Restoration Project Specialist

Join our teams at Coastal Conservation & Research and Central Coast Wetlands Group!

Coastal Conservation and Research, Inc (CCR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit business based in Moss Landing, CA. Incorporated in 2000, CCR personnel have been working in marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats since the 1970s. CCR's work focuses on habitat restoration, scientific research, environmental planning, and education. CCR partners with the Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG) at Moss Landing Marine Labs to develop and implement habitat restoration projects within the Lower Salinas Valley. CCWG is actively involved in innovative multi-benefit projects that integrate habitat restoration, flood protection, and community benefits with climate change adaptation to enhance the resilience of coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. These partners now seek a motivated and self-directed new staff member to aid with new projects and management of restored areas within the Lower Salinas Valley.

Job Description:

This is a joint position between CCR and CCWG supporting on-the-ground implementation and ongoing maintenance of habitat restoration projects. The role involves hands-on fieldwork, equipment operation, and collaboration with project and monitoring staff. Ideal candidates will have experience with restoration practices, tool and equipment use and maintenance, and a strong interest in wetland and habitat conservation

Specific Tasks:

• Implement restoration and maintenance activities at restoration sites, including weed whacking, mowing, planting, watering, light earthwork, and equipment maintenance (e.g., pipes, pumps, tools).
• Maintain tools and equipment used by CCR and CCWG staff.
• Troubleshoot and resolve plumbing and flow-related issues in treatment wetlands.
• Operate small tractor as needed for site preparation and maintenance.
• Assist in the development of plant palettes and habitat restoration designs.
• Remove invasive vegetation and install native plants.
• Assist in leading field crews (interns, volunteers, CCC, and contract crews) at restoration sites.
• Support the Restoration Project Coordinator in creating and managing work plans for restoration projects in collaboration with CCR and CCWG staff.
• Collaborate with the Habitat Monitoring Specialist and other project staff to conduct site monitoring and support additional research activities as needed.

This position requires regularly driving a company vehicle to different sites for surveys, planting, and site maintenance, which are essential functions of the role. Given the frequency of these visits, alternative transportation options such as rideshares, taxis, carpools, biking, and walking would not reasonably meet the demands of these functions.   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of experience in environmental science, environmental planning, ecology, natural resource management, or a related field.
• Experience conducting hands-on habitat restoration, land stewardship, landscaping, natural resource management, agriculture, or similar field-based work.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining small tractors, mowers, weed whackers, pumps, irrigation systems, electrical and mechanical systems, and other restoration/land-management equipment.
• Ability to work independently in the field, troubleshoot problems, and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, project partners, volunteers, and/or contractors
• Strong organizational and communication skills and ability to follow work plans, protocols, and safety procedures.
• A valid California driver's license and satisfactory driving record are required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the native flora and fauna of the central coast across multiple coastal habitats.
• Experience in standardized habitat monitoring techniques.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public and partnering organizations.
• Current QAC (Qualified Applicator Certificate) for pesticide application in California.
• Knowledge of Microsoft and Google Suite applications.
• Experience collecting and managing field data using GPS and GIS applications.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work outside in inclement weather conditions when necessary.
• Ability to walk a mile while carrying up to 20 pounds of equipment and traverse rough terrain to remote field sites.
• Ability to travel overnight occasionally for fieldwork, conferences, and meetings.

Work Environment:

The Restoration Project Specialist position is subject to all CCR and CCWG policies including, but not limited to, those provided in the Employee Handbooks, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.

This joint position will typically work five 8-hour days each week, Monday through Friday with occasional weekends. The schedule may shift earlier or later to support different projects. Work shall be performed in outdoor and office environments. Work assignments may require walking or standing most of a given day, sitting, bending, pulling, reaching, stooping, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting heavy objects, and contending with adverse weather conditions requiring special clothing and safety precautions. Walking/hiking may be on uneven surfaces and through rough terrain. Some work assignments may require working independently in a remote field setting. The Restoration Project Specialist is expected to follow field safety protocols.

Salary and Benefits:

Hourly pay will start at $28 per hour. The position includes paid time off through accrued vacation and sick leave, as well as 14 paid holidays annually. The position also includes a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit by email:

• A resume
• A statement of qualifications and interest
• Three professional references

The statement of qualifications should describe the applicant's relevant experience and interest in the position. The statement should not exceed two full, single-spaced pages. Applicant contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address. Professional references must include names, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Please email application materials to CCWG Operations Manager Cynthia Anderson at cynthia.anderson@sjsu.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with the first review of applications taking place on 10/1/2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All applicants will be contacted by email and advised whether or not they are proceeding to the interview phase of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted in person or via Zoom, depending on the applicant's location. The exact start date shall be agreed upon by the successful candidate, CCR, and CCWG.

CCR  and CCWG are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. They also prohibit unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

Please visit www.centralcoastwetlands.org for more information on CCWG restoration projects and www.ccandr.org for more information on CCR.