Restoration Project Coordinator

About Solano Resource Conservation District 

Solano Resource Conservation District (Solano RCD) is a special district to the State of California that works closely with a variety of local and regional partners to enhance and protect Solano County watersheds through strategic restoration activities, water education and outreach programs, and by offering conservation planning and watershed coordination services to local residents and landowners. Solano RCD staff and its Board of Directors strive toward excellence, equity, inclusion, collaboration, and appreciation in the work performed and welcome candidates who share these same values. 

Position Summary  

The Project Coordinator will assist with habitat restoration projects in Solano County. Tasks will include establishing native plants, irrigation operation and maintenance, weed control, propagation, and monitoring restoration sites, as well as some public outreach and coordination of project deliverables. The Project Coordinator position is geared towards individuals who have 1-4 years of professional, personal, or academic experience in restoration ecology, landscape management, environmental studies, agriculture, botany, or biology and are seeking a full-time, permanent position with growth potential. 

Work Schedule 

The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with occasional required Saturday work.  Start times are typically between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, but may vary depending on weather and field conditions. We aim for a 40-hour work week, though additional hours are likely during our peak season. Hours worked over 40 hours per week are compensated at time-and-a-half CTO.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Planting: Planting and propagation from seeds, cuttings, and nursery stock.
• Weed control: Herbicide application, weed whacking, mowing, and manual weed removal.
• Irrigation: Operating pumps, hand watering, and installing and maintaining drip irrigation systems.
• Transportation: Driving pick-up trucks, towing trailers and equipment, loading and unloading tools, plants, mulch, and supplies.
• Monitoring: Observing and recording plant health, weed populations, and wildlife.
• Fire and Flood Recovery: Participate in prescribed burns, site prep, cleanup, mulching, and seeding.
• Public Engagement: Working with volunteers, supporting public workshops, tabling, and plant sales.
• Project coordination: Supporting Project Managers on installation, maintenance, record-keeping, and meeting deliverables on 3-4 restoration projects.
• Participate in one Administrative Team.
• Participate in occasional cleanup of vehicles, office buildings, and tool shop.

This position is approximately 80% outdoor field work and 20% planning and administrative work in the office. Project sites include grasslands, riparian and wetland habitat, hedgerows, vegetated canals, public lands, urban parks, and farm and ranch ponds. This is an outdoor, field-based position that will require work in wildland settings, inclement weather, and temperature extremes.  On-the-job training will be provided for all technical habitat restoration activities, including the safe use of equipment and herbicides.  Work is often as part of a team, but the position will also require independent work.   

Workdays will begin and end at our office in Dixon, CA. Transportation to field sites will be in Solano RCD vehicles. Staff may occasionally need to drive their personal vehicles to field sites, and Solano RCD will provide mileage compensation at the IRS-approved rate. 

Minimum Qualifications                 

• Demonstrated interest in California native plants, habitat restoration, botany, or ecology.
• Experience and enthusiasm for working outdoors.
• Professional or personal experience working with plants.
• Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License and have personal liability insurance.
• Physical Qualifications:
• Ability to frequently lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to navigate and work on difficult, uneven terrain and complete field tasks while carrying up to a 35-pound pack over difficult and uneven terrain for sustained periods during a workday.
• Demonstrated physical and mental endurance essential for long workdays in challenging outdoor conditions.
• The ability to safely and effectively manage these combined physical demands is essential.

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience operating weed whackers, power equipment, ATVs/UTVs, trailers.
• Familiarity with the communities, agricultural lands, and natural landscapes of Solano County.
• Bachelor’s Degree or significant course work in environmental studies, botany, biology, or restoration ecology.
• Experience applying herbicides with backpack sprayers and ATVs.
• Possession of a Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or other DPR certification.

Conditions of Employment 

• Must be able to work in a variety of environments, temperature and weather extremes, standing/walking outdoors in extreme temperatures as well as on uneven terrain.
• Must be a team player with the ability to work with staff, volunteers, board members and local landowners who have a diverse range of backgrounds, motivations and interests.
• Employment at the Solano RCD is employment at-will. Employment at-will may be terminated with or without cause and with or without notice at any time by the employee or the District.

Compensation and Benefits 

The Project Coordinator position is non-exempt (hourly) with a wage range of $26.09-29.65 per hour, depending upon qualifications and experience. Medical, dental, vision, vacation, and sick leave benefits are included as part of employment. Retirement benefits are available upon completion of a six (6) month probationary period. Paid holidays will be provided. Hours worked over 40 hours per week are compensated at time-and-a-half CTO.  The Project Coordinator will receive a uniform stipend (including boots and field shirts) and cell phone allowance.