Conservation Science Specialist

About the Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation: Our mission is to restore, conserve, and to inspire appreciation for the Laguna de Santa Rosa and the surrounding watershed. We collaborate with many stakeholders and are involved in various vital efforts in the watershed including restoring native habitats, native plant propagation, and vernal pool stewardship. We focus on improving the environment for wildlife and people, and teaching about the Laguna to all ages. www.LagunaFoundation.org 

The Conservation Science Specialist (CSS) works closely with the Conservation Science and Stewardship teams to perform essential functions to support the successful implementation of Laguna Foundation conservation science and stewardship projects, specifically (but not limited to) vernal pool habitat management and rare plant conservation and restoration. The CSS is responsible for implementing fieldwork, including manual labor such as brushcutting and mowing, often working independently or supervising volunteers, or technicians. This role also involves maintaining project records and assisting with preparing monitoring and progress reports for funders.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Monitoring, Data Collection, and Synthesis

• Site monitoring for management/restoration/conservation needs, project deliverables, and goals.
• Plant surveys and mapping of native and invasive species.
• Collection of monitoring data, data entry, and data management.
• Use of GPS technology to collect field data.
• Assist with the development of survey and monitoring protocols..
• Preparation of annual monitoring and progress reports.

Stewardship and Restoration Ecology

• Habitat management of restored and/or preserved areas (mowing, weeding, planting, grazing).
• Invasive species management, including plant identification, assisting with the development of treatment plans, and working independently to implement manual and chemical removal methods.
• Maintenance and upkeep of facilities, tools, and equipment.
• Support and contribute to the development of conservation-related seed amplification projects in the Laguna Foundation hoop house.
• Maintenance of project records (tracking hours, equipment, purchases, and documenting field observations).
• Occasional supervision and training of restoration project work crews (employees, contractors, or volunteers).

Community Engagement and Professional Expertise

• Represent the Laguna Foundation in a professional manner in all tasks and interactions.
• Coordinate with Education staff and contribute to the public’s knowledge of vernal pool and Laguna watershed ecosystems by leading field trips or other community education events and contributing content to Laguna Foundation’s online and print media.
• Collaborate across all departments and contribute to the Laguna Foundation’s mission-driven activities.
• Contribute to the success of fundraising and appreciation events.

Bilingual Pay Premium Eligible Responsibilities (Optional Qualification)

This premium is provided as appropriate compensation for the added bilingual responsibilities if required of individuals.

Demonstrate Proficiency: Must pass a department-approved language proficiency assessment (oral, written, or both) to verify fluency in a designated second language relevant to the position.

Job-Related Usage: Must regularly use bilingual skills to train, supervise, and communicate with diverse staff, interns, volunteers, contractors, and community members in support of conservation, safety, and stewardship activities.

Management Approval: Must obtain written confirmation from a supervisor that bilingual communication is an essential and ongoing component of the employee’s job duties and responsibilities.

All duties listed must be met to qualify for the premium. These duties are an optional addition to the listed Principal Duties and Responsibilities.

• Foster engagement with Spanish-speaking community members in conservation science programs and at outreach events that further advance our strategic priorities.
• Regularly use bilingual skills to train, supervise, and communicate with diverse staff, interns, volunteers, contractors, and community members in support of conservation, safety, and program activities.
• Provide translation services between Laguna Foundation staff and contractors to achieve project goals, as requested.

Competencies

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Works effectively with colleagues across departments and with external partners; fosters a cooperative, inclusive environment and contributes to shared goals.
• Accountability and Dependability: Takes ownership of assigned projects and commitments; reliably completes fieldwork, data collection, and reporting tasks with accuracy and integrity.
• Communication Skills: Clearly conveys technical and scientific information—both verbally and in writing—to diverse audiences, including colleagues, funders, volunteers, and the general public.
• Initiative and Self-Direction: Demonstrates the ability to work independently in the field and office, identifies needs or opportunities for improvement, and takes appropriate action without constant supervision.
• Attention to Detail: Maintains precise and accurate field notes, data records, and reports; ensures scientific and administrative documentation meets quality standards.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adjusts efficiently to changing field conditions, project priorities, and team needs; remains calm and resourceful under varying work environments.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Provides guidance, training, and constructive feedback to interns, technicians, and volunteers; models professionalism and safety in all field and team activities.
• Scientific and Analytical Thinking: Applies sound judgment in collecting, interpreting, and synthesizing ecological data; uses critical thinking to support evidence-based conservation decisions.
• Cultural Competency: Awareness of and sensitivity to diverse populations, with an ability to lead inclusively and equitably.
• Commitment to the Organization’s Mission and Values.

 Required Education and Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each principal duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the principal duties and responsibilities.

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or closely related fields; or three or more years of related work experience required.
• One year of prior experience in one or more items in the Principal Duties and Responsibilities Required.
• Candidates must possess the physical ability and stamina to perform fieldwork in variable outdoor conditions, including hiking over uneven terrain, lifting up to 70 pounds, and operating hand tools and mechanical equipment.
• Strong spatial awareness, mobility, and visual acuity are essential to safely and effectively carry out field-based and maintenance tasks.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and focus on project-specific
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office applications and Google Suite.
• Knowledge of California fauna, flora, and ecosystems.
• Basic understanding of ecological principles and best practices in conservation biology.
• Basic skills using GIS software.

Desired Education and Skills

• Basic mechanical knowledge, including confidence in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting mechanical field equipment, is highly desired.
• Experience applying herbicides is highly desired.
• Experience with driving a trailer.
• Ability to read, write, and speak in Spanish at a conversational level is desired.

Certification, Training, or Security Clearance Requirements

• Valid Class C Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• A criminal history and DMV record check is required before employment (post conditional offer).

If not already certified, the Laguna Foundation will provide employees with the following:

• CPR/AED Certified Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter.
• Sexual Harassment Prevention Training. Must complete one-hour training within 30 days of hire and every two years thereafter.
• Mandated Reporter Training. Must complete training within 30 days of hire if not already completed.
• Defensive Drive Course. Must complete training within 30 days of hire.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Occasional direct supervision of Stewardship, Nursery, or Conservation Science Technicians that includes field work assignments, use of specific tools and equipment, as well as leading mixed work teams that may include interns, contractors, and volunteers.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Ability to work outdoors in variable weather, and/or in a shared workspace for several hours at a time; bending and/or lifting up to 70 pounds, grasping; capacity to navigate two-story building via stairs; mobility required to use equipment and conduct physical tasks common to fieldwork labor (e.g., mowing, digging, weed whacking, etc.); ability to hike over uneven terrain 1-5 miles per day. Specific vision abilities include close and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment; requires extended standing, walking, and fine finger movements. Ability to respond quickly to sounds; to see and respond to dangerous situations.  The work environment represents those an employee encounters while working in an outdoor environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be comfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, with safety as the highest priority for groups, along with the ability to adapt programmatic elements depending on conditions.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Hourly, regular, non-exempt. This position requires on-site execution of work duties. Occasional remote work may be done. Ineligible for regular hybrid work schedule. 32-40 hours per week, depending on the incumbent’s workload and daily schedule. General working hours occur between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Occasional Saturdays may be scheduled. Please refer to the Employee Handbook for a complete list of benefit details and eligibility requirements.

Travel

Travel is primarily local, within Sonoma County, during the business day; reliable transportation is required.