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
● Lead volunteers and other AmeriCorps members in land management projects
● Conduct prescribed burns on prairie and woodland habitat
● Remove trees to reduce woodland canopy
● Native tree and shrub planting and native grass and forb seeding
● Conduct plant and animal surveys
● Creation of management maps and plans
Invasive Species Management
● Scout for invasive species within the Trust’s 11 properties
● Implement control methods for 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
● Complete chainsaw safety certification
● Participate in trail maintenance work days which may require chainsaw operation
● Install preserve infrastructure including signs, gates, and kiosks
Team Leadership
● Manage the day-to-day activities of half and quarter time members under the direction of Bur Oak Land Trust’s Property Stewardship Specialist
● Prepare and maintain stewardship equipment
● Maintain a safe working environment
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
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
We are planning a variety of training opportunities for our members in addition to many networking opportunities.
Education Benefits
Credential or Certification
Required trainings, including chainsaw management, pesticide applicators and wildland firefighting certification.
Skills you will gain
habitat restoration, property stewardship, project management, volunteer management, 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