Restoration Associate

Job Announcement

Restoration Associate

(Full-Time, Exempt Position)

December 2024

Position Summary

The Santa Lucia Conservancy (Conservancy) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit land trust incorporated in 1995 to protect and steward in perpetuity the unique natural, cultural, and aesthetic values of the Santa Lucia Preserve and serve as a model of ecologically sustainable development to communities outside of the Preserve. Located in the northern Santa Lucia Mountains near Carmel, CA, the Conservancy is dedicated to advancing the art and science of conservation-compatible development through adaptive land management, conservation easement stewardship, ecological research, and environmental education programs.

The Conservancy owns and manages through conservation easements 18,000 acres of land within the 20,000-acre Santa Lucia Preserve to protect and enhance their extraordinary ecological values. In addition, the Conservancy works with a variety of academic and environmental partners to conduct and promote land management and ecological research to increase our understanding of local natural resources and the interactions between human communities and the natural environment.

The Restoration Associate position is a critical part of the Santa Lucia Conservancy Ecological Management Program. Working with the Restoration Manager, this position is responsible for the development and implementation of the Restoration Program, including invasive species management, restoration projects, prescribed fire, post-fire recovery, as well as supervising Seasonal Restoration Technicians. The Restoration Associate is considered an essential staff member and is expected to be available during emergencies or unexpected conditions.

The Restoration Associate reports to the Restoration Manager and supervises up to four (4) restoration technicians.

Primary Responsibilities

25% Assist with Planning and Management of Restoration Program

Provide support to the Restoration Manager and manage day-to-day activities in the planning and implementation of invasive species and brush management, restoration projects and contracts.

• Plan and manage invasive species and brush management.
• Support compliance of active grants and contracts and meeting deadlines.
• Ensure accurate mapping and recordkeeping of herbicide tools, records, and treatments.
• Collaborate with the Ecological Management Department on the prescribed fire program and post-fire recovery.

65% Implementation of Invasive Species and Brush Management

Invasive species and brush management rely on various treatments performed throughout the year led by the Restoration Associate and Seasonal Restoration Technicians.  

• Plan, assign, and direct work in accordance with operating plans and budgets.
• Conduct interviews and training for direct reports.
• Ensure a safe and secure work environment.
• Perform invasive species and brush management practices through a variety of manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques.
• Map treatments and invasive species.
• Use hand tools, mowers, chainsaws, and herbicides for invasive species and brush management.
• Load, haul, inventory, and maintain tools, materials, and equipment.

10% Administrative Duties

• Approve timesheets for direct reports. Ensure that accurate hours of direct reports are kept.
• Attend/participate in staff and departmental meetings.
• Attend and participate in other team activities as assigned.
• Conduct map management and GIS troubleshooting.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, botany, environmental science, biology, or a related field with a focus on conservation and ecological restoration issues.
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in ecological restoration or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage contractors, employees, interns, and/or volunteers in performing tasks with a minimum of at least two years’ experience.
• Experience mixing, hauling and applying herbicide.
• Knowledge of central California biodiversity, threats, and best management practices.
• Experience implementing land management and ecological restoration plans.
• Strong social and interpersonal skills including the ability to resolve and mediate conflict and maintain good working relationships with coworkers, volunteers, and members of the community.
• Able to follow directions accurately, timely and completely with minimal supervision.
• Adhere to the organization’s protocol, projects and safety policies. Be responsible in conduct in field and office environments, including herbicide use and use of vehicle and power equipment such as: chainsaws, sprayer, tractor, hooking up and towing a trailer, loading heavy equipment, etc.
• Competency in field-based data collection/mapping with aptitude for learning new systems, software, and technologies.
• Must hold a valid California driver’s license with a clean record.
• Must either hold a valid California Qualified Applicator Certificate/Qualified Applicator License or be able to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
• Fluent spoken and written English required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online and Field Maps software.
• Familiar with and use of offroad vehicles and power equipment such as: UTV, chainsaws, herbicide sprayer, hooking up and towing a trailer, loading heavy equipment, etc.
• Experience tracking hours and projects for grant reporting.
• First Aid certified.

Working Conditions/Physical Effort

• Significant field work, occasional highly physical work and/or adverse working conditions (e.g., inclement weather) in remote locations, long hours during peak field season(s), weekend work from time to
• Driving and hiking in uneven terrain and working comfortably for extended periods in rugged outdoor conditions, including occasionally lifting and carrying at least 40 pounds are required.
• Capacity to handle complex tasks under pressure and under time
• Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations and often in physically demanding
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record and current insurance. A company vehicle will be available for work

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $69,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and qualifications. Santa Lucia Conservancy offers a competitive benefit package including health, dental, vision, FSA, and life insurance, a 401(k) with up to a 6% employer match, 12 paid holidays, vacation, and paid sick leave.