Job Description Summary

The Trails Technician will report to the Sr. Conservation Director and work closely with the Trails Project Manager and the rest of the Laguna Canyon Foundation staff, volunteers, and partners to implement field-based programs and projects. The technician will primarily perform trail work, but may periodically assist the Conservation program field crew. Typical work hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 7:00am to 3:30pm, with occasional evenings.

This position is field-based and requires extensive physical labor in adverse conditions and difficult terrain. At different times, the position will involve working as a team member, independently or leading volunteers. The ideal candidate will have experience working on field-based trails or conservation projects, be a strong problem solver who is comfortable using an adaptive work management style, have a proven track record working independently and as a team member, be dependable, self-motivated, and have a positive attitude.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in leading volunteers at trail work events
• Conduct trail maintenance, including but not limited to drainage and tread improvement, rock armoring, creating retaining walls, naturalizing, planting, seeding, and installing straw wattles
• Maintain tools including but not limited to sharpening, repairing, cleaning and organizing inventory
• Conduct trail assessments, including utilizing GIS-based phone applications to gather and record data
• Attend trail gatherings, meetings and events as needed
• Ensure workspaces and equipment sheds are kept clean and organized
• Assist with vegetation and wildlife monitoring activities
• Restore native habitat through a combination of planting and seeding
• Other tasks as assigned

Essential functions of this position include:

• Constantly work outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.
• Constantly traverses on and off trail over rough terrain, steep slopes, and/or through thick vegetation.
• Frequently lifts and carries loads up to 40 pounds and occasionally lifts loads to 65 pounds.
• Frequently positions self close to the ground i.e. squatting, kneeling, bending over.
• Frequently grips and manipulates hand tools such as picks, shovels, hoes, loppers, hammers, etc.
• Frequently uses power tools: powered wheelbarrows, rotary hammer drills, angle grinders and others.
• Exchanges information both verbally and in written form with supervisor, co-workers, and others.
• Remains in a stationary position for up to 30% of the time.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently, both independently and as part of a team
• Experience performing physically demanding field work in adverse weather conditions and on difficult terrain
• Experience leading or participating in volunteer events or similar public-facing activities
• Valid California driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) and ability to drive as part of the job
• Ability and willingness to work weekend hours and occasional evening hours as necessary
• Highly motivated and a proven self-starter
• Passion for Laguna Canyon Foundation’s mission
• CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain (paid training provided by LCF)
• A background check may be required
• Over 18 years of age

The ideal candidate may also have:

• Experience conducting trail work
• Experience conducting other conservation work
• Knowledge of or ability to learn about and identify local native and non-native plants
• Experience using handheld power tools

About Laguna Canyon Foundation

Founded in 1990, Laguna Canyon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the South Coast Wilderness, a 22,000-acre network of open space surrounding Laguna Beach in Orange County, California, which is on traditional lands of the Tongva and Acjachemen peoples.

Our work includes acquiring and preserving open space, restoring native habitats, maintaining and enhancing trails, and conducting vital land management across the wilderness. We offer immersive environmental education programs for students and the community, cultivating a deeper connection to the land. Through volunteer opportunities, hands-on restoration efforts, and strategic partnerships, we inspire a strong culture of environmental stewardship grounded in care for the land.

Laguna Canyon Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages BIPOC candidates, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and people from groups traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field, to apply.

For more information about Laguna Canyon Foundation, please visit lagunacanyon.org.