Seasonal Ecological Land Restoration Specialist

Founded in 2003, Quercus Land Stewardship Services offers high-quality ecological restoration services throughout southern Wisconsin and beyond. We are committed to improving the ecological health of our lands and waters by offering services that strengthen the connections among local plant, animal, and human communities.

Quercus employs people with a strong work ethic who love the outdoors. If you value teamwork and collaboration, and continuously improving your skills and capabilities, you’ll fit right in!

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We value diversity in our workforce just as we value diversity on the land, for many of the same reasons. A range of cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds gives us the variety of experiences and perspectives that make us stronger, more resilient, and better able to cope with the many challenges that come with doing our work. Women and people of color and diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply.

Quercus takes pride in running a safe operation. Protecting the health and safety of our workers, our customers, and the community is our top priority.

About the Position

The Seasonal Land Stewardship Specialist, located in Black Earth and/or Deforest, Wisconsin, will conduct natural area stewardship work on properties throughout southwest and south-central Wisconsin, Eastern IA, and Northwest IL

Restoration activities through the spring and summer months include prescribed burning, invasive weed treatments (hand-pulling, herbicide application, mowing) and installing native trees, shrubs, and plants. In the fall and winter months restoration activities focus on invasive brush and tree removal. Training will be provided in all aspects of the job including ecological restoration concepts, native and invasive plant identification, and safe and proper use of herbicide application equipment, mowers, and power tools. Training is available to obtain a Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator’s License and Basic Chainsaw Safety certification.

Work hours are generally 35-45 hours per week.

Summer Seasonal Specific Work (80-95% of the Season May-September)

During the spring and summer months, controlling invasive and undesirable plant species primarily involves the targeted application of herbicides. Teams of 2-4 individuals will systematically work through designated areas, identifying and treating unwanted herbaceous plants using precise spot application techniques. This method utilizes backpack sprayers containing the herbicide solution. The specific herbicide and its concentration will vary depending on the site’s unique requirements and objectives. In certain situations, mechanical methods such as brush/grass cutters or hand pulling may be employed. Additionally, at specific times of the year, teams may utilize cut and treat methods, which involve the strategic cutting of targeted plants followed by the immediate application of herbicide to the cut surfaces. This technique is often used in conjunction with chainsaws or brushcutters. Another technique that may be used is basal bark application, where herbicide is applied to the lower portion of a plant’s stem or trunk.

Overall, the team will employ a variety of techniques depending on the specific conditions and requirements of each site, with the goal of effectively controlling invasive plant species while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment.

Requirements for All Quercus Employees

• Treat everyone with Respect
• Be conscientious to do the best work for the company and for the clients and ecosystems that we serve
• Be Professional – demonstrating the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well

Requirements to become successful in the Seasonal Land Restoration Specialist role:

• Work safely at all times
• Work effectively, both independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrate good decision making and time management when working independently
• Learn to identify invasive and native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants
• Good oral and written English skills required
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs / pull 75 lbs
• Perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods (daily)
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, rain, snow, full sun
• Work in difficult environments including rough terrain, wet ground, thick brush, brambles, and insects.
• Work outdoors daily, often without access to public or private restrooms
• Use maps and aerial photos, and portable GPS units, to determine location and work area boundaries
• Maintain awareness of location and compass directions in remote sites
• Perform basic maintenance and field repairs on equipment
• Communicate status of projects to Crew Leader
• Be available for occasional overnight travel at company’s expense (up to 5 nights/month in some seasons)

Successful seasonal employees will be considered for full time permanent Land Stewardship Specialist positions as they become available.

To apply, send Application for Employment form, letter of interest, and a resume to Kaley Lee, kaleylee@quercus-ls.com OR mail to 4681 County Road JJ, Black Earth, WI 53515