The Prairie Enthusiasts seek to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairie, oak savanna, and other associated ecosystems of the Upper Midwest through protection, management, restoration, and education. In doing so, they strive to work openly and cooperatively with private landowners and other private and public conservation groups. They are currently in need 2-3 LTE assistant land managers to help with prescribed burning and spring invasives (4/1/24 -7/26/24), 5 summer Interns, and 1 intern crew leader (5/18/24-8/16/24).
1. Paid Internships Restoration Ecology (Summer 2024)
Looking for field experience in natural area restoration and management? Five paid internships in restoration ecology are available through The Prairie Enthusiasts (Empire-Sauk Chapter). Work will be carried out at several prairie and savanna preserves in southern Wisconsin. This is an opportunity to learn plant and animal identification, ecosystem ecology, habitat needs of rare and declining species, and the tools, methods, and philosophies of restoration ecology from professional ecologists and experienced practitioners. You will also learn about the conservation significance and goals of various preserves.
These are full-time positions for 12 weeks from Tuesday, May 28 through Friday, August 16, 2024. Applicants should be in college, at the sophomore level or higher, and have a demonstrated interest in restoration ecology or the conservation/management of rare species and ecosystems. Also desirable is a major in ecology, biology, botany, conservation, forestry, environmental studies, environmental engineering, zoology, wildlife, or soils. Applicants must be able to perform sustained physical work outdoors under a variety of conditions. A valid driver’s license is required.
Compensation:
$15.00/hr (40 hr per week). Academic credit may be available for participation in this program; each intern is responsible for making academic credit arrangements with their institution.
Locations:
The work will primarily take place at two high-quality nature preserves in western Dane County and eastern Iowa County near the villages of Barneveld and Mazomanie. Other sites near Blue Mounds, Arena, and Mt Horeb may require occasional visits during the internship. These sites are owned or protected via conservation easements held by The Prairie Enthusiasts. They include remnant and restored prairies, oak savannas, oak woodlands, streams, and wetlands.
Work:
The interns will be working together as a team led by an experienced restoration ecologist. As an intern, you will spend the summer outdoors where you will learn by doing several tasks in broad-scale landscape restoration and management. The primary focus of activities is the control of invasive species, but time will also be spent on seed collecting and planting, plant ecology and identification, seed orchard maintenance, fencing and boundary posting, endangered species monitoring, and in-field “lectures.” Some use of power tools and herbicides will be involved.
Other Considerations:
Interns are responsible for their travel, housing, and other living expenses, and are encouraged to carpool to worksites. Sturdy work boots, gloves and clothing, as well as sun, rain, and insect protection are required. All tools will be provided. TPE runs payroll at the end of the month, so employees are paid on a monthly basis as opposed to bi-weekly.
How to Apply:
Application deadline to ensure consideration is February 23rd, 2024. Apply by email to Andrew Sleger (asleger@theprairieenthusiasts.org). Attach a single pdf file that includes a cover letter describing your background and interest in this position, and a detailed resume. Begin the file name with you last name followed by first name.
2. Restoration Ecologist (Intern Supervisor) (Summer 2024)
This is a full-time field position (40 hours/week) leading, supervising, and educating 4-5 college level student interns in hands-on ecological management and restoration of native prairie, wet meadow, streams, and oak savanna. This position is with The Prairie Enthusiasts (Empire Sauk Chapter), a non-profit conservation group focused on the protection and recovery of fire-dependent ecosystems of the upper Midwest.
Qualifications:
B.S. degree, or equivalent experience, in biological or natural history sciences related to native fire-dependent ecosystems of the upper Midwest. Experience in hands-on land management and restoration techniques, with power equipment (chainsaws, brush cutters, etc.), and in supervising and directing people is required. Knowledge of the species and ecology of upper Midwest prairies, sedge meadows, and oak savanna is required. Must be self-motivated, have ability to motivate others, have a positive attitude, have a commitment to conservation of endangered ecosystems, and have a valid driver’s license. Experience with tractors is desirable, but not required.
Duties:
Direct and lead interns in the field. Lead by example. Foster a safe, productive, and educational work environment. Assess the abilities of the interns and be responsible for their well-being. Provide on the job training to interns in the use of equipment and restoration and biological survey methods. Provide education about the natural history of the preserves, the need for restoration/management, and the methods used. Be responsible for equipment care and maintenance. At the direction of preserve site stewards, develop weekly work plans.
Locations:
The work will primarily take place at two high-quality nature preserves in western Dane County and eastern Iowa County near the villages of Barneveld and Mazomanie. Other sites near Blue Mounds, Arena, and Mt Horeb may require occasional visits during the internship. These sites owned or protected (via conservation easements) by The Prairie Enthusiasts. They include remnant and restored prairies, oak savannas, oak woodlands, streams, and wetlands.
Other Considerations:
The Restoration Ecologist responsible for their travel, housing, and other living expenses, and are encouraged to carpool to worksites. Sturdy work boots, gloves and clothing, as well as sun, rain, and insect protection are required. All tools will be provided.
Start: May 28, 2024 Ends: Aug. 16, 2024
Compensation:
$21-$25/hr depending upon experience. Payroll is run at the end of every month so you will be paid the first week of every month. Please plan accordingly. No benefits beyond workman’s compensation are included.
How to Apply:
Application deadline to ensure consideration is March 1st, 2024. Apply by email to Andrew Sleger (asleger@theprairieenthusiasts.org). Attach a single pdf file that includes a cover letter describing your background and interest in this position, and a detailed resume. Begin the file name with you last name followed by first name. declining species, and the tools, methods, and philosophies of restoration ecology from professional ecologists and experienced practitioners. You will also learn about the conservation significance and goals of various preserves.
3. Natural Area Land Manager Assistant – Full Time Limited Term
The Prairie Enthusiasts is a grassroots nonprofit organization with a mission to educate about, protect and restore prairies and savannas of the Upper Midwest. Only a tiny fraction of these ecosystems remain, harboring specialized and endangered plants and animals in some of the rarest habitats on Earth. As an accredited land trust, The Prairie Enthusiasts strives to protect and manage these natural areas and to help others learn about their importance.
With 11 regional chapters in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin, our mission is largely carried out by volunteers at the local level. This position will be hired at the Empire-Sauk Chapter and you will be working at:
- The Pleasure Valley and Parrish Savanna Conservancy, Blue Mounds, WI (NW Dane County)
- Mounds View Grasslands, Barneveld, WI (Eastern Iowa County)
- Possibly other TPE preserves in the area (approx. 45 minutes from Central Madison, 60 min from
Platteville)
What is it like to work for The Prairie Enthusiasts?
The culture of our team is rooted in the core values of The Prairie Enthusiasts: Stewardship, Sustainability, Collaboration, Education, Respect and Supportive.
Who are we seeking?
We are hiring 2 or 3 people to assist in the management of natural areas with the goal of restoration back to pre-settlement conditions, increasing biodiversity and improving ecosystems. We are seeking people who are task-oriented, eager to serve, and supportive of the mission of The Prairie Enthusiasts. If you are willingly accountable for your work and would like to contribute to making The Prairie Enthusiasts a stronger organization… if you value teamwork and would place the good of the organization first… if you want to grow and improve… if you want to bring your whole self to work… if you seek ways to help without being asked… then you may be a good fit for our team.
Work Schedule
It is anticipated that you will work full time (40 hours per week), for a limited term, from April 1st through July 26th 2024 (maximum of 672 hours). Work is dependent on weather conditions with restriction of work during rainy conditions. Work can be scheduled during the weekend to allow for 40-hour work week.
Compensation:
This position pays $20-24 per hour and is not eligible for any benefits. Note: Payroll is run at the end of the month so paychecks (or direct deposit) are sent the first week of the month. Please plan accordingly.
Work-Activities
- Cut and treat and/or herbicide invasive species including garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, buckthorn, honeysuckle, multiflora rose, reed canary grass, pokeweed, crown vetch, sweet clover and sumac.
- Basal bark herbicide treatment of brush and trees
- Girdle trees with chainsaw and treat with herbicide
- Establish or maintain forested prairie grassland burn breaks using chainsaw and mowing
- Clear brush and trees with hand held power equipment and herbicide cut stems
- Help conduct prescribed burns in grasslands , woodlands, and savannas
Minimum Qualifications
- Ability work independently and follow directions of Natural Area Land Manager
- Ability to work an 8-hour day operating chainsaws or carrying a 38 lb. back pack herbicide sprayer over steep and wooded terrain
- Ability to identify and distinguish native species from non-native or invasive species
- Ability to operate a Polaris 6X6 UTV and a Kubota 30 hp tractor with a hydrostatic transmission or similar motorized equipment, with instruction
- Ability to mix and apply herbicide under the direction of the Natural Areas Manager or Conservancy Manager, including but not limited to: 2-4-D, Garlon-4, Escort Oust, Imazapyr, glyphosate and clethodim
- Ability to orient in wooded terrain with maps and aerial photos
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience leading or participating as a crew member for prescribed burns
- Proficient at woodland, savanna, prairie and wetland plant species identification
- Adept at maintenance and repair of chainsaws, brush saws, herbicide sprayers, prescribed fire equipment, leaf blowers and pumper units
How to apply
In your cover letter, tell us why you are interested in working with The Prairie Enthusiasts and how this position is a fit for you. Email a cover letter and resume to The Prairie Enthusiasts Empire Sauk Chapter Natural Area Land Manager: Andy Sleger at asleger@theprairieenthusiasts.org. Applicants should provide a detailed description of their knowledge, experience, and abilities as they relate to the qualifications listed. Applicant must also provide information as to their ability to start work on April 1st 2024. These positions will remain open until filled.
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