The Stewardship Technician will play an integral role on Bur Oak Land Trust’s stewardship team implementing aspects of numerous restoration projects, controlling invasive species across our three county service area, and improving nature preserve infrastructure including trail maintenance and design. As such, the ability to perform well both in a team, and independently is crucial. We will ensure the Bur Oak Land Trust AmeriCorps member receives a well-rounded term of service gaining experience in nearly all aspects of nature preserve management, and an extensive introduction to non-profit land trust organizations. The Stewardship Technician crew member will improve the ecology and sustainability of Bur Oak Land Trust’s nature preserves and their partner organization’s natural lands through on the ground work, spending a majority of their time in the field.
Service Activities
Habitat Restoration
● Conduct prescribed burns on prairie and woodland habitat
● Remove trees to reduce woodland canopy
● Plant native trees and shrubs, and seed native grass and forb
● Participate in plant and animal surveys
● Develop land management and burn plans
Invasive Species Management
● Implement control methods at 11 properties to target invasive species through mechanical and
chemical removal methods, including chain-sawing and brush-cutting
● Partner with other staff and volunteers to remove invasive vegetation during scheduled volunteer work
days on nature preserves
Infrastructure Improvement
● Participate in trail maintenance days which may require chainsaw operation (safety training provided)
● Install preserve infrastructure including signs, gates, boardwalks and kiosks
● Maintain trails of encroaching vegetation, overhanging trees, ruts, erosion or other trail issues
Community Need Addressed
The three main problems that Bur Oak Land Trust seeks to address in our community using AmeriCorps members are as follows: the loss of prairie and woodland habitat, the spread of non-native invasive species, and the lack of exposure to nature by people of all ages.
Position Outcomes
As an AmeriCorps State operating site, Bur Oak Land Trust will increase its stewardship capacity and be instrumental in the development of future conservation leaders who will create sustained, long-term environmental impacts. Our members' efforts will restore and conserve native habitat, protect the wildlife that depend on our land, and increase and promote opportunities for residents to connect with nature.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Bur Oak Land Trust will provide a variety of training opportunities for AmeriCorps members in addition to many networking opportunities.
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Wildland firefighting certification
Skills you will gain
Habitat Restoration, Property Stewardship, Conservation Education, Nonprofit
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment