Mississippi Valley Conservancy (Conservancy) is a regional, non-profit land trust based in La Crosse, WI that has permanently conserved over 26,000 acres of blufflands, prairies, wetlands, and streams in southwestern Wisconsin. The Conservancy owns and manages 27 nature preserves totaling over 5,500 acres and also works with private landowners and local communities on voluntary conservation projects and environmental education in nine counties of the Driftless Area.

Summary of Position:
The Conservancy is seeking two part-time, seasonal Habitat Technicians to assist in implementing habitat restoration projects on the 5,500+ acres of nature preserves that the Conservancy owns. Projects may include timber stand improvement, brush removal, prescribed burning, invasive species control, leading and supervising volunteers and/or interns, chainsaw and brushsaw operation, herbicide application, and equipment maintenance with approximately 95% of time spent in the field on restoration projects. Some evenings and weekends will be required and working on uneven and steep terrain is guaranteed. Two timeframes are available (Option 1: January 5 – May 15, 2026; Option 2: January 5 – August 28, 2026). In option 2; from May 18th – Aug 28th, these positions will serve as crew leaders for our summer intern crews, supervising 3 crew members and facilitating crew operations on a daily basis.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Prior field experience using and maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, UTV’s, trailers, backpack pump cans, shovels, rakes, etc. for extended periods of time
• Plant and tree identification skills for both invasive and native species
• Successful candidates will be highly motivated, hardworking, physically fit, flexible, and detail oriented
• Ability to drive and back up a large pickup truck with a trailer; UTVs and other vehicles
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Strong work ethic & positive attitude
• Experience identifying and managing prairie, forest, riparian and wetland habitats
• Experience leading others on habitat improvement projects
• Ability to accurately and efficiently complete data entry and various administrative tasks as needed
• A solid understanding of and experience with ecological restoration principles
• Basic wildland firefighter certification FFT2 and experience with pumper units preferred, but not required
• Experience leading a field crew on land management and restoration projects preferred

Details:
The Habitat Technicians will work directly with the Conservancy Land Management Team. The successful candidates will work approximately 25-30 hours/week dependent on weather conditions and land management priorities and will be paid $18/hr. Burn season from mid-March to May 15th may require more than 30 hours/week depending on fire weather. The hours worked each week may be less than 25 when weather conditions prevent field work activities. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.