STRAW Restoration Field Technician (South Bay) at Point Blue Conservation Science 

Location: Will report to STRAW South Bay headquarters in Campbell, CA and drive work trucks to various project field sites located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, and San Francisco with occasional work in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. This is a field-based position, remote work is possible but likely very limited and not to be expected.

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Anticipated Duration: June 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027

Deadline to Apply: Thursday, April 30th, 2026 

Compensation and Benefits: $26.45/hour. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

About Point Blue:

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.  We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Job Summary:

STRAW Restoration Technician 

The Restoration Technician (RT) works closely with STRAW Staff, volunteers, Educators, Apprentices and program staff to implement and maintain community-based ecological restoration projects. The RT may lead the field work of Technicians, Apprentices and volunteers and will teach lessons and operate various equipment. 

Essential Functions:

Restoration Support: 85-90%  

• Assist with planning and implementing restoration projects, and non-native plant management including ordering and staging restoration supplies, preparing field sites, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and project partners.
• Participate in physically demanding field work such as working on steep hillsides, carrying restoration equipment such as shovels, rock bars, and supply bins, loading and unloading vehicles, etc.
• Assist with planning and coordinating restoration site maintenance during spring and summer, including assessing site requirements and plant health in the field, installing drip irrigation, weeding, and tracking and recording maintenance activities.
• Assist native plant nursery maintenance and operations in multiple locations, including but not limited to: seed collection, processing, germination, propagation and integrated pest management.
• Follow Best Management Practices for nursery propagation and field operations to prevent and test for Phytophthora.
• Communicate effectively with a dynamic team including collaborating with education staff, leading interns, volunteers and apprentices with instruction from Project Managers. 
• Drive vehicles owned by Point Blue (e.g. trucks, tow trailers, all terrain vehicles) from Point Blue office and/or storage facilities to project sites and drive a vehicle to tow a water trailer to water plants in the field.
• Operate mechanical tools and equipment such as weed whackers, ride on mowers, utility vehicles and small engines.
• Observe safe work methods and appropriate use of related safety equipment.
• Mapping in the field for plants and monitoring.
• Assist with water management such as moving weir boards and adjusting tide gates.
• Track details like restoration supplies and tools, maintain accurate logs including data collection and entry, photo-monitoring, and report writing. 
• Oversee vehicle, storage facility, and tool logistics.
• Mentor, lead and provide technical direction to a crew of interns, apprentices, and technicians including leading field work and coordinating with Project Managers to plan daily tasks and supplies needed. 
• Lead volunteers including school groups, conservation corps crews, and other volunteers in the field in community restoration activities, including demonstrating proper planting and tool techniques, while ensuring the safety of all participants and a high quality of work.

Education Support: 5-15%

• Attend and help lead days with students, adult chaperones, and teachers throughout the Bay Area.
• Build relationships with STRAW teachers, aid them with resources, ideas, and check-ins.
• Assist with planning and logistics for teacher training events including the annual Watershed Week.
• Support with in-classroom pre-restoration education lessons and provide feedback on lesson plan activities.

Other Duties as Assigned: 2%

• Perform other duties, projects and research as assigned. 
• Attend meetings and build relationships with local project partnerships and support restoration and outreach efforts.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:  

• Familiar with ecological restoration work, including physically demanding field work.
• Adept at teaching and engaging with K-12 students and other public audiences.
• Desire to acquire knowledge of ecosystem processes, terminology, scientific research methods and techniques involved in ecosystem conservation and management.
• Openness to feedback, sharing knowledge and skills, and hearing new perspectives.
• A strong sense of self awareness and the willingness to engage in reflective practice.
• Strengths in problem solving and troubleshooting challenges.
• Work respectfully on private and public property.
• Work in both a team setting and individually. 
• Lead small teams of people in the field.
• Listen carefully and execute detailed instructions. 
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications. 
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self awareness and respect while engaging with people of all backgrounds and ages.

Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Valid US driver’s license (4 year minimum desired) with favorable driving history to drive company owned vehicles.
• Approved background check and fingerprinting to work with students.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Any combination of education, experience and training that is equivalent to a minimum of 1-2  years of experience including, but not limited to:

natural resource management, habitat restoration, natural sciences, horticulture, biology, ecology, restoration, botany, agronomy, agriculture, wildlife management, small engine repair, mechanics, engineering, hydrology, irrigation, landscaping, traditional ecological knowledge or related work. 

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• The position is based out of a facility located in Campbell, California. 
• This position operates at remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity. 
• Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and cold temperatures.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk and perform other physical activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks. 

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This position is full time, non-exempt.
• The schedule will vary according to the season but generally it is 8 hours per day, Monday - Friday, with some overtime and weekend work possible. 
• Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required for this position. Advanced notice will be given.  

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.