Position Overview 
California Institute of Environmental Studies (CIES) is seeking up to three seasonal invasive plant technicians to support invasive plant control and habitat restoration efforts on Santa Rosa Island (SRI), within Channel Islands National Park. 
These are full-time, field-based positions, with a majority of the work conducted on Santa Rosa Island, however may be required to go to other islands as well. CIES works in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), Catalina Island Conservancy (CIC), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Successful applicants will work closely with staff from these organizations. The positions are expected to last approximately five months, beginning in late November 2026 or in late February 2027 and continuing through June 2027. The final start date and employment duration are contingent on funding. 

Positions Available: Up to 3 seasonal technicians 
Employment Period: One immediate hire, starting in late November. Two more people, starting late February through June 2027 (contingent on funding)

Position Responsibilities 
Working as part of a 2–4-person field crew, successful candidates will help suppress invasive plant populations and support habitat restoration on Santa Rosa Island. 

Primary responsibilities include: 

• Handling, mixing, and applying herbicides to non-native plant populations using 4-gallon backpack sprayers, vehicle-mounted spray rigs, and/or handheld bottle-style applicators. 
• Recording treatment progress and coverage using GPS units, ArcGIS Field Maps, and field notebooks. 
• Entering, reviewing, and proofing field data. 
• Maintaining vehicles and field equipment and troubleshooting equipment issues. 
• Assisting project leads with progress updates and other project documentation. 

Technicians must be comfortable applying herbicides and working outdoors for extended periods in a remote island environment. 

Work Schedule and Island Living 
Technicians will work an 8-days-on, 6-days-off schedule, with 10-hour workdays. The schedule is subject to change due to weather and other field conditions. 
The island field schedule will generally run Tuesday through Tuesday, with the first and last days of each work tour including travel time to and from the mainland. Field staff are expected to work an average of approximately 160 hours per month (roughly two 80-hour tours per month). If fieldwork falls short of the approximate 160 hours in a given month, opportunities to complete office tasks, such as data entry and trip report writing, may be available to help reach that total; however, these opportunities are not guaranteed. During tours, technicians will live in provided shared housing on Santa Rosa Island. Housing consists of a shared bunkhouse with a bedroom, bathroom, hot showers, living room, kitchen, drinking water, and internet access. Technicians should be prepared to live and work in close quarters with coworkers and other island staff. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain a positive, respectful attitude in a small-group setting are essential. Housing is not provided on the mainland between work tours. 

Required Qualifications 
Applicants must: 

• Have a strong interest in island ecology and a desire to contribute to habitat restoration projects. 
• Be enthusiastic about fieldwork and be willing to work in a variety of weather conditions. 
• Be physically capable of carrying a 50-pound backpack sprayer over steep slopes and uneven terrain. 
• Be comfortable handling and applying chemical herbicides to non-native plants. 
• Be willing and able to hike for extended periods and work long days in the field. 
• Possess strong observational and data collection skills. Maintain accurate field notes and data records. 
• Demonstrate excellent balance and agility when navigating challenging terrain. 
• Have a strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. 
• Be a motivated self-starter with a willingness to learn. 

Preferred Qualifications 
Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following: 

• A bachelor's degree in biological sciences or a related discipline. 
• Previous experience with habitat restoration, herbicide application, and/or vegetation surveys. 
• Knowledge of native and non-native California flora. 
• Ability to move and lift equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds. 
• Experience hiking in steep, unstable terrain. 
• Interest in and willingness to work in a remote field setting, both independently and as part of a field crew. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcGIS Field Maps. 
• A valid driver's license and clean driving record. 
• Experience driving on dirt roads and operating 4WD vehicles. 

Compensation and Benefits 

• Hourly Pay: Minimum of $22.29 per hour. 
• Field Per Diem: $30 per day, provided through reimbursements for qualifying multi-day trips. This averages approximately $480 per month. 
• Monthly Electronic Stipend: $15 per month for work-related expenses associated with the use of personal devices, including cell phone and internet service, as well as other personal technology used in the course of employment. 
• Leave Benefits: Sick leave is provided after 90 days. 
• Field Clothing Stipend: Invasive crew members will receive a $300 stipend for field clothes and boots. CIES will also provide field shirts, buffs, and hats. 

Additional Logistics and Equipment 
Transportation and Location 
These positions are based out of Ventura, California, with regular boat transportation between Ventura Harbor and Santa Rosa Island. Transportation to and from the island is provided by boat. Applicants must have reliable personal transportation to arrive at the transportation dock at the beginning of their scheduled tours, typically by 7:00 a.m. 
Technicians must be comfortable with boat travel lasting approximately 2–5 hours each way, depending on the destination and stops. 

Remote Work Environment 
Island work and scheduling are dependent on multiple factors, including weather and field conditions. Flexibility with schedule changes is required. 
Cell phone service on the Channel Islands is limited, and internet service may be unreliable. 

Personal Supplies and Protective Equipment 
Applicants are responsible for bringing all food, bedding, clothing, and personal supplies needed during their island work tours. 
Herbicide application requires closed-toe, waterproof boots with thick socks, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, gloves, and eye protection. 
CIES will provide data collection devices, spray equipment, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for work tasks, including gloves, eye protection, hand-washing stations, rags, and other necessary supplies.