Channel Islands Restoration is a non-profit organization that restores habitat in sensitive and unique natural areas on the California Channel Islands and adjacent mainland. We help protect rare and endangered native plant and animal species by restoring the natural habitat they depend on for survival. We help educate a variety of groups about the value of native habitat and how to protect it.  We recruit volunteers and help identify and develop public and private funding sources for habitat restoration programs.

TITLE: Invasive Plant Technician

POSITION TERM: This is a temporary position with an opportunity for permanent placement.  Both part-time and full-time positions are available immediately. 

REPORTS TO: Executive Director/Crew Supervisor

SUMMARY: This is an introductory position which offers tremendous opportunities for growth and experience in native plant restoration work on the island and various mainland locations.  Primarily this person assists in eradication and control of invasive plants and is involved with a wide range of invasive plant removal techniques.  They may work independently or as a member of a team. Approximately 90% of time will be spent in the field, with the remainder in the office. Training will be provided as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Conduct day-to-day eradication and control of priority invasive plants at various restoration sites.  Utilize hand tools, power brush cutters, chain saws, herbicide spray bottles, backpacks, and motorized rigs.

2. Supervise individual volunteers, volunteer groups and sub-contracted crews in invasive plant management activities.

3. Record locations of invasive and native rare plant populations using Global Positioning Systems (GPS units) and hard copy maps.

4. Maintain Program equipment.

5. Participate in desk duties relating to position including compiling and disseminating field notes and data.

6. Perform other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

An ideal candidate will possess a substantial combination of all these requirements or, given that this can be a training position, the ideal candidate must be willing to be trained and follow directions as they develop expertise in these areas.  

Person must be careful, conscientious and pay attention to detail, have a great work ethic, work efficiently, enthusiastic, and above all be a positive functioning member of a diverse team. Ability to work independently and safely essential.

Education: No degree is necessary, but a B.A. or B.S. in weed science, agriculture, botany, biology, ecology, natural resource management, or equivalent from an accredited institution is desirable.

Experience: Experience utilizing hand-tools essential. Must be willing to work with herbicide such as: Garlon, Transline, Glyphosate, and Fusillade. Training in herbicide safety and application will be provided as needed.

Technical skills: Knowledge of the basic use of hand tools needed, such as loppers, Pulaski, McLeod, shovel, hoe, etc. Knowledge of GPS needed, however training will be provided. Familiarity with invasive plant species desired.

Possession of Class C Drivers License essential.  Applicant must be willing to commute to neighboring communities to perform work.

Physical demands: Including but not limited to: ability to work and hike outdoors in all weather conditions, ability to work long hours outdoors, ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Fieldwork involves manual labor, hiking over steep, rugged terrain with frequently unstable rocky substrate while carrying hand tools and filled backpack sprayers. Handling of plants is routine. Contact with cactus, stinging nettle and poison oak is common. Must be willing to wear appropriate safety gear such as coveralls, hiking boots, gloves, and goggles.

Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a field technician encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Field conditions are strongly weather-dependent and may be hot, dusty, cold, muddy, and/or wet depending on season and degree of exposure. Must be willing to live on Santa Cruz Island for up to 10 days or travel to the Santa Barbara area on a daily basis.

Salary level: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TO APPLY:

Submit cover letter of intent to apply (limit one page), and a résumé (limit two pages) via email. The most qualified candidates may be invited to interview. Further details can be provided by contacting:

Duke McPherson (805) 705-9529.  treemanduke@cox.net

More information on Channel Islands Restoration can be found on our web page at: www.channelislandsrestoration.org.