitment to conservation of endangered ecosystems, and have a valid driver's license. 
• Experience with tractors is desirable, but not required. 

Compensation: $16.00-17.00/hr depending upon experience. No benefits. 

To Apply 

Please use the email address below to send your resume and a cover letter.