Conservation Ecology Trainee 1

Salary: $19.30 - $21.26 Hourly
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: HOURLY
Job Number: 2023-00545
Department: Engineering Division
Opening Date: 01/09/2024
Closing Date: 2/8/2024 11:59 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range: 16/00
General Description
The Engineering Department is hiring for a seasonal hourly position that is responsible for Conservation Ecology field work in a variety of native plantings on Engineering land. This work is performed under the general supervision of the Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator and Conservation Technician. The Conservation Ecology Trainee will help with the installation of desirable native vegetation, the control of invasive species, the inventory of plant and animal species and other work related to the ecological health of the City's Stormwater management system. All necessary training will be provided.
Compensation:
Level 1: $19.30/hr
Level 2: $21.26/hr
Hours: This position will average 40 hours per week (8 hours per day) for the course of 29 weeks starting Monday, April 29 through Friday, November 22. Flexible start and end dates may be available for eligible applicants, i.e. students or others will full-time school-year employment.
Opportunities to continue in City employment in a different position past the specified employment period may be available.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE. HOWEVER THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BEGIN PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE BASED UPON THE NEEDS OF THE ENGINEERING DIVISION.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Remove invasive plants by manual, mechanical means including digging, hand pulling, power brush cutting, and others.
• All items listed in Level 1 plus use of chemical removal methods, foliar spraying, and cut-stump treatments.
• Learn to identify and inventory common plant species, especially highly problematic invasive species under guidance of staff.
• Plant and care for desirable plants including plugs, seedlings or seeds.
• Collect and process native seeds for use on greenways and ponds under guidance of staff.
• Make informed decisions about restoration approaches on ponds and greenways under the guidance of staff.
• Evaluate City rain gardens and medians for invasive species, safety/vision hazards, aesthetics and plant health.
• Remove undesirable vegetation as necessary.
• Work with and provide guidance to Operation Fresh Start (OFS) youth crew members under supervision of OFS crew leader and/or City staff.
• Provide guidance to volunteers in the field.
• Field and/or direct inquiries about restoration work from residents in the field.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interest in learning about native Wisconsin plants and habitats, invasive plant identification and control techniques, and ecological restoration techniques and theory AND at least one of the following: Previous participation in Operation Fresh Start Conservation Crews OR participation in Briarpatch Youth Services Madison Summer Team, Cream City Conservation Group, or similar.

OR

• Three (3) or more months experience working in the field in any of the following capacities: restoration ecology related position; landscaping; farming; forestry; or experience in vegetation management such as identifying native and invasive plants and pursuing invasive plant control or related.

OR

• Currently enrolled in or graduated from a Bachelor's degree or higher program in Restoration Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Biology, or related field.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid driver's license

To be hired into or advance to Trainee Level 2

• Possession of a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License in Category 6.0 Right-of-Way/Natural Areas within 45 days of start of position. The City can provide study materials and limited work time for completion of the licensure process.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain.
• Must be able to perform sustained physical activity under a variety of conditions including heat, humidity, sun, rain, etc.

*The payroll title for this position is or
Hourly employees are eligible to earn sick leave and may qualify for other benefits depending on the number of hours worked. Please visit our for more information.
01
Are you interested in learning about native Wisconsin plants and habitats, invasive plant identification and control techniques, and ecological restoration techniques and theory?

• Yes
• No

02
Have you completed the Operation Fresh Start Legacy Program (Conservation Crew), Operation Fresh Start Conservation Graduate Crew Program, Briarpatch Youth Services Madison Summer Team, Cream City Conservation Group, or a similar conservation training program?

• Yes
• No

03
Are you currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree (or higher) program in Restoration Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

04
How much related Conservation Ecology, restoration ecology or closely related work (paid and/or unpaid) experience do you possess?

• Three (3) or more years
• Three (3) months to less than three (3) years
• Less than three (3) months

05
How much experience do you have with native plant and invasive species identification?

• Three (3) or more years
• Three (3) months to less than three (3) years
• Less than three (3) months

Required Question