Trinity County Resource Conservation District is accepting applications for the position of Conservation Technician II – Ecological Restoration and Forest Health. This position works under the supervision of the Ecological Restoration Crew Leader and Project Coordinator to carry out a variety of field tasks to support habitat restoration projects. This is a full-time, temporary field position from August to December with paid leave and medical benefits. Employment after December will depend on the availability of funding. Weather will also be a limiting factor for us.

As part of the ecological restoration and forest health crew, the Conservation Technician II will be working on manual noxious weed removal, revegetation planting and maintenance, nursery and landscaping support, and other field projects as assigned. The conservation technician will also be trained to assist forestry technician staff in forest inventory and perform layout, marking, and other forestry tasks as assigned. This position requires a person who possesses good communication skills, can work as part of a field crew, and can conduct fieldwork in a variety of environments and weather conditions.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

The following qualifications of this position will need to be addressed in your resume, application, or interview:

• Ability to perform hard physical labor outdoors in rugged terrain and inclement weather on a daily basis.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and carry 60 pounds.
• Ability to hike up to 5 miles through rugged terrain.
• Ability to safely use motorized equipment or willingness to learn (string trimmer, chainsaw, pole saw, ATV, motorized cart, water trailer, etc.)
• Ability to safely use hand tools (shovels, loppers, weed wrenches, geopicks, etc.).
• Ability or willingness to learn to tow equipment trailers with 4x4 trucks on paved and unpaved roads.
• Ability to follow verbal and written work plans, as well as communicate effectively verbally and in writing with crew and supervisors.
• Ability to use GPS devices and tablets to navigate and collect data.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to candidates with the following skills and experience. Please include relevant experience that relates to the desired qualifications below:

• Ability to work long days in the field on a team while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Experience living or working in remote areas without cell service.
• Experience with Garmin InReach, satellite devices, or radios for communication.
• Experience collecting data with a GPS unit, as well as reading and navigating with maps.
• Experience following standardized protocols.
• Experience or interest in natural resource-related fields: botany, fisheries, hydrology, or wildlife biology.
• Experience with plant identification.
• Experience, training, or certification in chainsaw operation.
• Current CPR First Aid Certification or Wilderness First Aid (WFA).

DUTIES:

• Correctly identify noxious weeds and perform various manual and mechanical control techniques.
• Assist with planting and maintaining remote revegetation sites, including running and maintaining irrigation systems, installing and repairing plant protection structures, weeding, mulching, and other maintenance activities as needed.
• Collect forest measurements, under the supervision of forestry staff, with the use of a relaskop, logger’s tapes, laser sights, clinometers, increment borers, and other forest mensuration tools.
• Accurately navigate to work areas and record field data, including using manual maps and datasheets as well as apps such as Avenza Maps, Survey123, FieldMaps, and handheld GPS units.
• Correctly maintain and safely use motorized equipment (e.g., water trailers, chainsaws, string/blade trimmers).
• Drive company pick-up truck to sites, including hauling various trailers.
• Record accurate field notes, daily work reports, and other records and paperwork as assigned.
• Assist with nursery and landscaping activities as needed, including noxious weed management, pruning, planting, and other tasks as assigned.
• Perform related duties as required, including work within other programs managed by the District.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position is entirely field-based, and all work will occur outdoors. Outdoor fieldwork conditions include exposure to extreme heat, inclement weather, poison oak, stinging insects, and venomous snakes. Employees are required to be proactive in maintaining their personal health and safety and to prepare appropriately for environmental conditions. Technicians are required to wear sturdy work boots and durable long pants, and to carry a personal daypack and water bottle. The District will provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, protective lenses and/or shields, hard hats, hi-visibility work shirts, rain gear, and necessary tools.

Typical workweeks consist of four 10-hour days, but scheduling will vary based on resource availability, seasonal conditions, and programmatic needs. The employee will report daily to the District’s main office in Weaverville, CA. Housing is not provided; it is recommended to secure housing near the main office and have reliable transportation.

The onboarding process will include a drug test, a physical examination, verification of a current California Driver’s License, and proof of auto insurance.