What We Can Achieve Together:

The Nature Conservancy has owned and operated the 46,000-acre Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Preserve, located 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, since 1978 as a center for large-scale ecological research and restoration and as a site to cultivate support for TNC’s mission. The Santa Cruz Island Preserve Mechanic is responsible for supporting the daily operations and infrastructure management of SCI. The Preserve Mechanic directly maintains vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and tools. Providing training and oversight for staff and volunteers, they assist the Infrastructure Manager in all aspects of maintaining and improving the Preserve’s infrastructure.  

This position undertakes work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Due to the remote location, rugged geography, and communication technology limitations the Preserve Mechanic must exercise careful judgment, communicate proactively, and operate with flexibility and responsiveness. They make safety decisions in the absence of supervision, applying established policies and protocols. 

To accommodate both programmatic and personal needs, we are open to schedules ranging from 4–14-day tours on the Preserve with mainland time-off in between tours. Tours may also include time-off while on the Preserve. This position may be part-time to full-time (40 – 160 hours/month) and is paid hourly. Housing while on-island and boat transportation from Ventura Harbor is provided. This position will be hired with a 2-year term, with possibility for extension based on funding and performance.  

We’re Looking for You:

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.  With us you can make a difference every day! 

By joining our team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with - a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet.  Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.  

Aside from the technical mechanical skills that we’re looking for, self-sufficiency, proactive communication, and teamwork are essential to this position. If you’re a problem-solver who loves to learn and is excited by the idea of supporting a gorgeous island preserve, we welcome you to apply. 

What You’ll Bring:

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent applicable technical certifications and a minimum of 4 years of direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance. 
• Ability to live and work in a remote island setting with fluctuating resource availability. 
• Demonstrated experience and ability to diagnose and repair various types of equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, mowers, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, crane truck, forklifts, passenger vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaw, etc.).    
• Competency with shop and general safety techniques and standards including the use of proper PPE, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and effective communication to others to avoid injury and property damage.  
• Experience working with hazardous materials and maintaining materials compliance.          
• Experience with supply inventory, ordering, purchasing and organization.                                                     
• Experience coordinating with multiple parties and demonstrating flexibility in shifting priorities. 
• Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines. 
• Demonstrated ability to keep/maintain maintenance records.  
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, email, web browsers, etc. 
• Competency operating 4WD vehicles on unimproved dirt roads.                                                     
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required such as CPR, first aid, etc. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with and/or ability to learn electrical, plumbing, welding, and carpentry. 

Salary Information:

The starting pay for this position is generally within the range of $28.46 - $32.75/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and county of employment is Ventura, CA. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.