Restoration Ecologist

Interested in joining Milwaukee County? Milwaukee County is searching for authentic people who are out to change the game and bring their whole selves to work every day.

Milwaukee County oversees operations from our Airport, Behavioral Health, Child Support, Combined Court Operations, Sheriff's Department, Community Reintegration Center, Human Services, Parks, Public Safety, Public Works, Fleet Operations, Transportation, and at the Zoo. Our departments are also dedicated to our Seniors and those with Disabilities in Aging and Disability Services, and Veterans in Veterans Services. Our employees also remain committed to serving the cultural, human, recreational, and social needs of the entire community.

Milwaukee County offers a wide variety of interesting jobs for people who want to make a difference in our community. Milwaukee County provides a competitive benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If disability related accommodations are needed, please email View email address on click.appcast.io. For submitted application inquiries please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note: an online application must be submitted for consideration.


We are searching for Changemakers to come and join our team and discover our diverse and versatile community of independent spirits and unique talents, we are redefining the way you think about Milwaukee County!


Restoration Ecologist

Milwaukee County Parks

Hourly Pay Range: $22.56 - $33.85

Closing Date: 7/16/2026 or upon receipt of the first 50 applications

Parks Equity Statement : Milwaukee County Parks is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse work force that is demographically and racially representative of Milwaukee County residents. Milwaukee County Parks leadership is committed to honoring diverse experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, while fostering work environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

Job Summary: The Restoration Ecologist focuses on ecological management of the natural areas within the Park System. This position participates in the day-to-day operation, oversight, and implementation of restoration projects throughout the park system as well as assisting with on-going wildlife research while overseeing the training and management of seasonal employees, interns, and volunteers.


Essential Responsibilities:

• Implement all on-the-ground ecological restoration and management projects and plans. Oversee maintenance of all land management equipment used by the Natural Areas Program.
• Supervise partner organizations, conservation crews, volunteers, and is the program lead overseeing the training and management of the Natural Areas interns and seasonal employees.
• Take the lead in controlling invasive plants through standardized control methods in cooperation with staff, volunteers, and contractors. Lead volunteers in invasive species removal events. Oversee invasives species mapping activities.
• Assist in the research of wildlife populations.
• Assist with undertaking natural resource (flora & fauna) field assessments to determine project prioritization for critical species habitat management, species preservation, and potential native species reintroductions.
• Assist with community based education events and citizen-based natural areas restoration projects. Represent the Natural Areas Program at conferences, board meetings, and workshops.
• Develop new and existing natural resource partnerships through community outreach and education activities such as public presentations. Lead environmental engagement field trips and lectures to local universities.
• Perform office duties, maintain the herbicide database, equipment database and assist with updating internal management policies. Develop restoration and management plans, creates ArcGIS management maps, and other projects as assigned.
• Implement and maintain forest stand improvements, prescribed burns, wildlife nest box installation and maintenance, reforestations, pollinator gardens, and native seed collection and installation.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current resident of Wisconsin.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver's License, able to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Bachelor's Degree or higher in Natural Sciences.
• At least one (1) year of Natural Sciences, Land Management, or Scientific Research experience.
• At least one (1) year of Supervisory or Management experience in Natural Sciences, Land Management, or Scientific Research.
• Able to push, pull, lift, and carry up to 35 lbs.
• Willing and able to obtain Wisconsin DATCP Pesticide Applicator's Licenses 5.0 & 6.0 within the first year of hire.
• Willing and able to work weekends when needed.

NOTE: This ORIGINAL APPLICATION is open to qualified residents of the State of Wisconsin at the time of application. Candidates need to submit a full account of their training and experience (i.e., by submitting an up-to-date resume or by fully completing the application) during the application process and may also be asked to take additional written or performance tests as part of the selection process.

APPLICANTS MUST POSSESS MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF FILING APPLICATION

Milwaukee County is committed to fostering an equitable working environment , free from discrimination and harassment , on the basis of any characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any form of discrimination , harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, pregnancy related condition, national origin, age, disability, FMLA status, sexual orientation, military status, marital status, or any other category or status that is now or in the future protected by federal, state, and local law. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing, background checks and pre-employment physicals subject to job requirements. If special accommodations are needed, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io.