Seasonal Biological Field Technician

Olofson Environmental, Inc. (OEI) is an environmental consulting firm located in Oakland, California. OEI manages the San Francisco Estuary Invasive Spartina Project (ISP), a coordinated regional effort between local, state, and federal organizations dedicated to preserving California’s extraordinary coastal biological resources through the elimination of non-native Spartina (cordgrass).  

ISP is seeking Seasonal Biological Field Technicians to assist with field mapping and management of invasive Spartina in tidal marshes around the San Francisco Bay. The technicians will gain on-the-job training in monitoring, vegetation identification and ecology, invasive plant management, and the use of GIS software. 

Biological Field Technicians will gain experience in the following: 

• Native and invasive salt marsh species, including Spartina species and their hybrids
• Tidal marsh ecology
• Mobile GIS software to map Spartina in the field
• How to work in sensitive species habitats
• Safe use and application of herbicide

Biological Field Technician responsibilities will include: 

• Using GPS units to relocate and record the treatment of invasive Spartina patches previously mapped by ISP biologists
• Mapping invasive Spartina
• Applying herbicide under direction of a licensed professional
• Working independently and in teams to manage invasive Spartina

Work will begin July 14 and will continue through approximately September 19. Position averages 30 to 40 hours/week. Hours will vary during the field season depending on tides, weather, and treatment schedule; some weeks may have little work and other weeks may require >40 hours. Work may start as early as 5 a.m. and end as late as 9 p.m. Occasional weekend work may be required. Housing is available. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Demonstrated interest in ecology, conservation, habitat restoration, or a related field
• Ability to work well independently and in a team setting
• Ability to follow project-specific field protocols and data entry/editing procedures
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• English language

Helpful Skills:  

• Strong map-reading skills
• Boating and trailering a boat
• Motor vehicle maintenance
• A familiarity with the San Francisco Bay area

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Candidates must be willing and able to: 

• Spend long periods of time in potentially adverse field conditions
• Walk 8+ hours per day outside in mud and soft substrate, in fully exposed sun, while carrying heavy equipment
• Comfortably lift and carry at least 30 pounds
• Apply imazapyr herbicide (trade name: Habitat or Polaris)
• Carry on your back an herbicide backpack sprayer that weighs 30 pounds while working as described in bullet 2.
• Swim, and be comfortable on and around motor boats in deep water (a majority of the remote field sites are accessed via watercraft)
• Get muddy!

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Available to work up to 5 full (8-10 hour) days a week, with the understanding that work availability will vary based on schedule and weather conditions
• Flexible, and adaptable to changes in schedules and hours, often with very little advance notice
• Available for occasional Saturday or Sunday work
• Must provide their own standard field gear, such as suitable clothing, backpack, and sun protection. ISP will provide technical gear, such as hip waders, data collection units, range finders, compasses, and personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work areas are in sensitive tidal marshes that may be inhabited by threatened or endangered species. Must demonstrate ability to follow protocols and show sensitivity to the habitat after one week of training

HOURS & PAY RATE 

Hours are variable from 20 to 60 hours/week based on project needs, but typically average 30-40 hours/week. Pay rate is $19/hour with housing available. Overtime is paid at time-and-a-half for over 8 hours/day, with double time for over 12 hours/day, in compliance with State law. A 7% bonus will be provided upon successful completion of the 10-week season. Seasonal employees do not receive medical or other employee benefits; however, they are entitled to all mandated federal, state, and local benefits, including paid sick leave. Pay rate would increase if employees return for future ISP seasons.