Full Time, Land Steward

Land Steward

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Compensation: $43000/year

Benefits: Our full-time employees receive 24 PTO days annually (29 following Year 1 of employment) plus 7 paid organizational holidays medical/dental/vision insurance with above-average employer premium contributions a 3% match on our 403(b) retirement plan program registration and facility rental discounts plus a strong commitment to work/life balance and great organizational culture. Additional benefits will be outlined in the hiring process.

Intended start date: October 27th 2025

Location: all UEC branches Milwaukee WI (in-person)

Position Summary:As the Land Steward your primary role is to inventory map and monitor the existing invasive species populations on Urban Ecology Center-managed lands. You will also assist in the restoration and management of the natural areas and native gardens surrounding branch buildings collaborate and/or lead volunteers and mentor summer interns as well as limited-term staff. You will work between multiple Urban Ecology Center branches in this development-centered role with the goal of learning highly specialized skills to continue your career in natural areas management.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LAND STEWARDSHIP

• Perform mapping monitoring surveys and analysis of invasive species populations on UEC-managed lands. Report regulated species to the DNR.
• Assist with management and restoration activities of UEC-managed lands including prescribed fire removal of invasive species native seed collection and planting of trees shrubs and herbaceous plants.
• Participate in one yearly native plant sale at one branch location.
• Assist in maintaining the safety and sustainability of foot trials on UEC-managed lands.
• Maintain tools and equipment.
• Perform vegetation surveys - invasive species monitoring.
• Follows safety protocol for all procedures.
• Collaborate with the land stewardship team to create or update department policies and procedures.
• Participate in volunteer work days and events throughout the year.
• Participate as a crew member for prescribed burns with Urban Ecology Center.
• Assist with daily operations of the Center as needed.

STAFF COORDINATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Lead volunteers and service groups to implement the organizations goals for UEC-managed lands.
• Work with and assist in directing Land Stewardship Interns limited-term Staff and Outdoor Leaders.
• Participate in the hiring of Land Stewardship Interns and Outdoor Leaders.
• Maintain ongoing communication with community members dog walkers park users and volunteers as an ambassador for ecological restoration within the city.
• Assist with communications of ecological restoration blogs articles and workshops to fulfill our mission reach.
• Be available two Saturdays per quarter to lead a volunteer group activity at any of the UEC branches.

To be successful in this position you will demonstrate the following competencies:

We know that hardly anyone checks ALL the boxes on job requirements and thats okay! If some or many of the items listed below describe you and your experiences were excited to talk with you and encourage you to apply.

• Collaborates: You build partnerships and work collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Communicates effectively: You develop and deliver multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Reliability/action-oriented: Deliver on commitments and act with a clear sense of ownership.
• Interpersonal savvy: Relate openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people while
  recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Adaptability: You recognize individual control of self and actions; you rebound from setbacks and adversity.
• Addresses conflict: You courageously address conflict by caring personally and challenging directly (radical candor).
• Growth mindset: You demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development and are willing to incorporate feedback into the ways you approach work.
• Values differences: You recognize the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Operational Excellence: you are committed to continuous improvement. You develop follow and lead standardized processes to ensure quality and consistency across the organization.
• Time management: you have the ability to distinguish priorities set realistic deadlines and manage multiple workstreams to meet goals and deadlines.
• Group management: you create engaging and positive environments where participants feel comfortable being their whole genuine selves- for children and adults alike; re-directs negative behaviors into program engagement
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity dignity and justice.
• Affinity to the Urban Ecology Centers mission vision and values.

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• 1 years of experience performing related field work in: natural science botany horticulture forestry land management.
• Experience leading groups.
• Ability to acquire the following certifications: Red Cross CPR FIRST AID SAWW I Wildland Firefighter Introduction (S-130S-190L-180) DATCP Pesticide Applicator 5.0 6.0. Training and certification sponsored by the UEC.
• Valid drivers license with insurability through UECs liability policy.

Recommended Qualifications:

• Experience with herbicide application and prescribed burns.
• Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) training and/or experiences.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors throughout the seasons up to 90% of the time; ability to lift 50 pounds with or without accommodation; work properly and safely with conventional power tools and equipment.

What does a typical day look like

• Condition & Location: Work is done indoors and outdoors throughout the seasons and in a variety of weather conditions. Outdoor work is up to 90% of the time. Responsible for traveling to and between all three branch locations. Some work may involve potential exposure to hazards.
• Schedule: The typical schedule is Monday-Friday 8-4pm with occasional evening and weekend hours supporting volunteer experiences.

• Equipment used: Small machines (lawn mower weed whip and water pumps) sprayers and hand tools. Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographical Information System (GIS). Pesticide equipment including backpack sprayers mixing equipment and related materials. Will drive trucks SUVs skid steers and pull trailers.

Team and Supervision

• As a member of the Land Management team you will be managed by the Director of Land Management and will mentor Land Management Interns Outdoor Leaders and limited-term staff. You may receive direction from the Branch-assigned stewards. You will support volunteers and service groups.
• Though all of our teams work together in some capacity you will most frequently collaborate with the Volunteer team Research team and Facilities Maintenance Specialists.
• In this role you may have the opportunity to join cross-departmental Committees as your schedule and interests allow.
• All UEC team members should expect interaction with volunteers members and youth participants.

Organizational Support

• All team members of the Urban Ecology Center work a minimum of 1-2 weekend or evening events each year. Our events are a great way to engage with our communities and see our mission in action; examples include Urban Candlelight Hike Autumn Celebration and HKE MKE. Some roles may have increased responsibility for event leadership.

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race color creed religion sex physical disability mental disability age marital status sexual orientation citizenship status national or ethnic origin and any other protected status.

Required Experience:

Manager