Organization Background

Bear Yuba Land Trust (BYLT) is a nonprofit land trust based in Grass Valley, CA with a mission to protect and defend the working and natural lands of the Bear and Yuba River watersheds and to empower healthy, resilient communities through nature access and education. Since 1990, BYLT has been a conservation leader in our region, saving more than 21,000 acres of Sierra Nevada and foothill forests, oak woodlands, meadows, riparian habitat, farms and ranches. We own and manage 3,700 acres of land in Nevada and Yuba Counties and hold an additional 21,000 of private protected lands under conservation easements.

Contract Duration

24 hours per week average for seveb months (approximately November 2023 through May 2024) with possibility to extend another eight month period (November 2024 though May 2025).

Position Description

The focus of the restoration field technician will be to monitor and improve native plant communities and habitat within BYLT-owned lands. The field technician will work to remove invasive species, maintain and enhance existing native plant and wetland restoration project areas, install and check wildlife cameras, monitor and draft reports on preserves, remove dead and dying vegetation for wildfire safety, collect and seed native species, educate volunteers and the public on projects, protect sensitive natural areas by discouraging off-road vehicle use, camping, and removing litter, prepare for and participate in broadcast and pile burning, as well as other restoration activities. Knowledge of local native and invasive plant species will be key to this position including the desire to quickly learn. Some training will be provided in flora and fauna identification, natural resource survey and monitoring methods, land management of various habitat types, and tools and equipment. We use a variety of methods to reduce the spread of invasive species such as hand pulling, mowing, herbicide application, and prescribed burning. The field technician will work alongside the Conservation Program Manager and BYLT volunteers as well as independently. The field technician will be responsible for planning and conducting some volunteer work parties and overseeing volunteers and youth groups to conduct restoration work.

Position Requirements:

• Familiarity with Nevada County flora and fauna and/or strong interest and ability to learn species quickly.
• Ability to work independently, problem solve, and take strong initiative.
• Positive and hard working attitude regardless of task.
• Act as a BYLT leader and representative with volunteers.
• Healthy physical condition, and ability and desire to perform manual labor tasks such as hiking, mowing, cutting and removing invasive species.
• Occasional personal vehicle use (with mileage and gas reimbursed)
• Off-road and 4WD driving experience or acceptance to learn.
• Acceptance to an exposure of various field conditions such as extreme heat, wind and rain, ticks, poison oak, and wildlife encounters.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or environmental sciences.
• Strong knowledge of Nevada County flora and fauna, forestry and botany.
• Familiarity with common land management tools and concepts such as invasive species management, prescribed fire, Vegetation and habitat survey experience.
• Scientific writing experience.