What are the responsibilities and job description for the NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST position at University of Wisconsin–Madison?
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.
The Arboretum land management contributes to the Arboretum mission-"We conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic"-by ensuring that our ecological communities and horticultural plantings illustrate exemplary management practices, and are a valuable resource for research, teaching, and outreach.
The Arboretum is committed to embracing social equity and intentional inclusivity as fundamental parts of everything we do, and to fostering connections to the land among diverse audiences.
- 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
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion
Preferred
H.S. Diploma
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 and plowing
- 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
Required
Drivers License - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards
Required
Pesticide Applicator - State Licensure
Certification as Wisconsin pesticide applicator, or ability to become certified within 12 months of hiring
UW-Madison continues to follow necessary health and safety protocols to protect our campus from COVID-19. All employees remain subject to the COVID-19 Workplace Safety Policy: https://policy.wisc.edu/library/UW-5086. Please visit https://covidresponse.wisc.edu for the most up-to-date information.
Regular work hours: M-F 7am-12pm & 12:30pm-3:30pm. Additional and/or irregular hours may be required for snow removal, prescribed burns and hazardous tree removal.
Full Time: 100%
It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.
Ongoing/Renewable
Minimum $16.50 HOURLY
Depending on Qualifications
To be considered, applications must be submitted online.
Our search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline. We will notify applicants selected to participate further in the selection process directly. We will notify all applicants once the search is completed and we have selected a top candidate who has accepted the position.
Joseph Halaas
joseph.halaas@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1 (out-of-state: TTY: 800.947.3529, STS: 800.833.7637) and above Phone number
Horticulture/Forestry Spec(FP077)
A347700-VCRGE/ARBORETUM/ARBORETUM
University Staff-Ongoing
252824-CP
If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/
Employment will require a criminal background check. It will also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.
