Organization Description

The Laguna Foundation is a watershed-based nonprofit whose mission is to restore and conserve the Laguna de Santa Rosa and inspire public appreciation of this RAMSAR wetland of International importance. We collaborate with various stakeholders, including public agencies, the scientific community, community groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, the agricultural community, and private landowners to restore and conserve the Laguna. The Foundation is involved in various vital efforts in the watershed through our partnerships, including restoring native habitats, invasive species, Sonoma County native plant propagation, and vernal pool stewardship.

Position Description

The Restoration Technician works with the Restoration and Conservation Science program managers and other field staff on various projects related to the restoration of ecosystems within the Laguna watershed. Projects include native plant cultivation, native plant revegetation, site maintenance, and monitoring of restoration projects throughout Sonoma County. This is an entry-level, full-time position, and grant-funded through approximately November 2021. Some training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to, the following:

• Installing restoration plantings; maintenance and monitoring of plantings
• Management of restored and preserved areas (mowing, weeding)
• The operation, maintenance, and monitoring of irrigation systems
• Maintenance of tools and equipment
• Site inspection and cleanup of materials
• Invasive species control, including supervised use of herbicides and manual techniques
• Help facilitate volunteer workdays, including pick-up of refreshments, set-up, check-in, etc.
• Plant surveys, including mapping of weed species or native plant populations
• Collecting water samples
• Project site assessments, site preparation, assistance with planning, collection of project data

Requirements

• Ability to perform physical tasks and field labor (e.g., mowing, digging, weed-whacking, etc.)
• Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
• Ability to walk over rough terrain.
• Comfortable working in variable weather conditions, with the potential to encounter poisonous plants and stinging and biting insects.
• The work environment represents those an employee encounters while working in an outdoor workspace and occasional indoor office environment.
• Requires capacity to navigate a two-story building via stairs.
• This job’s specific vision abilities include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Personal transportation to restoration sites.
• Class C Driver’s License, with a clean record.
• The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet to loud, depending on equipment use.

What We Are Looking For in a Candidate

• A degree in Biology, Environmental Science, or other closely related fields; or equivalent job experience.
• Basic understanding of ecological principles.
• Knowledge of California fauna, flora, and ecosystems.
• Ability to work independently, as well as maintain a positive working relationship with other team members.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Proficient computer skills using MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Google Drive, and the Internet.

Compensation

This is a full-time (40 hours per week) position with a competitive benefits package that includes employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off including accrued vacation, sick time, paid holidays; and participation in a 403(b) retirement plan.

Schedule

The hourly rate will be $15.25/hour. The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, with occasional weekends.