Wisconsin Natural Resources Student Assistant (Generalist)

The Wisconsin Natural Resources Assistant (Generalist) will support staff at the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (Great Divide District) with invasive species management, wildlife, silviculture, and recreation programs. This position is based on-site, in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and local housing in the Hayward, WI area will be provided by the US Forest Service.

The Student Assistant will:

• Conduct native and non-native plant species surveys by assisting in identifying invasive non-native plants using various field guides and plant identification keys.
• Treat and manage invasive plant species primarily using herbicides, but may also be accomplished by hand-pulling, and/or using hand tools, power tools, mowers, and other standardized control methods.
• Perform and monitor day-to-day recreation maintenance including: mowing, trimming, and debris pick-up and cleaning and maintaining fire rings, campsites, bathrooms, beaches, and other facilities.
• Assist public with questions related to camping and recreation opportunities and provide visitors with information about specific recreation opportunities and activities and rules and/or regulations.
• Additional recreational use-related duties may include: monitoring trail condition and use, trail maintenance, and monitoring campgrounds, day use area, and other recreation sites to report and correct safety issues.
• Uses global positioning systems, aerial photographs, topographic maps, GIS and/or compass in navigation.
• Perform highly physical labor and daily hiking, sometimes to remote locations in rugged terrain under possible adverse weather conditions.
• A portion of time may be dedicated to data entry and other duties in a laboratory/office setting.
• Contribute to wildlife ecology, research, and management programs.
• Participate in professional development workshops to gain leadership skills.
• Learn about diverse career paths for natural resource professionals.