Restoration Technicians

Restoring Lands, a Wisconsin Land Trust, is hiring Restoration Technicians in West Bend, WI. The role involves outdoor ecological restoration work, including habitat management, invasive species removal, and data collection. Candidates should have 2+ years of related experience, a valid driver's license, and the ability to work independently. The position offers $20-$24/hour, mileage reimbursement, and benefits. Work is primarily field-based, with minimal indoor tasks.
The Restoration Technicians will be successful by contributing to our team-oriented, values-centered organization through implementing high quality ecological restoration field work and monitoring restoration projects. Individuals must be self-motivated, have prior experience in a related field, and be comfortable working without supervision. Work will be approximately 90% outdoors and field based. The remaining 10% is allocated for planning, organization and department meetings, data management, and other duties as assigned. This position reports to the Restoration Manager.

Primary Responsibilities
• Habitat Management and Restoration
• Implement field work for restoration projects (70%).
• Invasive species removal (manual, mechanical, and chemical).
• Native habitat enhancement (planting, seeding, and occasional burning).
• Maintenance of tree plantings and past restoration projects.
• Operate and maintain equipment (10%).
• Proper care of work trucks, equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Safely load and transport equipment and supplies via truck/trailer daily.
• Maintain compliance with safety standards and organizational policies.
• Monitoring, Data Collection, and Organization
• Monitor restoration projects (15%).
• Inventory and monitor invasive species, plantings, restoration projects, soil health, and plant community response to management.
• Collect, record, and organize field data including photo documentation, metric tracking for grant deliverables, and organization goals.
• Organization (5%).
• Organizational and department meetings and logistics planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Experience and Qualifications
• Valid driver’s license and experience driving a pickup truck and trailer.
• Implementation of restoration or similar field work (2+ years).
• Invasive plant control methods and basic restoration techniques.
• Ability to identify invasive and native plants common to southeast Wisconsin.
• Working as part of a team and with a diverse group of people with different backgrounds, abilities, and degrees of expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to work without supervision and exercise sound judgment when facing unexpected challenges (e.g., equipment failure, weather changes).
• Operation and maintenance of equipment including brush mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, power and hand tools, and herbicide backpacks.
• Ability to work outdoors in variable terrain and weather (e.g., bugs, high/low temperatures).
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 lbs., hike long distances, and perform physical labor.
• Ability to work with other employees, supervisors, volunteers, and members of the public.
• Experience collecting field data using GPS mobile applications or willingness to learn.

Compensation and Benefits
• $20 – $24 /hour depending on prior experience.
• Mileage reimbursement for mileage outside of personal commute distance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday policy.
• Employer-sponsored 401K with up to 4% match.
• Gear stipend of $150.

To Apply

Please email your resume, three references, and a cover letter in one PDF document with the file format “Restoration Technician Application – [Insert Name]”, which speaks to specific skills and experience that enable you to fulfill the qualifications and responsibilities detailed above to Employment@restoringlands.org with “Restoration Technician” in the subject line of the email. The hiring team will review and interview candidates on a rolling basis.

Restoring Lands is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.