Stewardship Assistant

Responsibilities

• Assist with forest management, including oak seedling planting, caging, canopy thinning, and removing non-characteristic tree species
• Locate and identify native and exotic invasive plants within Arboretum natural areas
• Use GPS/GIS tools to navigate, collect, and manage spatial data
• Pull, bag, and apply herbicides to control invasive plant species
• Operate various power equipment and hand tools, such as tractors, mowers, chainsaws, brush cutters, and wood chippers
• Lead volunteers during weekday shifts and occasional weekend eco-workdays
• Participate in prescribed burns and assist with the maintenance of Arboretum paths and trails
• Support the care and maintenance of tree and shrub collections

Requirements

• 1+ years of experience in landscaping, botany, ecology, or ecological restoration
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial data collection
• Ability to work outdoors in inclement weather and manage field challenges like biting insects and poison ivy
• A valid driver's license and ability to pass a motor vehicle record check
• Ability to move and transport up to 40 lbs
• A State of Michigan Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License, or a willingness to obtain one (MBGNA provides study materials and covers certification expenses)

About the Company

University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA) stewards over 840 acres of land and water across four properties in and around Ann Arbor. MBGNA is committed to becoming a transformative force for social and ecological resilience through the active care and cultivation of the natural habitats and dynamic systems that sustain our world.