Conservation Ecology Trainee 1 or 2*

Job Type: Location Type: Not Specified

 

Salary: $20.28 Hourly
Location : Madison, WI
Job Type: HOURLY
Job Number: 2025-00418
Department: Engineering Division
Opening Date: 12/12/2025
Closing Date: 1/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
Comp. Group/Range: 16/00

General Description
Join Our Team as a Conservation Ecology Trainee!
The Engineering Division is seeking enthusiastic Conservation Ecology Trainees to join our seasonal team and support hands-on fieldwork across a variety of native plantings on City-managed land. Working under the guidance of our Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator and Conservation Technician, this role plays a key part in enhancing the ecological health of the City’s stormwater management system. You’ll assist with establishing native vegetation, managing invasive species, and documenting local plant and wildlife communities-all with comprehensive training provided.

Compensation:
Level 1: $20.28/hr
Level 2: $22.34/hr
To be hired into or advance to Trainee Level 2

• Possession of a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 6.0 Right-of-Way/Natural Areas within 45 days of start of position. The City can provide study materials and limited work time for completion of the licensure process.

Hours: This position will average 40 hours per week (10 hours per day) Monday through Thursday, starting Monday, April 26, 2026 through Fall 2026. Flexible start and end dates may be available for eligible applicants, i.e. students or others with full-time school-year employment.
Opportunities to continue in City employment in a different position past the specified employment period may be available.

*Stated salary will receive a 3% wage increase effective 12/21/25.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Remove invasive plants by manual, mechanical or chemical means including digging, hand pulling, power brush cutting, foliar spraying, cut-stump treatments and others.
• Identify and inventory common plant and animal species, especially highly problematic invasive species such as garlic mustard, wild parsnip, crown vetch, bird’s foot trefoil, sweet clover, reed canary grass, burdock, Japanese knotweed, Japanese hedge parsley, purple loosestrife, invasive thistles, common reed grass and others.
• Provide plant and care for desirable plants including plugs, seedlings or seeds.
• Collect native seeds for use on greenways and ponds.
• Make informed decisions about restoration approaches on ponds and greenways.
• Survey City rain gardens and medians for invasive species, safety/vision hazards, aesthetics and plant health. Remove undesirable vegetation as necessary.
• Work with and provide guidance to Operation Fresh Start (OFS) youth crew members under supervision of OFS crew leader and/or Stormwater Vegetation Coordinator.
• Provide guidance to volunteers in the field.
• Field and/or direct inquiries about restoration work from residents in the field.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Interest in learning about native Wisconsin plants and habitats, invasive plant identification and control techniques, and ecological restoration techniques and theory AND;
• Previous participation in Operation Fresh Start Conservation Crews OR participation in Briarpatch Youth Services Madison Summer Team, Cream City Conservation Group, or a similar conservation program.

-OR-

• Three (3) or more months experience working in the field in any of the following capacities: restoration ecology related position; landscaping; farming; forestry; or experience in vegetation management such as identifying native and invasive plants and pursuing invasive plant control or related.

-OR-

• Currently enrolled in or graduated from a Bachelor’s degree or higher program in Restoration Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Biology, or closely related field.

To be hired as a Level 2 Trainee, candidates must hold a Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License in Category 6.0 (Right-of-Way/Natural Areas) at the time of hire.
Special Requirements

Ability to meet the transportation requirements of the position.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain.
• Ability to perform sustained physical activity under a variety of conditions including heat, humidity, sun, rain, etc.

*The payroll title for this position is Conservation Ranger 1 (Hourly) or Conservation Ranger 2 (Hourly)
Hourly employees are eligible to earn sick leave and may qualify for other benefits depending on the number of hours worked. Please visit our for more information.
01

What is your interest in learning about native Wisconsin plants and habitats, invasive plant identification and control techniques, and ecological restoration techniques and theory?
02

Have you successfully completed at least one season as a City of Madison Engineering Conservation Ecology Trainee?

• Yes
• No

03

Have you completed the Operation Fresh Start Legacy Program (Conservation Crew), Operation Fresh Start Conservation Graduate Crew Program, Briarpatch Youth Services Madison Summer Team, Cream City Conservation Group, or a similar conservation training program?

• Yes
• No

04

If yes, please indicate the program you participated in.
05

Are you currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) program in Restoration Ecology, Landscape Architecture, Conservation, Forestry, Wildlife Ecology, Horticulture, Environmental Studies, Biology, or a related field?

• Yes
• No

06

If yes, please indicate your field of study.
07

How much related conservation ecology, restoration ecology or closely related work (paid and/or unpaid) experience do you possess?

• Three (3) or more years
• Three (3) months to less than three (3) years
• Less than three (3) months

08

How much experience do you have with native plant and invasive species identification?

• Three (3) or more years
• Three (3) months to less than three (3) years
• Less than three (3) months

09

Do you have a Wisconsin Commercial Applicator’s License: 6.0 Right-of-Way and Natural Areas? (Note, this is not required at the time of application.)

• Yes
• No

Required Question