Field Technician, On-Call Restoration

~ 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 protect rare and endangered native plant and animal species by restoring the natural habitat they depend on for survival. We educate a variety of groups about the value of native habitat and how to protect it. We recruit volunteers and identify and develop public and private funding sources for habitat restoration programs.

Visit our website to learn more about Channel Islands Restoration.  

Position Overview  

The candidate will perform maintenance of restoration sites on the mainland and possible on the California Channel Islands and some installation of new native plantings. This will include eradication and control of invasive plants, using a wide range of techniques including herbicide application and hand removal. This role is part-time and periodic as needed. 

Responsibilities  

• Conduct eradication and control of priority invasive plants at CIR restoration sites, mainland as projects allow. 
• Utilize hand tools, power tools, herbicide application equipment such as spray bottles and backpacks.
• Maintain project equipment.
• Data collection and reporting using Global Positioning Systems (GPS units) and hard copy maps.
• Participate in desk duties relating to position including compiling and disseminating field notes and data in a clear and concise manner.
• Perform other duties as directed by superiors. 

Qualifications 

• An ideal candidate will possess a substantial combination of all these requirements. In areas which the candidate has less experience, they must be willing to be trained and follow directions as they develop expertise in these areas.
• The candidate 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 is essential.
• A flexible schedule at availability that allows for varied work hours and days is essential.
• Possession of Class C Drivers License and access to a car essential. 
• Applicant must be willing and able to commute to the Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties independently. 

Education: 

• B.A. or B.S. in weed science, agriculture, botany, biology, ecology, natural resource management, or equivalent from an accredited institution preferred but not a requirement. 

Experience: 

• Previous invasive plant experience a must.
• Experience utilizing hand-tools essential.
• Experience in the safe and effective application of herbicides essential.
• Must be willing to work with herbicide such as: Garlon and Glyphosate.
• Training in herbicide safety and application will be provided as needed. 

Technical skills:  

• Knowledge of the use of hand tools, safe handling and application of herbicide using backpack sprayers.
• Ability to identify native and nonnative plant species. 
• Familiarity with island endemic species is preferred. Knowledge of GPS needed, however training will be provided. 

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.
• Must be willing to wear appropriate safety gear such as coveralls, hiking boots, gloves, and goggles.
• The ability to commute to and from the island on a boat in potentially rough seas.
• The average travel time is approx. 1 hour each way. 

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 windy, hot, dusty, cold, muddy, and/or wet depending on season and degree of exposure.
• The schedule for island work includes remaining on an island for several days.
• There is a slight possibility of having the tour extended due to weather or boat schedules.
• Shared bunkrooms with a communal living room, bathroom, and kitchen are included.
• Ability to respect the privacy of others is a must.
• Ability and commitment to share living accommodations with diverse people is essential. Housing is NOT provided for mainland work. 

Compensation: Salary level starts at $14-per-hour, or higher, commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

To Apply 

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter of intent to apply (limit one page), and a résumé (limit two pages). The most qualified candidates may be invited to interview. 

Further details can be provided by contacting: 

Ken Owen, Executive Director, Channel Islands Restoration
550 Maple St #F
Carpinteria CA 93013