Seasonal Habitat Restoration Technician

About the Role 

Cascadia Conservation District is seeking highly motivated and skilled individuals to join the District in the role of Habitat Restoration Technician I (Crew Member) or Habitat Restoration Technician II (Crew Leader). The Habitat Restoration Technician I will work as a Crew Member with landowners, crews and project partners to implement high priority habitat restoration projects. The Habitat Restoration Technician II will work as a Crew Leader and lead the District’s field crew and assist Resource Specialists. These seasonal, full-time positions will assist with the District’s habitat restoration program. These positions work to implement habitat restoration projects to benefit salmonid species and water quality in Chelan County. Funding for these positions is provided by grants and relies on successful future grant applications. These positions report directly to Cascadia CD’s Program Director taking directions from Habitat Restoration Specialist I and II staff. 

These positions will begin around April 1st, 2025 and conclude around October 31, 2025. Depending on funding, weather and project needs, these positions may be extended beyond October 31, 2025. 

Typical Work 

Habitat Restoration Technicians will work closely with CCD staff and area partners to implement habitat restoration projects in Chelan County. A typical day may include site visits to active or prospective project sites, site maintenance and monitoring utilizing mechanical or chemical weed control methods, project implementation, and data input and organization. These positions will spend approximately 90% of their time in the field. For a full list of duties for these positions, please see the job description posted at: Careers – Cascadia Conservation District 

Compensation 

Starting at $20.57-$25.00 per hour for Habitat Restoration Technician I,   

Starting at $22.39-27.22 per hour for Habitat Restoration Technician II   

Job Classification and starting pay Depending on Qualifications and Experience  

Benefits 

Paid Sick Leave, Paid Washington State Holidays, Paid Medical, Dental and Vision, Eligible for Washington State PERS Retirement 

About Us 

Cascadia Conservation District’s mission is to encourage wise stewardship and conservation of all natural resources in Chelan County by:  

• Working to implement conservation best management practices on the ground.
• Being an active advocate for wise land use and water management decisions.
• Promoting a reasonable approach to environmental problems. Providing locally led, voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to local environmental problems.
• Educating both adults and youth about natural resources stewardship.

Cascadia CD consists of a small team of dedicated staff focused on providing technical assistance, cost share and building programs that serve our community and the natural resources in Chelan County. Cascadia CD is a non-regulatory political sub-division of Washington State and is governed by a 5-member volunteer Board of Supervisors. 

Minimum Qualifications 

A qualified candidate must have:  

• Capability of working with diverse individuals and small groups.
• Able to work in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions, traverse difficult upland and instream terrain, and carry field equipment necessary to complete required job tasks.
• Ability to lift, pull, carry or push up to 50 lbs. Strong knowledge of MS Office applications (Word, Excel are essential).
• Valid driver’s license.
• At least high school diploma with some experience with natural resource topics
• Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications 

A well-qualified candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:  

• Ability to communicate in English and Spanish
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor in tough conditions
• Experience operating landscape equipment
• Knowledge of native and non-native plants
• Experience working with conservation districts, and or other conservation focused organizations
• Experience working with community groups
• Experience assisting with implementation of habitat restoration projects such as, noxious weed removal, beaver dam analogs, riparian plantings or other watershed restoration projects.

Preferred qualifications for the Technician II: 

• Previous experience leading a crew.
• Demonstrated the ability to work on multiple projects
• Wilderness first aid training with Wilderness First Responder certification preferred.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting landscape equipment, brushcutters, chainsaws etc.
• Strong conflict resolution, time management, and team building skills.
• Broad background and experience in natural resources and conservation topics.
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural resources or related field.

Those meeting 2 or more of the desired attributes are encouraged to apply 

Desired Attributes  

Cascadia is seeking applicants with the following attributes:   

• Pragmatic
• Safety oriented with strong situational awareness
• Open-Minded and empathetic
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humor in tough conditions
• Able to adjust to changing circumstances and innovate when conventional methods fall short
• Comfortable with dynamic situations and willing to adapt quickly
• Deeply curious and care about how all people connect with the landscapes around them.
• Works well with diverse teams with differing backgrounds and approaches