Organizational Summary: Integral Ecology Research Center (IERC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wildlife conservation and ecosystem health through scientific research. Our mission is to perform ecological research and compile, organize, and disseminate the results of this research to increase scientific knowledge for the public, advance the management and conservation of wildlife species and their communities, and enhance overall ecosystem health and conservation. IERC has two technician positions available for the Environmental Restoration Program.

Project Summary: This position supports IERC’s Environmental Restoration Program, which involves cutting edge data collection and active conservation implementation and training in natural settings throughout the western US. Projects include restoration on public lands, novel environmental studies, and assessment of vegetation and abiotic factors such as soil and water quality. This position is grant-funded and will be periodically reviewed for extension based on the availability of funding and operational need. The project duration is estimated to be 6-9 months.

Position Summary: The Environmental Restoration Technician (ERT) supports IERC’s ecological, conservation, and restoration projects through fieldwork, office and data tasks, and logistical assistance. The ERT ensures accurate sampling, data entry, and compliance with established protocols, contributing to data integrity and team safety. The ERT collaborates with the Project Coordinator, Project Specialists, and Program Manager to achieve project objectives. Below are a few key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Field Sampling, Environmental Data Collection, and Monitoring

• Conduct environmental sampling, monitoring and data collection at remote field sites; soil, water, & vegetation.
• Conduct assessment, documentation, and restoration tasks on various habitat projects, including illegal cannabis cultivation sites.
• Deploy and retrieve passive monitoring equipment (camera traps, drift net fences, and Automated Recording Units).
• Participate in the reclamation of illicit cannabis cultivation sites, including the removal of refuse, and grow infrastructure from remote forest environments.
• Collect ground-based photogrammetric and handheld LiDAR survey data at reclamation sites, including systematic image and point cloud acquisition.
• Use GPS units, field datasheets, and mobile devices to document field observations.
• Maintain safety, accuracy, and quality control during all activities.
• Prepare, maintain, clean, organize, and inspect field equipment & supplies before, during, and after use.
• Work effectively in varied and potentially challenging environments, including rugged terrain, inclement weather, and remote forest settings without cellular or radio communication, with operations sometimes distributed over several miles.

Reporting, Data Management, and Documentation

• Document baseline, during-, and post-reclamation site conditions during initial assessments and throughout project implementation, including fixed-point photography and pre-implementation data collection as reported in site-specific reclamation plans.
• Organize and archive data, field notes, and samples in accordance with project protocols.
• Assist in preparing summaries, reports, and data tables using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and ESRI Survey123.
• Assist with writing, editing, and literature searches for reporting, publications, and proposals.
• Assist in updating maintenance logs and compliance records for all vehicles, gear, and instruments.

Data Entry, Quality Control, and Analysis

• Assist with data entry, management, and analysis across multiple software platforms, including Survey123, Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcMap, and ArcPro; accurately upload all monitoring data, photos, and geospatial data upon completion of each field effort.
• Enter assessment, reclamation, and field-collected data into project data collection modules using mobile and offline tools, ensuring timely transmission through the approved digital workflow system.
• Process and manage wildlife camera-trap images in Wildlife Insights, including uploading, organizing, tagging, and quality-checking image data to support species identification and biodiversity monitoring.
• Assist in QA/QC of collected data and participate in preliminary analysis and interpretation under supervision.
• Use ArcGIS and Google Earth to create maps for reports, presentations, and field navigation; assist in spatial data processing and visualization, including photogrammetry processing.
• Use statistical tools and software to support project data analysis under supervision.
• Assist with the development of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for data collection and monitoring protocols.

Curriculum Development and Reclamation Team Training Support

• Support the development of detailed written and visual reclamation training curriculum.
• Support delivery of full reclamation team training within each team’s geographic area, including classroom instruction and hands-on field exercises covering grow site safety procedures, visual identification of potentially hazardous materials, and best practices for performing reclamation.
• Where assigned and after completing required training, support proctored field assessments of teams independently planning and conducting reclamation operations.

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Wildlife Biology, or a related field; OR
• Two years of relevant work experience in a natural resource–related field AND at least two years of college coursework, including a minimum of 10 semester hours in biological sciences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid California driver’s license and ability to drive and meet IERC’s vehicle insurability standards.
• Ability to travel throughout California and camp/stay at project locations for up to one week.
• Familiarity with environmental sampling techniques and ecological fieldwork.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Access) and ArcGIS.
• Experience with scientific data entry or QA/QC procedures.

Required Knowledge and Abilities

• Basic biological, ecological, and environmental principles.
• Scientific sampling and monitoring techniques.
• Follow detailed instructions and adhere to scientific protocols.
• Collect and record accurate environmental and biological data.
• Assist with data interpretation and reporting.
• Use statistical tools and software to support project analysis (under supervision).
• Work independently and as part of a team in dynamic and remote settings.
• Communicate effectively in written and oral formats.
• Adhere to safety procedures.