Job Opening: Land Manager- Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Mission:
The Friends of Pheasant Branch Conservancy (FOPBC) is a non-profit organization in Middleton, WI with a mission to restore, protect, and promote the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and watershed for today and tomorrow. This drives our programs and decisions as we advocate for the Conservancy and do our physical, informational, and educational work.
Position Summary:
The Restoration and Management Land Manager is a key position responsible for planning, monitoring, and implementing activities related to the ecological health of Pheasant Branch Conservancy. This includes leading restoration and maintenance projects, contributing to committee meetings, managing volunteers (including coordinating volunteer workdays), and collaborating with staff and community partners across municipal boundaries to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Conservancy.
Responsibilities:
Restoration Project Management:
- Develop and implement comprehensive restoration and management plans for Pheasant Branch Conservancy, including portions managed by Dane County and the City of Middleton.
- Develop and implement restoration and management plans for priority areas within the Conservancy and adjacent lands impacting its ecological health.
- Contract for professional services and labor to implement tasks established in the Restoration and Management Committee (R&M) budget.
- Monitor restoration progress and adjust plans as needed.
Management Activities:
- Conduct regular inspections of the Conservancy to identify restoration and management needs.
- Oversee and apply invasive species removal methods, including manual removal, herbicide application, and prescribed burns.
- Manage mowing and brush cutting operations to control invasive species and prevent erosion.
- Implement best management practices to protect water resources.
Volunteer Engagement:
- Lead the planning and execution of volunteer workdays, including:
- Scheduling events, coordinating with staff to promote opportunities to the community.
- Coordinating with event leaders to define tasks, allocate resources, and ensure safety protocols are followed.
- Training volunteers on restoration techniques, tool use, and ecological best practices.
- Assist the R&M Committee in recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers for other restoration and management activities.
- Assist the R&M Committee in identifying needs for and developing volunteer training programs and educational materials.
Committee Participation:
- Play an active and integral role in R&M Committee meetings, contributing to strategic planning, project prioritization, and decision-making processes.
- Provide expertise and recommendations to the R&M Committee.
- Present annual work plans to the Committee.
Collaboration and Community Engagement:
- Contribute to organizational projects by coordinating with other committees and staff to utilize and implement the results, recommendations, and objectives of studies, citizen science, and data collection.
- Participate in public outreach and planning, including master and unit planning conducted by the Department of Natural Resources, Dane County, and the City of Middleton.
- Collaborate with local organizations and agencies to promote the Conservancy and the mission of FOPBC.
- Respond to inquiries from the public and address concerns.
- Communicate with property owners regarding the maintenance of trails and boardwalks, including clearing debris, repairing damage, and improving signage.
- Coordinate annual work plans with City and County staff.
Data Collection and Reporting:
- Collect data on restoration and management activities, including species inventories, vegetation surveys, and monitoring of ecological indicators.
- Prepare regular reports on project progress, volunteer hours, and resource use.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment, materials, and budget expenditures.
- Manage grant budgets and report on grant expenditures.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in land management, restoration ecology, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of native plant communities and ecosystem processes.
- Experience with invasive species control and restoration techniques.
- Proficiency in using GIS and other data analysis tools.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Workspace applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, etc.).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate various equipment, including hand tools, power equipment, mowers, and chainsaws.
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Compensation:
Compensation for the Land Manager’s work will be as a part time employee on an hourly basis. The Land Manager will be compensated for an average of 15 hours per week at $20.00 – $35.00 per hour depending on experience.
How To Apply
Please send a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Restoration & Management Committee Co-Chair, Hans Hilbert at hanshilbert@pheasantbranch.org. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2025 or until position is filled.