SUPERVISOR Zack Emerson, Habitat Restoration Manager 

WORKING DAYS AND WORKING HOURS

M-F or S-Th, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. with half-hour lunch

Health Benefits available

Starting pay $15-$18 per hour 

AS A VALUED MEMBER OF THE CONSERVANCY’S TEAM, YOU ARE EXPECTED TO WORK COOPERATIVELY WITH TEAM MEMBERS AND OTHERS TO PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE POSSIBLE. YOUR CREATIVITY AND  PRODUCTIVITY ARE ENCOURAGED. YOUR EFFORTS TO TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY,  HONESTLY, AND WITH RESPECT ARE IMPORTANT TO EVERYONE. 

POSITION’S ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND MAJOR  FUNCTION

Under the supervision of the Habitat Restoration Manager (HRM), the Habitat Restoration Assistant (HRA) is responsible for assisting the HRM in habitat restoration (weed abatement, planting, etc.), animal monitoring and surveys, and plant propagation on the Cache Creek Nature Preserve (CCNP) and other off-site properties. HRA also will assist with administrative tasks such as filing reports, scheduling, maintaining equipment, and working with interns and volunteers. The HRA supervises seasonal technicians in the annual Creek Spay which involves using GIS to map invasive weeds and herbicide applications on invasive weeds such as Arundo, Tamarisk, Ravenna Grass, Star Thistle, and Perennial Pepperweed. This is a full-time, permanent position.   

50%  TIME, CREEK SPRAY and INVASIVE WEED MANAGEMENT:

Under the direction and guidance of the Habitat Restoration Manager (HRM): 

• Leads Creek Spray team in bird surveys and assisting with completing required wildlife agency documentation before herbicide application
• Controls invasive weed species in and along  Cache Creek, including on the CCNP and other properties, using a variety of methods including but not limited to applying herbicides by spraying, wicking, or cut-stump methods; prescribed burns; discing, grubbing, or other methods as directed
• Mixes, loads, and applies herbicides for specified invasive weed species as part of the annual Creek Spray (spring and fall) in Cache Creek, at the CCNP, and other properties as directed
• Supervises a small crew of seasonal technicians regarding the safe application of herbicide on targeted invasive weed species
• Using Arc-GIS and related software programs, maps locations and acreage of specific invasive weed species; amount, timing, and type of herbicide applied; and takes photographs of treated sites to assist HRM in completing planning and reporting documents
• Attends Technical Advisory Committee meetings and is familiar with the committee’s recommendations
• Assists the HRM with landowner outreach and record-keeping
• Maintains good working relationships with Creek Spray partners and Cache Creek Conservancy (CCC) staff 

30% TIME, RESTORATION FIELDWORK:

Under the direction and guidance of the HRM:

• Plants plugs, seeds, and cuttings of native plants on the CCNP property and at off-site locations using a variety of methods and tools
• Oversees irrigation of planting sites including, but not limited to, installing irrigation line, setting up pumps or water tank, or other methods of irrigation
• Assists in plant propagation including but not limited to seed collection, cutting, and grafting; seed preparation using  various techniques and potting seeds; irrigating and monitoring plant growth in green or shade houses
• Conducts plant monitoring for desired native  plants and for planting survival rates using Arc-GIS or similar software
• Conducts animal monitoring for desired native species to document ecosystem health and function
• Cleans and maintains equipment and vehicles in good operating conditions; informs HRM if the equipment is broken or needs service
  

Knowledge of: 

• Plant taxonomy and identification
• Arc-GIS 
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) software
• Safety requirements for invasive weed control and equipment use
• Qualified Applicators Certificate or License preferred, but not required
• Principles of ecology, conservation, restoration, and ecosystem function
• Biological monitoring and data collection

Ability to:

• Communicate well and be highly organized
• Adapt to change, be mentally flexible, and have the desire to learn
• Work occasional weekends or evenings
• Work cooperatively with people with different perspectives, priorities, and   temperaments
• Work well individually and as part of a team
• Lead a team in the field
• Handle seasonal weather; most  activities are outdoors
• Lift 50 pounds and hike 1-5 miles a  day

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements or Experience: Any combination of experience and education which provides the   required knowledge and skills is acceptable but preferably:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, botany, wildlife biology, natural resource management, landscape architecture, or related field
• One year’ experience in riparian restoration or natural resource management; knowledge of native riparian plants and weed management techniques highly desirable

License:

• Required to possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license, Class C or higher, to carry out job-related duties and show proof of insurance
• Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or can obtain a QAC

To apply, send resume and cover letter to Sheila Pratt at Pratt@CacheCreekConservancy.org 

Accepting resumes until April 15, 2020. Interviews are dependent upon the state of emergency.