Job Title: Seasonal Land Technician
Reports to: Land Use Manager
Direct Reports: None
Classification: 30-40 hours/week, temporary, not benefits-eligible
Pay Rate: $17
About Belwin Conservancy:
Belwin Conservancy is a nonprofit organization with a mission of inspiring connection and engagement with the natural world. At Belwin, we spark passion for wild places. Through immersive community programs and environmental education, we inspire and engage people in the care of natural areas. Through land protection and habitat restoration, we revive threatened ecosystems so wildlife can thrive for generations to come. Located in Afton, MN, on the ancestral home of the Wahpekute Dakota people, Belwin’s 1,500 acres of permanently protected land includes woodland, prairie, oak savanna, ponds, streams, and wetlands. For more information visit belwin.org.
Position Summary:
The Seasonal Land Technician works closely with the Land Staff on the land management needs of Belwin Conservancy. Day to day work includes land restoration assistance and trails and facilities maintenance work. The type of work will vary, depending on the season and need. This position will focus primarily on ecological restoration work, so experience or knowledge of ecological principles for management of oak savanna, tall grass prairie, wetlands, and woodlands is a plus. While we take weather conditions into account, our outdoor work happens every day, so the employee must be prepared to work outside in less than ideal weather conditions.
Work Season and Schedule:
Seasonal work will be mid to late May through the end of summer with potential to continue into the fall (this schedule is negotiable depending on availability). Standard days and hours of work are four to five days per week from 8:30 – 4:30 pm. This can vary depending on weather and work priorities. Hours include a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
Responsibilities:
- Provide hands-on assistance with all land management activities including: mowing, burning, herbaceous weed control (herbicide application, cutting, and pulling), forest management (buckthorn removal, tree trimming, ), wetland management, and more.
- Use of small power equipment (e.g. ATVs, trucks, chainsaws, brushsaws, weed whips, etc.).
- Attend weekly planning meetings and bi-weekly staff meetings.
- Occasionally participate in organizational work around diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and skills of the ideal candidate:
- Must have a valid driver’s license for operation of company vehicles.
- Ability to use a wide variety of small equipment (chain saw, brush cutter, etc.)
- Good communication skills
- Ability to take and follow directions as well as ability to work productively and cooperatively in a small office setting.
- A self-starter with a solid work ethic and commitment to get the job done.
- A positive frame of mind and collaborative work style.
- Flexibility and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strong interest in and commitment to the Belwin Conservancy mission – Inspiring connection and engagement with the natural world.
- Experience with ecological restoration, land management or related transferable experience is preferred, but not required.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to readily lift up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to bend, twist, push, pull and lift above the shoulders.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
We offer:
- Accrued paid time off and two paid floating holidays
- Hands on learning opportunities about conservation and land management
- $200 reimbursed for purchase of work-related gear
To apply:
Please send your resume to Haley Kutzler, haley.kutzler@belwin.org or mail to Belwin Conservancy Attn: Land Use Manager, 1553 Stagecoach Trail South, Afton, Minnesota 55001
Applications will be considered as they are received. Position opened until filled.
We value differences and know that diversity – in all ways – is valuable. This means that we make an effort to invite and attract a variety of people and to create an inclusive workplace culture.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
