Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance (SoWBA) protects and improves habitat for birds and other wildlife through land acquisition and management, education, and advocacy. The organization is a nationally-accredited land trust and a leader in land stewardship that has protected almost 5,000 acres of critical habitat in Wisconsin. 

With a small but dedicated staff, enthusiastic interns, and passionate volunteers, SoWBA actively manages nearly 3,000 acres of sanctuary lands to maximize their habitat value. Additionally, the organization has a long and continuing history of assisting other organizations and private landowners with land management and restoration projects.

Position Summary 

The Goose Pond and Hillside Prairie Sanctuary resident land technician meets the mission of Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance by providing direct support and assistance toward the management of the 1,256 acres cared for by the Goose Pond team. The Goose Pond team consists of two volunteer land managers, one full-time land steward, and one full-time land technician (position being filled), who stewards the following properties: Goose Pond Sanctuary (730 acres), Erstad Prairie (60), Otsego Marsh (116.5), and Hillside Prairie Sanctuary (350). As a condition and benefit of employment, the land steward is required to live on-site at Goose Pond Sanctuary (Arlington, WI) in the sanctuary’s Prairie Lane residence rent-free with utilities paid by SoWBA (more information in compensation and benefits). 

The land technician will work under the direction and supervision of the land steward for daily operations. Both the land technician and the land steward work under the direction of the land managers to determine larger sanctuary goals and objectives. 

Approximately 75% of the position will consist of hands-on ecological restoration work including invasive species removal (including the use of herbicides, mechanical equipment, and hand tools), prescribed fire, seed collection and cleaning, trail maintenance, biological monitoring, and more.

Approximately 25% of the position will consist of advancing outreach and educational goals of the sanctuaries including leading field trips, supervising volunteer work days, and contributing to SoWBA’s regularly scheduled publications such as newsletters, Friday feathered features, seasonal sanctuary updates, and Goose Pond updates.

The ideal candidate will have experience performing outdoor manual labor in all weather conditions, but will also feel comfortable and enthusiastic about engaging with the general public, volunteers, and interns.

Essential Functions

• Perform habitat restoration work in prairies, oak savannas, oak woodlands, and wetlands
• Control and eradicate invasive species via mechanical removal and herbicide application
• Provide leadership, direction, instruction and supervision for interns, limited-term employees, and volunteers
• Assist land steward in regularly monitoring sanctuary properties to determine management needs
• Live in the sanctuary residence on Prairie Lane
• Monitor public use of sanctuary lands, and inform the public of permitted and prohibited activities
• Assist with conducting prescribed burns, putting in firebreaks, and maintaining prescribed fire equipment
• Assist with seed collection, seed cleaning, and planting efforts
• Assists with research projects
• Assist with the maintenance of buildings, equipment, and grounds
• Assist with field trips
• Assist with writing articles for educational purposes including two Friday Feathered Features per month, four newsletter articles per year, and approximately four Goose Pond Updates per year

Qualifications

Required

• At least 2 years experience in ecological restoration, land management, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated ability to work full days (8 hours) outdoors in all weather conditions while performing physically demanding work
• Knowledge of native and invasive flora and fauna of Southern Wisconsin and common methods for their management
• Experience maintaining and operating standard land management equipment such as chainsaws, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, prescribed fire equipment, etc
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical brush removal, including technical tree felling
• Experience implementing prescribed fire with some formal prescribed fire training
• Experience supervising a crew to achieve land management objectives
• Ability to effectively communicate with supervisors, supervisees, volunteers, and the public
• Experience collecting, cleaning, mixing, and sowing native seed
• Basic computer proficiency and familiarity with Google Drive (i.e. Google docs, sheets) or similar platforms
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and responsibilities with limited day-to-day supervision and adapt to changing weather conditions
• Ability to recognize field conditions and determine when management practices need tobe adjusted or additional expertise is needed
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record
• Ability to safely lift and carry at least 50 pounds and to walk over rough/uneven terrain
• Flexibility to work some weekends for prescribed burning, volunteer events, or field trips

Preferred 

• Strong writing skills
• Experience with public speaking and giving presentations
• Enthusiasm for birding and ability to identify most Wisconsin birds by sight and sound
• Strong preference for experience in prescribed fire leadership at the squad boss or burn boss level 
• Experience operating and performing basic maintenance on large equipment such as tractors, UTVs, mowers, and gas-powered pumps
• Possess chainsaw safety training and certifications (i.e. SAWW level 1 and 2 or equivalent)
• Possess current herbicide applicator certifications (6.0 Right-of-way and natural area, and 5.0 Aquatic&Mosquito preferred)
• First Aid, CPR, and AED certified

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, career position in a collaborative work environment with a competitive compensation package that includes: 

• Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience ($32-36k/year), and;
• Rent-free three-bedroom home overlooking the east sanctuary including utilities (electricity, heat/air, laundry and home internet). Estimated value is $28K/year, tax-free
• 26 days of annual paid time off
• Family health and dental insurance (SoWBA covers 80% of premiums) 
• Short/long-term disability insurance
• Medical/family leave 
• Employee retirement plan with SoWBA match 
• Work vehicle and equipment provided