Summer 2011 Land Steward/Crew Leader
Duration:
May 23 - August 12, 2011
Location:
Madison Audubon Society’s Faville Grove Sanctuary
(40 minutes east of Madison)
Closing Date:
Position will be opened until filled
Compensation:
$9.50-13/hr, housing available in the newly remodeled sanctuary house.
Description:
Madison Audubon Society is seeking a land steward/crew leader to provide leadership, direction, instruction, and supervision for the summer intern crew at Faville Grove Sanctuary. Located in northwest Jefferson County, Faville Grove Sanctuary is home to a variety of southern Wisconsin habitats in various stages of restoration including prairie, oak savanna, woodlands, and a variety of wetland communities. The land steward/crew leader and the intern crew will be responsible for conducting wildlife habitat restoration within the sanctuary through the removal of invasive species and native seed collection. The selected applicant will determine day-to-day management tasks based on the status of weeds, ripeness of seed, and conditions in the field. The selected applicant will be responsible for determining the most appropriate treatment method (i.e. hand pulling, digging, cutting, herbicide application) for the removal of a variety of invasive species including garlic mustard, dame’s rocket, reed canary grass, sweet clover, wild parsnip, and queen Anne’s lace. The selected applicant should be willing to share knowledge with the intern crew about native Wisconsin flora and fauna and general topics on ecological restoration.
Qualifications:
Strong leadership skills. Knowledge of native and invasive Wisconsin plants. Experience controlling invasives through hand pulling, cutting, digging, and herbicide application. Preference for applicants with training and experience in mixing and applying herbicides. Ability to prioritize tasks and judge the most efficient method of invasive removal. Ability to determine ripeness of native seed and method of seed collection. Ability to operate and maintain equipment such as brush cutters, chainsaws, and backpack sprayers. Ability to use a GPS. Ability to keep detailed and accurate records. Tolerance for a variety of inclement conditions such as rain, heat, and biting insects. Strong work ethic and a commitment to ecological restoration. Selected applicant must have a valid driver’s license.
Apply by e-mail:
Please e-mail cover letter, resume, and 3 references attached as a single file to Lars Higdon (larshigdon@hotmail.com) and Jim Shurts (jfshurts@mailbag.com)
2008 Interns from left to right Maggie Wagner, Mitch Levenhagen, and Nick Sievert battle wild parsnips, one of the nastiests weeds the interns help to eradicate.
Comments from Former Interns:
"...I wanted to thank you again for the awesome intern experience this summer. The summer was loads of fun and tons of learning. All the knowledge I have gained about species and prairie and woodland ecosystems is unbelievable. I can already see the difference between other classmates and myself. The thing is, the more I learn, the more I find there is to be learned. I just can't express how much this past summer has meant to me and how far ahead it has put me. I thought I had a good connection to the land, but as you answered my question in our interview, I have come out of this job with an even greater appreciation. Being able to make the connection from classes to real life work is so valuable."
-2009 Intern
"Summer in the Sanctuary" Sept 2009 newsletter article by 2009 intern John Pinzl
"Summer internships: Making a difference" Dec 2008 newsletter article
A productive morning of collecting spiderwort seeds at buddy's prairie has the crew feeling good.
"...that summer in the prairie changed my perspective on a lot of things. I knew at the end of it that I had grown quite a bit, and felt a little less lost in the world. I had always thought that I needed to escape Wisconsin and get out on my own; while I still do need to go explore for a while, I realized how much this state, this place, these people, and this heritage suits me and how proud I am of it. Hardly a day goes by when I don't reflect on this. Thank you. For so many things. For allowing me the experiences of pulling weeds on a 95 degree humid day with no shade, getting burns from wild parsnips, clipping more aspens than I care to count, and bonding with the people next to me. Though it was a less than desirable situation at times, I will forever be thankful for the lessons I learned that summer."
