Habitat Restoration Technician

POSITION SUMMARY:

As Habitat Restoration Technician you will perform manual labor to implement riparian habitat restoration projects throughout the Skagit and Samish River watersheds. Activities are primarily geared towards restoration of native vegetation along waterways as part of ongoing riparian habitat restoration efforts. Specific tasks include planting native plants, mechanical weed control, herbicide application under the direction of a licensed applicator, mowing, mulching, watering, weeding, and removing trash. Work will be conducted outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain including waterways, steep slopes, pasture, forest, and wetlands. Current funding supports a 10-month duration position which could be extended to 12 months depending on funding availability. For the 10 month position, time off would include one month in spring (May) and one month in fall (November).  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements habitat enhancement activities according to specifications and plans provided by the Riparian Restoration Manager, Stewardship Coordinator, or Habitat Restoration Coordinator such as planting native vegetation, riparian site maintenance, constructing and repairing fences along waterways, installing and anchoring fish habitat structures in streams, repairing fish passage barriers, and constructing erosion control structures and other best management practices to reduce impacts to waterways during construction activities.
• Perform site maintenance activities using Integrated Vegetation Management techniques to control invasive species at riparian planting sites including mowing, brush cutting, mulching and herbicide application.
• Safely apply herbicides under the direction of a licensed herbicide applicator. Assist with herbicide application record keeping and ensuring GIS herbicide database is up to date.
• Maintain and repair restoration tools and equipment. Assist with annual tool and equipment inventory and work with other staff to identify annual tool and equipment needs.
• Safely operate mechanized equipment including skid steer, small tractor, and similar items to maintain riparian restoration sites.
• May assist Habitat Restoration Coordinator conducting culvert and habitat surveys according to WDFW protocols.
• Assist with ensuring accurate records of field activities are kept, maintained and shared with Riparian Restoration Manager and Stewardship Manager on a regular basis.
• Follow all safety protocols and attend appropriate trainings. Assist with ensuring work site safety by making sure SFEG’s Accident Prevention Manual is followed for technician work.
• Occasionally protect riparian habitat by constructing and repairing fences along waterways according to specifications and plans.
• Occasionally assist with juvenile fish seining and removal related to habitat restoration projects.
• Occasionally assist with monitoring tasks for habitat restoration sites including juvenile fish documentation, vegetation monitoring, spawner surveys, and photo documentation.
• As a representative of SFEG, build working relationships with landowners and volunteers and support volunteer work parties and events
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:

• Education, experience or training related to native and invasive plant identification.
• Experience working in natural resources, habitat restoration, landscaping, agriculture, or similar field.
• A minimum of associate’s degree plus 1 year of pertinent work experience OR a minimum of 3 years pertinent work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES FOR POSITION:

• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to follow direction and take initiative while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability and willingness to apply herbicide under the direction of a licensed herbicide applicator.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools such as weed eaters, chainsaws, power auger, small tractors, and high-weed mower.
• Knowledge and skills related to native plant identification and revegetation techniques.
• Comfortable working in and around water and in safety associated with the use of small boats.
• Experience with computers and ability to use Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to operate four-wheel drive truck and trailer.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment period.
• CPR and first aid certified; if current certification is lacking, must be willing to obtain certification within 6 months of employment
• Must have or obtain Washington State Department of Agriculture Commercial Operator License to apply herbicides; if current license is lacking, must demonstrate ability to obtain license within 6 months of employment
• As per SFEG’s personnel policies, SFEG will conduct a background check on any volunteers or employees who will work with children or other vulnerable populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (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.):

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• Walk up to 3 miles over steep or uneven terrain.
• Operate a brushcutter or backpack sprayer for 6-8 hours per day.
• Able to perform physically demanding work, outdoors, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain in all types of weather
• Able to work in or cross streams and rivers with calm to moderate currents and depths of up to several feet.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

The following qualifications, skills, knowledge, or abilities are preferred/helpful for this position but are not required.

• Knowledge and skills related to habitat restoration and salmon habitat needs.
• Experience using field survey equipment such as auto levels, compass, densiometer, clinometers, GPS, digital cameras, etc.
• Training or college course work in biological sciences, environmental sciences, natural resources, or related field.
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS Suite.
• Operation of drones
• Familiarity with assessing culverts and habitat utilizing WDFW’s Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual