Ecological Restoration Fellow

Background

San Bruno Mountain is a refuge for native plants and animals of the San Francisco Bay Area and one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The mountain is in northern San Mateo County, surrounded by Brisbane, Colma, Daly City, and South San Francisco.

San Bruno Mountain Watch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We care for San Bruno Mountain through conservation, ecological restoration, education, and advocacy in partnership with local communities. Learn more at

Our ecological restoration program protects and cares for the mountain’s diverse habitats, including rare and endangered plants and animals, in collaboration with community volunteers of all ages.

The primary responsibility of the Ecological Restoration Fellow will be to carry out habitat restoration activities during community volunteer events, school field trips, and independently. The Fellow will also work at our Mission Blue Nursery to support nursery staff and accomplish tasks relevant to ecological restoration projects.

This job opportunity is a fellowship with the opportunity to transition into a permanent role. The preferred starting date is mid-August or September of 2025. The fellowship is offered on an annual basis, finishing a year after the start date; however, the Fellow may be offered a promotion to a permanent, Specialist position during or after the course of the term, depending on performance.

Term

• One-year fellowship with the opportunity to transition into a permanent role.
• Part-Time. Up to 34 hours per week depending on your preference and availability.
• Flexible Work Schedule: Preferred days of work, hours per day, and hours per week are open for discussion.
• Working at least three Saturdays per month is required.
• At-Will Employment

Compensation

$24 per hour

Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, and 6 Paid Holidays

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION FELLOW

JOB DESCRIPTION

Ecological Restoration Activities (~67%)

Community-Based Ecological Restoration

• Prepare for, help lead, and clean up after ecological restoration volunteer workdays on weekdays and weekends.
• Collaborate with other team members to host ecological restoration activities as part of service-learning school field trips.
• Communicate with volunteers regarding event registration inquiries and more.
• Effectively guide volunteers and explain proper restoration methods for planting, direct seeding, weeding, and more.
• Connect with volunteers at community events, making them feel welcomed, appreciated, and engaged.
• Maintain landscaping tools, gloves, and equipment in good condition.
• Cultivate an interest in the natural and cultural history of San Bruno Mountain and share this knowledge with program participants.

Individual Activities Separate from Public Workdays

• Perform native plant revegetation and maintenance on San Bruno Mountain.
• Irrigate restoration plantings at field sites.
• Perform invasive plant removal on San Bruno Mountain with hand tools and power tools (string trimmers).

Data Collection & Planning

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of staff and volunteer hours.
• Perform natural resource monitoring (survivorship of restoration plantings).
• Perform natural resource mapping (seed collection points, invasive plant removal polygons) using mobile applications (Calflora, iNaturalist, ArcGIS Collector).
• Collaborate with team members to plan all aspects of restoration projects.
• Attend natural resource meetings with park partners.

Mission Blue Nursery Activities (~33%)

Phytosanitary Practices

• Assist with plant pathogens detection testing before nursery-grown plants are used in restoration sites.
• Assist with heat treatment of potting soil mixes.
• Help implement phytosanitary practices at the nursery to support nursery sanitation standards and reduce the risk of plant pathogens like Phytophthora.

General Nursery Support

• Help lead weekly volunteer events at the nursery.
• Engage in seed collection and processing to supply propagation material for ecological restoration projects individually, with team members, and through volunteer collection events.
• Provide customer service at quarterly public plant sales.
• Assist with other nursery tasks as needed.

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION FELLOW QUALIFICATIONS

• Possession of a valid driver’s license. You will be driving our organization’s truck.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Ability to connect with and work harmoniously with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions as well as policies relevant to performing work safely and effectively while using the appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to work independently with guidance.
• Ability to perform digital tasks with devices and platforms like computers, mobile devices, cameras, and mobile applications.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace, social media platforms, task management software, etc.

• Work activities may occur on steep and uneven terrain and in the presence of environmental hazards like poison oak.
• Work settings are outdoors in variable and challenging weather conditions.
• Work involves strenuous landscaping and nursery tasks that require periods of hiking, standing, kneeling, and lifting.
• Work involves carrying up to 40 pounds.

San Bruno Mountain Watch is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws.