General Description

Under the general supervision of the Conservancy Lead/City Forester, the Conservancy Lands Technician supports Conservancy Lands programs through a variety of field-based activities. This position completes ecological restoration and land management projects, monitors and controls invasive species, applies herbicides, maintains trails, collects and processes native seed, and seeds and establishes native landscapes. The Conservancy Lands Technician will also serve as Squad Boss on prescribed fire operations, ensuring all safety requirements and protocols are followed.

Job Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Essential duties are not necessarily listed in priority order

• Performs ecological restoration and land management activities, including planting, seed, and habitat improvement projects.
• Monitors, identifies, and controls invasive species using mechanical and chemical methods, including the safe application of herbicides in accordance with regulations and best practices.
• Establishes and maintains native landscapes, including site preparations, planting, and ongoing maintenance.
• Maintains conservancy land infrastructure, including trails, signage, and related amenities.
• Serves as Squad Boss during prescribed fire operations, coordinating crews and equipment while ensuring compliance with safety standards and prescribed fire protocols.
• Removes snow from trails and bike paths, parking lots, and assists with the snow removal from other public areas as needed.
• Operates Conservancy Lands and Forestry equipment, including dump trucks, tractors, trailers, UTVs, brush mowers, bucket trucks, chippers, loaders, skid steers, compact articulated Loader, boom and backpack sprayers, chainsaws, brush saws, power pole saws, fire equipment, stationary shop tools, power tools, and hand tools in the performance of a variety of tasks.
• Performs light mechanical work and repairs on conservancy lands, forestry, and park equipment.
• Support Urban Forestry programs as needed, including tree planting, pruning, rigging, removals, and insect and
• disease monitoring & control.
• Lead volunteer work events and provide oversight of Department of Oakhill Corrections work crews.
• Performs other related job duties as required.

Qualifications and Competencies

Minimum Education and Experience

The requirements listed below are necessary to perform the essential duties of the position

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the care, restoration, and maintenance of natural areas or closely related experience.
• National Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (NWCG) S-130/S-190 Basic Wildland Firefighter
• Must possess or obtain Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Pesticide Applicaton
• Certification 3.0 Turf & Landscape or 6.0 Natural Areas within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess or obtain Red Cross First Aid & CPR within six (6) months of employment.
• Must possess or obtain a Wisconsin "Class A" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within one (1) year of employment.

Other Qualifications 

The qualifications listed below are preferred, but not required to perform the essential duties of the position. The absence of these qualifications on a candidate’s application does not preclude them from consideration.

• Graduation from an accredited college with an associate degree in natural resources or closely related field.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.

The City of Middleton recognizes that candidates may bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential duties, as determined by Human Resources, may be considered

Competencies

For successful performance in this position, the incumbent must demonstrate the following competencies.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of broad ecological relationships relative to plant communities.
• Working knowledge of native plant identification, methods of care, and methods of management and restoration.
• General knowledge of the tools and equipment used in Conservancy Lands maintenance and how to safely operate them.

Skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle to high volume of work, set priorities effectively, and adapt to shifting demands
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, complemented by strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Collaboration skills to effectively work with others, fostering teamwork, clear communication, and creative problem solving
• Entry level proficiency in technology, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant software applications

Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties under general supervision and operate within policy guidelines using independent judgment in achieving assigned objectives.
• Ability to understand and apply state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and ordinance to ensure compliance with all work practices
• Ability to demonstrate integrity, honesty, initiative, and respect while maintaining strict confidentiality in all aspects of work
• Ability to comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures, and report all unsafe activities or conditions to a supervisor.
• Ability to maintain a valid, state-issued driver’s license.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City appointed and elected officials, City employees, other governmental agencies, vendors, and the general public.
• Ability to exhibit exceptional professionalism, tact, and decorum in all areas of work duties.
• Ability to be reliable, timely, and proactive in the completion of duties, meeting deadlines, and responding to inquiries.