ABOUT US

The North Lakeland Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to enrich lives and inspire an ethic of care for Wisconsin’s Northwoods, through the facilitation of connections among people, nature, and community. Our 63-acre site is located in the heart of Wisconsin’s tranquil Northwoods, set within the 240,000-acre Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Members and the public are invited to enjoy, explore, and challenge themselves on our 12-mile trail system, maintained for wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. 

WHAT WE BELIEVE

• Experience the Outdoors - We believe exposure to the outdoors is necessary to the health of people, families and communities.
• Broad Definition of Community - We encourage people to see themselves as part of a community that cares for our Northwoods environment and culture.
• Commitment to Sustainability - We believe that ecological care and economic viability create the foundations for sound decision-making and promoting environmental health.
• Power of Partnership - We engage with profit and non-profit businesses, service organizations, governmental and educational bodies building off each other’s strengths to fulfill our mission.
• Lifelong Learning - We are committed to the use of active learning techniques with ample opportunities for reflection and interaction with diverse audiences and the natural world.

JOIN US!

We are looking for someone to join the Discovery Center’s Woods and Waters (WW) Team who aspires to work as a part of our community, local conservation, and the great outdoors.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are hiring a Terrestrial Ecology Technician to join our team as a part of our professional development program. You may learn more about our program here: https://discoverycenter.net/professional-development-program/

REPORTS TO

• Woods and Water Director

DESCRIPTION

• This position supports efforts to protect and restore the Northwoods’ woods and waters. As a Terrestrial Ecology Technician, you will conduct ecological restoration and habitat management, support native plant community projects and discovery gardens, assist with trail maintenance, participate in community outreach and educational programming, and design and implement a personal project that advances your skills while contributing to the organization’s mission.

EXPECTATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Ecological Restoration — Conduct restoration and management for native communities and shoreline projects. Maintain and enhance campus native gardens and demonstration areas, including invasive species management, seed collection, and weeding.
• Land Assessment and Planning — Assist surveying, reporting, and planning of lands, including conservation plans, restoration projects, and management of campus natural communities.
• Trail Maintenance — Assist in establishing and maintaining trails, including tree removal, brush clearing, boardwalk construction and repair, and upkeep of interpretive signage.
• Aquatic Surveys and AIS Monitoring/Management — Assist with lake health and AIS surveys, involving biocontrol, snorkel, and free-dive, as well as lake monitoring projects such as point-intercept plant surveys and lake-level monitoring, while recording accurate data.
• Boat Inspections and Decontamination — Conduct Clean Boats, Clean Waters surveys, including watercraft inspections, decontamination and data entry into SWIMS.
• Individual Development Opportunity — Identify, design, and complete a personal project that supports both your professional development and the Discovery Center’s mission.
• Educational Programming and Community Outreach — Provide outreach through booths, AIS workshops, and other WW programs. Attend stakeholder meetings to support community engagement.
• Contribute to the Discovery Center’s Missions — Assist with programs, special events, fundraisers, and community outreach as needed. Communicate proactively with team members and support cross-departmental needs.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, a positive attitude, and dependable.
• Passion for working outdoors with experience and appreciation for field work conditions and hours.
• Native Plant Community Experience, experience and interest in establishing and maintaining native terrestrial plant communities, including restoration, planting, and invasive species management.
• Strong work ownership, with a sense of personal ownership, enthusiasm and responsibility for work.
• Obtained or pursing a bachelor’s degree in botany, landscape ecology, landscape architecture, restoration ecology, forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or a related field. With course or field experience identifying native Wisconsin plants including distinction of nonnative species.
• Strong sense of personal ownership and responsibility for your work with immense care for details.
• Collaborative with supervisors and a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain upon hiring.

THE EXPERIENCE YOU WILL GAIN

Extensive knowledge of native plants and communities, ecosystem restoration skills, trail maintenance, vegetation survey, report writing, community and volunteer engagement, and personal project.

COMPENSATION AND REQUIREMENTS

• Compensation: $1,750 monthly stipend and includes free shared onsite housing.
• Hours: Minimum 40 Hours/week with usual Tuesday-Saturday work week. Evening, weekend, and holiday work are required but position does provide a good deal of flexibility for days off. Field work often requires longer workdays which in trade results in some 4-day work weeks, allowing ample time off for exploring the Northwoods and its abundant wilderness and serene water.
• Length of Service: 6-months, approximately May 5 – October 31, start and end dates may be flexible.