Restoration Technician

This is an AmeriCorps national service position. It is contingent on funding and open until filled. Ecostudies Institute is a non-profit located in Olympia, WA. We focus on the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We address complex environmental challenges through partnerships, conservation research, and strategic, science-based management. The member will serve on a cohort focused on different aspects of prairie restoration. They will focus on hands-on restoration tasks and spend a smaller amount of time on habitat monitoring. We seek people with a passion for ecosystem conservation and restoration. The ability to serve mostly outdoors and experience with on-the-ground restoration actions are desired. We expect to begin rolling interviews in early August. Monthly stipend amount: $2,276.

Overview Summary
The Restoration Technician (Technician) will work with a team in the maintenance and restoration of prairie and forest habitats in the South Puget Sound region of Washington, primarily focusing on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This position will primarily work as part of our fire management and/or invasive species management crew, and entails strenuous physical activity and operation of heavy equipment. 

This position requires a sound work ethic, interpersonal skills, and positive attitude during long field days.  Development of positive and effective relationships with volunteers and partners is critical. The Technician must also be able to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision or through the supervision of conservation partners, including federal and state agency personnel, such as the WA Dept. of Natural Resources, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The South Sound Program is science-based and the Technician will be required to document and appropriately file all data pertinent to the operations on a regular basis. 

About Ecostudies
Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management and ecological restoration.  At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches. The organization is headquartered in Olympia, Washington with a field office in Eugene, Oregon. Ecostudies currently employs over 40 permanent and seasonal staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Survey and control invasive plants and undesirable native vegetation primarily through herbicide applications.
• Participate in fire management activities, if desired. Conduct burn unit and fireline preparations prior to burning. Participate in controlled burns, mop up, and patrols as a core burn crew member. Conduct post burn follow-up restoration actions like rehab, seeding, and controlling weeds in burned areas.
• Achieve and maintain qualification as Firefighter Type II under NWCG guidelines. Work towards other advanced qualification encouraged.
• Maintain records of work performed and communicate to supervisor in a clear and organized manner.
• Regularly enter data on mobile devices through apps such as ArcGIS FieldMaps and QuickCapture.
• Research techniques and best management practices to accomplish project objectives.
• Conduct and track routine maintenance of all equipment used in implementing duties.
• Operate equipment such as tractor with rotary brush cutter, engine powered chipper/shredder, chainsaws, hand-operated gas-powered brush cutters, and other heavy and light equipment.
• Work with personnel, equipment and other resources to successfully complete natural resource management projects.
• Assist with other natural resource management operations as requested including planting and seed collection.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly works in natural areas. Hikes across, and conducts work within, native habitats and uneven ground. Work is anticipated in prairie, forest, wetland and other habitat types.
• Works in military training areas with nearby training activities including artillery and small arms fire, aviation and military vehicle driving training, etc.
• Regularly required to operate a Ecostudies Institute vehicle
• Frequently works independently and as part of a team
• Responsible for some evening and weekends including travel
• Uses or supervises the use of pesticides and/or other chemical substances
• Uses or supervises the use of hand and powered equipment such as shovels, axes, weed trimmers and chain saws
• Regularly lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds