POSITION TITLE: Seasonal Habitat Restoration Technician

ANTICIPATED START DATE: May 4th 2026 

ANTICIPATED END DATE: October 8th 2026

COMPENSATION:  $19.00/hour, paid holidays

LOCATION: Office located in Mukilteo, WA with daily work throughout our RFEG area

HOURS:  40 hours per week; typically Monday - Thursday 7AM – 5PM, however, approximately *4 weeks throughout the summer will be Tuesday - Friday 7AM - 5PM (*subject to change)

POSITION SUMMARY:  Implement field-based riparian restoration efforts independently, as a team, and under the supervision of the Habitat Program Manager, Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Crew Lead and any project partners to improve water and habitat quality and quantity. Primary tasks include mechanically and chemically controlling invasive vegetation. This position may also be asked to assist with fish passage barrier assessments in the Stillaguamish, Snohomish, and south Whidbey Island watersheds. Additional job tasks are listed below. For more information about Sound Salmon Solutions and the work that we do visit us at www.soundsalmonsolutions.org 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in environmental field work, including invasive weed management.
• Ability to identify PNW native and non-native vegetation.
• Experience operating tools and power equipment such as hedge trimmers and hand snips. Able to maintain/complete minor field repairs. 
• Ability to operate 4-wheel drive vehicles and tow trailers.
• Valid Driver’s License, insurance and acceptable driving record.
• Commitment and cooperation to work with team members including good verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player, strong situational awareness, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable working around water and in the safe operation of small boats.
• Comfortable with the use of herbicides.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• WSDA pesticide license holder highly desired.
• A Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a similar field is preferred.

JOB TASKS: 

• Control and remove invasive and noxious weeds from project sites using mechanical and chemical methods.
• Perform annual site maintenance activities and other tasks on project sites such as: mowing grass and removing blackberry using walk-behind field mowers, gas-powered brush cutters, ATV, tractors, and hand tools as assigned.
• Perform invasive weed surveys in and along rivers and streams.
• Assist with the implementation of riparian restoration projects including planting, soil erosion control, installation of exclusion fencing, and other general construction or related activities.
• Collect, manage, and summarize field data using GPS units, tablets, and mobile phones.
• Maintain a daily record of activities and prepare site reports as requested.
• Keep workspaces safe, clean, and organized.
• Maintain and repair tools and equipment.
• Effectively communicate with SSS Staff, landowners, partner organizations, and the public about restoration work and salmon recovery efforts.
• Attend and assist with outreach and volunteer events as needed.
• Attend necessary training and testing sessions.
• Potential opportunity to assist the fish passage lead technician in conducting barrier assessments as needed, following WDFW Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual (2019) protocols.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Keep abreast of policies, protocols, safety standards and daily tasks by attending staff meetings, communicating with supervisors, and reading emails and manuals provided by supervisors.
• Perform assigned tasks to the standards set by SSS staff, manuals, and training sessions.
• Operate equipment safely and effectively, taking care to know safety guidelines of each instrument before use.
• Communicate with SSS supervisors and/or crew members any field related or pertinent information including equipment needs, interpersonal difficulties, comfort level with tasks, concerns for safety, interactions with landowners, etc. in a timely manner.
• Understand limitations in the field and executing tasks to the best of your ability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job): 

Successful candidate must be able to:

• Perform physically demanding work in the outdoors, at remote locations, on difficult terrain, and in all types of weather.
• Lift 60 lbs. into and out of trucks.
• Walk up to 5-miles over steep or uneven terrain.
• Operate a brush-cutter or backpack sprayer up to 10 hours per day.
• Work in or cross streams and rivers with calm to moderate currents and at depths up to several feet.