La Crosse, WI

Position Title: Summer Land Management Internship

Organization: Mississippi Valley Conservancy

Location: La Crosse, WI

Position Overview: We are hiring 6 paid Land Management Interns who will assist with habitat management and restoration of native prairie, forest, oak savanna, and wetland habitat on Conservancy protected lands throughout southwest Wisconsin. Managing the ecological health of the natural communities throughout the Mississippi River Valley is rewarding hard work. Interns may gain skills and expertise in aspects of wildlife habitat management, including species identification, timber stand improvement, oak savanna, forest, and prairie restoration, invasive species control, and trail maintenance through the use of chainsaws, brushsaws, herbicide applicators, mowers, UTV’s and other power tools. Duties include equipment maintenance, invasive species control, use of herbicides, tree and brush removal, prairie restoration, boundary posting, supervising school and volunteer groups, and more. Sites and projects will be physically demanding and provide excellent hands-on experience in many facets of land management. These positions will be approximately 95% field work and 5% office/shop work. The work schedule may include occasional evenings or weekend work. Chainsaw and plant identification experience preferred.

Qualifications: 

• Working outdoors in adverse conditions (heat/cold, biting insects, etc.)
• Sincere interest in preserving southwest Wisconsin’s ecosystems
• Strong work ethic & positive attitude
• Physically fit & able to work on steep, rugged terrain for long periods of time on a daily basis.
• Plant and tree identification
• Ability to follow directions and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Possess a valid driver’s license and working vehicle
• Willingness to safely use herbicides, chainsaws and other power equipment

Start/End Dates: May 19th until August 28th

Salary/Pay: $15/hour

Application Deadline:  Preference will be given to those who apply prior to February 14th, 2025. Final date due Apr 30, 2025

How to Apply: Please submit a resume, a brief (one page) cover letter including where/how you first found out about this position, and a list of 3 references in one PDF to Land Manager, Levi Plath at levi@mississippivalleyconservancy.org.