Biological Science Technician

Position Description and Introduction
The Santa Monica Mountains Fund, the official partner of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, is seeking Biological Science Technicians to work with restoration-related projects with a focus on native seed restoration and implementation of a Native Seed Farm. This project seeks to increase the availability of locally sourced native seed for restoration within the park and create a large seed bank for future restoration projects.

Employment will consist of 40 hours of work per week, from June 2026 – June 2027. Much of the work will take place Wednesday through Saturday. The position will be paid at a rate of $18.18 – $22.83/hr., depending on experience and education.

Major Duties

• Work with the park’s Seed Program Managers to collect native seed from various sites in the Santa Monica Mountains
• Assist in seed processing activities: seed cleaning, seed counting, and storing of seed collections
• With guidance, implement outplanting and sowing of native plants at the Seed Farm
• Carry out maintenance of the Seed Farm including weed control and supplemental watering
• Identify populations of interest and collect data from the field and ongoing research projects
• Participate in various community outreach events, including public seed cleaning workshops, outplanting, and weeding events
• This position may also include some use of herbicides and mechanical equipment including mowers, augers, steamer, thresher, and brush cutters
• Occasional seed collection trips to the Channel Island National Park and Cabrillo National Monument
• Other nursery, restoration, and seed-related tasks as assigned, including but not limited to Tetrazolium viability testing, herbarium duties, weed control and nursery maintenance

Experience with California native plants is preferred, with a strong desire to learn and pursue a career in native plants, ecological restoration, botany, horticulture, sustainable agriculture, or a related field.

Requirements
The position is open to US citizens, permanent residents, or people with valid work permits, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or other types of Employment Authorization Documents (EAD). For more information regarding eligibility for internship and/or volunteering, contact Joseph_Algiers@nps.gov

A valid driver’s license is required. The biological science technician will be required to drive government vehicles, including in off-road conditions. The technician is expected to follow safety protocols and carry out work using the specific methods and techniques presented to them by project leads. The project technician should be comfortable working with volunteers, interns, and co-workers of various ages and skill-levels. This position may also require safely leading crews of interns and other technicians to complete seed and/or restoration duties, thus leadership experience is appreciated, but not required. Previous experience in field work or mapping, including the use of Google Earth, ArcGIS, and various GPS units is appreciated, but not required

Knowledge and Skills
The technician requires a strong attention to detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful, as well as personable. Most work will occur in a team environment, while some will be independent. Tasks may require completing repetitive tasks for a period of time. Technicians will receive multiple safety training and orientations to perform their duties safely and properly. The project technician may be offered additional training at other institutions, related conferences, and professional development to enhance their experience. Some travel will occur to Channel Island National Park and/or Cabrillo National Monument to support seed collections and other duties on site.

Work Site and Conditions
Tasks vary in physical demands and require that the project technician be in good physical condition and be willing to hike and work outdoors in uneven terrain. The technician may encounter biting/stinging insects, snakes, and poisonous plants in the field and/or nursery. In addition, field and nursery conditions may be hot, cold and/or wet. The technician may be required to hike long distances (sometimes 6 miles or more) while carrying backpacks and supplies (up to 30 lbs.). Tasks may require the technician to stand, bend, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time. Heavier lifting (up to 50 lbs.) may be required in various settings. Safety training appropriate to duties and environment will be provided. While work will take place at various field locations around the park, and occasional office work will be required, the majority of work will start at the Rancho Sierra Vista native plant nursery located at 4124 Potrero Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320.

If you would like to learn more about SAMO Fund, visit our website: https://samofund.org/

This is a fixed term position, funded through an existing grant that expires on late 2027. Continued employment in this role after late 2027, is contingent on securing supplemental funding and is not guaranteed.