Seasonal Restoration Technician

Position Title: Riparian Restoration Technician (Seasonal)

# of Positions being filled: Three
Classification: Temporary Full-Time, Non-Exempt (hourly) (Part Time is an option)
Work Schedule: Works four 10-hour days (Monday through Thursday)
Duration: Summer seasonal, mid-May – mid-September 2024 (exact dates TBD, potential for year-round employment with additional benefits after summer season)
Pay: $19.00-21.00/hour

POSITION SUMMARY:
A seasonal Restoration Technician performs manual labor to implement riparian habitat restoration projects throughout the Skagit and Samish River watersheds. Activities are primarily geared towards maintenance of native vegetation along waterways as part of ongoing restoration efforts. Specific tasks include mechanical weed control, herbicide application under the direction of a licensed applicator, mowing, mulching, watering, weeding, and removing trash. Work will be conducted outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain including waterways, steep slopes, pasture, forest, and wetlands.

About Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group:

The Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group (www.skagitfisheries.org) is a nonprofit a leader in Skagit River watershed salmon recovery, community engagement and environmental education for the last 30 years. The Skagit River, which flows for 160 miles, is the ancestral home of four Native American tribes, and is the only large river in Washington with significant populations of all five species of salmon found on the U.S. West Coast. We consist of a team of experienced staff, advised by key watershed stakeholders, and supported by hundreds of volunteers. We believe that a community working together to restore and protect watersheds will ultimately result in larger and sustainable salmon populations. We accomplish our mission by restoration and stewardship of critical watershed habitat, community outreach and educating the next generation through our K12 programs. Over our 30+ year history, we have removed and replaced over 70 fish passage barriers opening over 100 miles of streams to salmon and steelhead.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform site maintenance activities using Integrated Vegetation Management techniques to control invasive species at riparian planting sites including mowing, weed whacking, mulching and herbicide application.
• Safely apply herbicides under the direction of a licensed herbicide applicator.
• Safely operate mechanized equipment including skid steer, small tractor, and similar items to
  maintain riparian restoration sites. May occasionally operate larger machines such as excavators to assist with other projects.
• Protect riparian habitat by constructing and repairing fences along waterways according to specifications and plans.
• Safely operate, maintain and repair restoration tools and equipment.
• Keep accurate records of daily activities.
• Follow all safety protocols and attend appropriate trainings.
• Occasionally assist with juvenile fish seining and rescue related to habitat restoration projects.
• Occasionally assist with monitoring tasks for habitat restoration sites including juvenile fish documentation, vegetation monitoring, and photo documentation.
• Occasionally perform manual labor related to the implementation of habitat improvement projects including installing and anchoring fish habitat structures in streams, constructing erosion control structures, and implementing other BMP’s to reduce impacts to waterways during construction activities.
• Occasionally assist with conducting culvert and habitat surveys according to WDFW protocols
• Seasonal technicians serving in their second year may be given additional responsibilities consistent with the job description.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION:

• Education, experience or training related to native and invasive plant identification.
• Experience working in the natural resources, habitat restoration, landscaping, or similar field.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES FOR POSITION:

• Knowledge and skills related to native plant identification
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability and willingness to follow direction and take initiative while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to perform physically demanding manual labor outdoors, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain in all types of weather.
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools such as weed eaters, chainsaws, power auger, small tractors, high-weed mower.
• Willingness to apply herbicide under the direction of a licensed herbicide applicator.
• Knowledge and skills related to natural resources and/or environmental restoration.
• Comfortable working in and around water.
• Ability to operate four-wheel drive truck and trailer.
• Ability to communicate effectively.

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License throughout employment period.
• As per SFEG’s personnel policies, SFEG will conduct a background check on any volunteers or employees who will work with children or other vulnerable populations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.):

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• Walk up to 3-miles over steep or uneven terrain.
• Operate a weed whacker or backpack sprayer for 6-8 hours per day.
• Frequently required to work in or cross streams and rivers with calm to moderate currents and depths of up to several feet.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:
The following qualifications, skills, knowledge or abilities are preferred/helpful for this position, but are not required.

• Training or college course work in biological sciences, environmental sciences, natural resources, or related field.
• Washington State commercial herbicide operator license.
• CPR and First Aid Certified.
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS Suite.
• Operation of drones
• Familiarity with assessing culverts and habitat utilizing WDFW’s Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual