Land Stewardship Fellow

The Land Stewardship Leopold Fellows work side by side with experienced staff learning new knowledge and skills related to land care. This immersive experience has been formative in shaping participant’s conception of a land ethic. Surrounding Aldo Leopold’s famous Shack, the property has diverse Wisconsin plant communities ranging from prairies to floodplain forests to sedge meadows to oak savannas. This diverse outdoor classroom provides opportunities to learn first-hand about native plant communities, identify threats to native landscapes, and gain tools and strategies to effectively manage natural areas. As seasons change, management focuses on different activities including invasive species control, prescribed burning, timber stand improvement, prairie planting, educational programming, and more.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with land management activities on the Leopold-Pines Conservation Area. This includes but is not limited to herbaceous and woody invasive species treatment, brush management, timber stand improvement, prescribed fire, prairie planting and establishment, plant identification, mowing, etc.
• Maintain foundation equipment and vehicles. Includes routine maintenance, shop organization, equipment repair, etc.
• Attend professional development trainings focusing on the seven core areas of the Future Leaders Program outlined above. These trainings will constitute approximately 20% of the total fellowship hours.
• Lead and complete an independent project that addresses a critical need of the foundation’s strategic planning initiatives. Projects are selected from a pre-determined list.
• Provide support and logistics for on-site programming.
• Lead interpretive tours of the annual Sandhill Crane migration for the public in November and December. Opportunities to lead Shack & Farm tours if desired.
• Become familiar with the life and work of Aldo Leopold and his family. Explore your own connection to and understanding of land ethics.
• Become familiar with the work of all foundation staff and how each member contributes to the mission.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications Summary

The Aldo Leopold Foundation seeks applicants who have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental studies, environmental sciences, or a natural resources-related field. Applicants should have an interest in and passion for learning on-the-ground conservation. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated leadership skills and be adaptable, energetic, and eager to learn. Fellows must be prepared for physically demanding work in a variety of conditions including extreme heat and cold, standing high water, and exposure to ticks and mosquitoes. All applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the time they apply and have a valid driver’s license. Leopold Fellows must commit full-time to the entire 12-month program.