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Salary- $17.22 – 21.98/hr

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Habitat Restoration Crew Lead will lead and mentor the Thurston Conservation District (TCD)
Veteran Conservation Corps Interns as they develop skills in the environmental field.
This position will supervise a 4–person field crew under direction from the TCD habitat team. The
Habitat Restoration Crew Lead will lead their crew in completing meaningful habitat restoration
projects in Thurston County to serve their community by improving water quality, enhancing wildlife
habitat, and preventing the spread of invasive weeds. This position will work with their crew full–time,
outdoors, on public and private properties such as farms and conservation lands, to achieve individual,
local and regional resource conservation and restoration goals. Field work activities will include
riparian, wetland, and upland restoration of native trees and shrubs, manual, mechanical and chemical
control of invasive weeds, implementing erosion control techniques, and participating in a variety of
other aquatic species and salmon recovery projects.
The ideal candidate for this position will have strong communication skills, demonstrated group
leadership abilities, ability to work outdoors in all conditions, and experience with habitat restoration
and enhancement techniques.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
The following list of duties is intended as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The
omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the responsibilities of the position if the work is
similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Accurately interprets habitat restoration plans, maps and verbal instructions to ensure
complete understanding of project objectives. This includes participating in regular
coordination meetings, studying project plans, asking questions, and identifying necessary
equipment, sequencing of daily tasks, and potential challenges.

Demonstrates and trains crew members in a wide variety of restoration techniques such as
livestake installation, bare root planting, potted stock planting, manual, mechanical and
chemical control of invasive plant species.

Manages the completion of projects as planned. This includes monitoring the use of materials,
assigning daily work tasks to individual crew members, communicating progress and problem–
solving challenges with the TCD habitat team.

Thurston Conservation District Habitat Restoration Crew Lead Job Description
Monitors and independently judges changing field work conditions including extreme weather,
terrain, individual safety, activities, and equipment for any potential safety concerns.
Implements safety procedures in the field and office.

Works under tight project deadlines and manages conflicting demands while successfully
leading crew members in an ever–changing field work environment with minimal direction from
a supervisor.

Interviews and participates in selections of new crew members.

Demonstrates enthusiasm and dedication in providing mentorship and effective leadership to
diverse members of the habitat restoration field crew.

Performs weekly check–in meetings, and quarterly evaluations with each crew member. Gives
clear feedback on past performance and expectations for future performance. Documents
behavior or performance issues and administers any appropriate disciplinary action.

Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with all District staff, landowners, project
partners and other members of the public.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Currently possess a valid driver’s license.

Accurately interpret and carry out restoration plans and verbal instructions.

Demonstrate and train crew members in restoration techniques as needed.

Ability to work for long periods of time in inclement weather, rough terrain, steep slopes, and
wilderness areas.

Lead crew in completion of time–sensitive project tasks on private or public property.

Monitor and independently judge changing field conditions, crew activities, and equipment for
any potential safety concerns.

Effectively implement all safety procedures.

Operate and maintain small power tools, such as chainsaws, weed–eaters, drills, and augers.

Use hand tools, such as shovels, hoes, rakes, hammers and axes.

Operate state owned/leased vehicles, including passenger vans, 2WD and 4WD pickup trucks.

Operate state owned/leased equipment, including All Terrain Vehicles, brush management and
mowing equipment.

Safely hitch, haul and back up with a trailer.

Able to lift up to 50–lbs repetitively for extended periods of time.

Work regularly with chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers.

Possession of a Pesticide Applicators License, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

QUALIFICATIONS:
An Associate’s degree in Environmental Science or Studies, Forestry, or closely related field, and one
(1) year of experience working on a habitat restoration field crew.
OR
Three (3) years of experience working on a habitat restoration field crew performing field work, young
adult mentorship, or leadership.
Qualifying military experience can substitute, year for year, for field experience.

DESIRABLE SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:
Experience in the supervision and training of employees in habitat restoration techniques and
equipment.
Experience working with veteran populations.
Experience operating heavy equipment (mini–excavator, backhoe, etc.)
Wilderness First Aid Certification.
 Knowledge of Thurston County watersheds, common rural land use practices, and the
environmental issues and challenges facing the region