Horticulture and Ecological Restoration Assistant - Conservation Technician II

The Trinity County Resource Conservation District is accepting applications for the position of Horticulture and Ecological Restoration Assistant - Conservation Technician II.  The Horticulture and Ecological Restoration Assistant Conservation Technician II will work under the supervision of the Horticulture Specialist and the Project Coordinator in the Ecological Restoration Program, and is responsible for assisting with nursery operations, supporting stewardship of the Young Family Ranch, and assisting in additional restoration activities such as noxious weed removal, irrigation, and revegetation site maintenance.  The Horticulture and Ecological Restoration Assistant is a full-time position with flexible scheduling, paid leave, medical benefits, and retirement options.  This is a grant-funded position until December 31st. District employees are subject to routine management reviews and serve at the Board of Directors' discretion.

The Native Plant Nursery is a 0.1-acre conservation nursery located on the grounds of the historic Young Family Ranch, where plants for restoration projects are grown and housed.  In addition to assisting in the nursery, this position will help with general landscaping and stewardship needs for the Young Family Ranch and assist with District outreach and events.

Qualifications:

• One or more years of combined education and professional experience in horticulture, nursery work, greenhouse work, or related field with an emphasis on crop production.
• Knowledge of native California plants, horticulture, and nursery operations.
• Knowledge of plant diseases and pests, as well as appropriate management practices for addressing plant health issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, including public speaking.
• Self-directed with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform manual physical labor outdoors in varying weather conditions, as well as regularly lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to use mechanical and manual tools, as well as motorized equipment (e.g., riding lawn mower).
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Duties:

Subject to the direction of the Horticulture Specialist and Ecological Restoration Project Coordinator and depending on program needs, the Horticultural and Ecological Restoration Assistant position duties may include the following:

Nursery Assistance & Operation (75%):

• Assisting with nursery operations, including plant propagation and cultivation, pest and disease management, plant inventory and records, tracking and ordering supplies, maintaining appropriate licensing.
• Ensuring that best management practices are implemented and documented.
• Assist with the management of the District seed collections, including physical storage and digital inventories, as well as assist with determining seed collection needs for nursery plant production.
• Assist with forecasting and planning needs, and help with coordinating contract orders for plant materials.
• Assist in the maintenance of nursery infrastructure, including irrigation systems, greenhouses, growing benches, shade structures, storage barns, and fencing.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records, daily work reports, and other records and paperwork as assigned.
• Support grant writing and funding opportunities as they arise for the nursery.

Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance (10%):

• Help with landscaping and grounds needs at the historic Young Family Ranch, including operating irrigation systems, mowing, weed trimming, and pruning.
• Occasionally assist with landscaping needs at the District office as needed, including pruning and weeding.

Ecological Restoration Activities (10%):

• Help with noxious weed removal, such as blackberry, scotch broom, and ivy.
• Help with revegetation site irrigation and maintenance as needed.
• Help with pollinator surveys as needed.

Community Outreach & Engagement (5%):

• Assist District staff with coordinating outreach events, including leading event activities.
• Support other relevant outreach activities or events as needed.

Pay, Benefits, & Working Environment

Work will take place in office and outdoor settings, with the majority occurring outdoors.  Depending on the season and program needs, the average workweek will vary.  Typical workweeks are five 8-hour days; some days may be 10-hour days, with a maximum of forty hours per week.  Hours may be reduced during winter months based on funding availability and project needs.  Occasional weekend or evening work may be required.  Due to job requirements, this is a full-time, in-person role.  

Candidates who are offered a position will be required to successfully complete a physical examination and drug/alcohol screening at the District’s expense before beginning employment.  The District is an equal-opportunity employer.

Starting Salary Range:  $21.00 per hour

Benefits: The TCRCD offers paid medical, vision, and dental insurance; 11 paid holidays per year, plus accrued personal time off; contribution to a retirement plan.

Closing Date:  First review of applications will take place on August 10th, and additional resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.  The anticipated start date for this position is August 17th.