Overview

Lomakatsi Restoration Project, a non-profit organization based in Ashland, Oregon, seeks an enthusiastic and motivated individual with experience in riparian restoration to join our growing team. The Riparian Stewardship Technician will work closely with the Riparian Restoration Manager to assess and maintain multiple streamside restoration sites around the Rogue Valley in Southern Oregon. Riparian project goals include: promoting native vegetation to enhance wildlife habitat and increase shade for anadromous fish; protect water quality; improve overall stream ecology; and maintain valuable ecosystem services. Daily tasks will include irrigating and hand watering native plantings, removing invasive species, managing restoration equipment, and determining riparian restoration maintenance needs.

This will begin as a part-time, seasonal position for Summer 2021 (June through September) with a minimum of 32 hours/week, with the potential to grow into a permanent full-time position. We’re looking for an individual who is interested in training in all aspects of Lomakatsi’s Riparian Restoration Program from the ground up, whose responsibilities could grow to include developing and managing streamside restoration projects.

This position will have the opportunity to work across the diverse ecosystems of Oregon and Northern California, in partnership with Tribes, federal, state and municipal agencies, and other nongovernmental organizations. Most work will take place within an hour radius of our headquarters in Ashland, Oregon, with the majority of work time spent in the field.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, track, and report on daily activities with the Riparian Restoration Manager
• Remove invasive plants using a weedeater, chainsaw, other tools or by hand
• Run gas-pump powered drip irrigation systems, troubleshoot and adjust as needed
• Drive Lomakatsi truck with water trailer to non-irrigated restoration sites; hand water plantings from pump-powered water tank
• Perform overall site assessments to determine restoration needs
• Perform other duties as assigned

Applicants should have a minimum two years of experience in field-based ecological restoration, and a basic familiarity with the tools and equipment listed above. Must be comfortable working independently, often alone, at both urban watershed locations and remote streamside restoration sites, and must able to exercise a high degree of professionalism and judgement when interacting with landowners, project partners, and the public. Good problem solving, punctuality, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are required.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
• A minimum 2 years of hands-on experience in ecological restoration
• Basic understanding of local ecology, riparian restoration, and botanical identification
• Experience using and performing basic maintenance on gas-powered pumps, drip irrigation systems, chainsaws, weedeaters, and hand tools
• Strong work ethic and ability to walk in rough terrain and perform physically demanding labor associated with riparian restoration, in all weather conditions
• Ability to follow direction; co-develop and maintain a workplan; track and communicate progress with supervisor and co-workers; and balance priorities across multiple sites
• Excellent communication skills, including with co-workers, partners and the public
• Ability to work with a team or independently, and to take the initiative in problem solving and meeting project objectives
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle with trailer in all weather and traffic conditions
• Flexibility to work a varied work schedule based on project needs (i.e. early morning, early evening, weekends)
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License
• Cell phone is required

Benefits Package

Lomakatsi strives to provide competitive salaries and benefits within the nonprofit community.

• Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging from $18-22 per hour
• Full-time employment includes paid medical and dental plan, paid vacation, and retirement plan

About Lomakatsi 

Lomakatsi is a non-profit organization that develops and implements forest and watershed restoration initiatives, programs and projects throughout Oregon and Northern California. Our mission is to restore ecosystems and the sustainability of communities, cultures, and economies.

For over 26 years, Lomakatsi has implemented ecosystem restoration projects across thousands of acres of forests and miles of streams. We work closely with federal, tribal, state, municipal and non-profit partners to build innovative, collaborative stewardship initiatives across all-lands. Lomakatsi is currently managing eight landscape-scale terrestrial and aquatic restoration agreements with projects in various stages of development, working across watersheds in two states and ten counties. Our science-based restoration work enhances wildlife habitat, helps safeguard ecosystem services, and reduced the risk of wildfire to communities. We serve as a lead partner and sponsor on several nationally-recognized projects and initiatives.

Lomakatsi also brings added capacity to address socio-economic challenges for rural forest- and rangeland-based communities, by layering in our education, tribal partnerships, and workforce training and development programs into initiatives and projects. Through the operation of 10 programs, our staff of restoration practitioners, foresters, ecologists, workforce trainers and educators work to increase community understanding and involvement in forest and watershed restoration. Learn more at https://lomakatsi.org/.