Natural Resource Specialist UW Arboretum

The UW-Madison Arboretum promotes ecologically sustainable relationships between people and the land through research, stewardship, education, and public engagement.

The Natural Resource Specialist is a member of the Arboretum Land Care field crew and works with the Land Care Manager, Natural Resource Crew Leader, and the rest of the field crew to implement restoration and management plans for the Arboretum’s restored and remnant plant and animal communities. Sample responsibilities and duties include, but are not limited to, invasive tree and shrub removal with chainsaws, brush saws, etc.;

invasive herbaceous plant management with herbicide, hand-pulling, etc.; and collection of native seeds. This position also assists in the management of the horticultural gardens and performs general maintenance of the grounds, including snow removal and mowing grass.

Supports the activities of assigned field or ground areas by maintaining plant production, record keeping, and maintenance to ensure operational efficiencies.

• 55% Coordinates the planting, sowing, fertilization, trimming, watering, and spraying of assigned areas
• 25% Develops, coordinates and executes spraying programs for fungicide, pesticide, and herbicide applications
• 5% Performs all necessary snow removal duties in the winter
• 10% Prepares for and implements prescribed fire
• 5% Provides general support for grounds and infrastructure maintenance and to other Arboretum work units

Minimum requirement:

• 1 year of experience in natural resource management or restoration or in a related field.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of Wisconsin/Midwest ecology and plants, natural areas management, prairie restoration, native seed collection, prescribed fire and/or related skills and knowledge
• Experience with chainsaw use, lawnmower use, small engine repair, equipment and vehicle use and maintenance, and/or related experience
• Experience with collecting, cleaning, and sowing seeds of native plants
• Experience with management of invasive plants with herbicide, mowing, hand-pulling, and other methods
• Experience serving on a prescribed fire crew
• Ability to work well individually, as well as a member of a crew with other staff members or volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to seasonally assist with snow removal, plowing and mowing
• Ability to behave and communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and cooperation with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, and visitors

The position requires manual dexterity and the ability to work for long periods in all weather conditions, performing skilled and highly technical manual tasks. Must be able to stoop, stretch, bend, lift up to 50 lbs. on occasion, and safely operate power equipment.

The selected candidate will need the following certifications at time of hire or have the ability to complete within 12 months of hire:

• Certification as prescribed fire crew member through completion of National Wildfire Coordinating Group courses S130, S190, and I100
• Certification as Wisconsin pesticide applicator
• Certification in chainsaw safety
• Certification in First Aid, CPR, AED