Restoration Technician

Position Description

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is a nonprofit organization providing quality environmental education programs on its 460+ acres of greenspace in West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Cottage Grove. Dodge has a nature-based preschool, Dodge Nature Preschool, on the Main Property in West St. Paul.

Dodge is seeking a Restoration Technician to join our Buildings and Grounds team. This position works to establish priorities for restoration and vegetation management, manages projects at all four Dodge Nature Center properties, and helps plan long-term goals for the land and its uses. The Restoration Technician contributes to Buildings and Grounds team by helping with general maintenance and grounds upkeep. They will supervise and plan projects for seasonal staff, volunteer groups, Sentence to Serve work crews, and contractors.

Job Functions and Key Responsibilities

Restoration and Maintenance

• Perform on-the-ground tasks for land management and restoration, such as herbaceous weed control, forest, prairie, and wetland management.
• Monitor all land restoration projects and adjust to changing goals.
• Maintain and operate large and small equipment: tractor, chainsaw, mower, weed whip, and backpack sprayer.
• Keep records of land management activities.
• Work with Buildings and Grounds Director to plan projects and support the function of the nature center and its land.

Support Buildings and Grounds

• In winter months, help with snow removal and clean up.
• Support staff in other projects that require more help with cutting trees, mowing, erosion control, and possible building maintenance.
• Light custodial duties.

Supervision

• Supervise seasonal staff, volunteers, Dakota County Service workers, and/or youth job skill training groups.

Other duties as Assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• College Graduate
• Valid Driver’s License
• Knowledge of native and invasive plants and ability to identify them
• Ability to identify different ecosystems and landscapes, with knowledge of effective management techniques for each
• Ability to organize and coordinate a variety of projects and activities simultaneously
• Ability to work as both part of a team and independently
• Commitment to Dodge Nature Center’s mission
• Some evenings and weekends may be required
• Physical Requirements: Ability to preform tasks that involve manual labor, including lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds, and bending. Ability to traverse uneven terrain and spend up to six hours per day outside in inclement weather.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of experience in ecological restoration and land management
• Experience operating a tractor, chainsaw, woodchipper, Bobcat, zero-turn lawnmower, snow blower, snowplow, and other related equipment.
• Good communication skills with ability to speak in front of large groups
• Be a team player with willingness to help other departments as needed. This person should have the ability to supervise volunteers and other assigned labor sources.

Dodge Nature Center and Preschool is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants and staff to bring their diverse perspectives, skills and experiences to Dodge. We commit to fostering an inclusive, welcoming work environment for all employees.

How to Apply

Application deadline: open until filled. To apply, please send your resume and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications to:

Sean Gokey
Buildings and Grounds Director
[email protected]
365 Marie Avenue W
West St. Paul, MN 55118

We look forward to reviewing your application!