Stewardship Technician

Pepperwood is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with amission to inspire conservation through science. Pepperwood owns and operates a 3,200-acre preserve in Sonoma County, CA dedicated to ecological stewardship, research and education. Pepperwood is a place where science and community come together to solve today’s most pressing environmental challenges. Pepperwood works with researchers from around the world to address challenges facing land and water managers today and we translate results into educational tools and practical solutions for our community. Our goal is to ensure that humanity thrives together with a vibrant natural world. Please learn more about our programs at www.pepperwoodpreserve.org.

Job Summary: The Stewardship Technician supports the Preserve Management team to care for the preserve’s natural resources and infrastructure. Under the supervision of the Fire and Stewardship Manager the Stewardship Technician conducts maintenance of facilities including buildings, roads, trails, water systems, fences, vehicles, and tools. They participate in natural resource planning and conservation management of the flora and fauna of the preserve, including management tools such as the conservation grazing program, invasive species removal, prescribed fire, restoration planting and biological monitoring of the ecological health of the preserve. The Stewardship Technician will work with Native Advisory Council, education team, volunteers and contractors to conduct work on the preserve. This person will serve as an ambassador of Pepperwood to visitors on an as-needed basis. May require weekend or evening assignments as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Implement land stewardship procedures, protocols and systems across the 3,200 acre reserve
• Assist with vegetation management activities, including conservation grazing, forest fuels reduction, native plant restoration, invasive plant and non-native animal control programs, and prescribed fire practices
• Participate in prescribed fire operations, including the preparation, implementation, holding, and monitoring of prescribed burns. This includes pre- and post- burn monitoring, understory thinning and fireline preparation work, ignitions and holding of prescribed fire, and post fire restoration
• Maintain buildings, roads, trails, fences, water systems, vehicles and toolsAssist research team with data entry and biological monitoring as needed
• Provide for preserve security with regular patrols, checking gates, fences and signage
• Interface with visitors and provide orientation to group leaders
• Interact with volunteers, researchers, students, public visitors, help lead volunteer workdays and other community event
• Support native plant nursery as needed
• Support pre- and post- burn ecological and fire effects monitoring
• Participates in team meetings, retreats, initiatives, committees, and events as appropriate, contributing to meeting strategic outcomes and a collaborative team dynamic
• Prioritize and maintain positive, inclusive, and respectful interpersonal dynamics, even in challenging working conditions
• Other duties as assigned

Essential Requirements:

• Minimum of 2 year of work experience in natural resource management and/or equivalent coursework
• Willing to learn how to work within contract/project management context
• Experience with the safe use and maintenance of power tools including chain saw, mower, water pumps and construction tools
• Experience maintaining vehicles and small engines
• Willing to use a range of vegetation management techniques, including manual, mechanical, and chemical treatment methods, in compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations. Required safety training and certifications will be provided as needed.
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office
• Excellent people skills; friendly, warm and personable
• Ability to learn new web-based tools as needed
• Familiarity with regional botany and plant identification
• Familiarity with basic concepts of fuels and fire use
• Familiarity with basic wildlife identification and management issues
• Clear communication skills verbally and in writing
• Excellent team player
• Seeks guidance when needed but able to work independently
• Must possess and maintain a valid California driver’s license and be insurable under Pepperwood’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Superior and consistent attention to detail with commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, employ proper safety measures, and show appropriate levels of problem-solving
• Demonstrated commitment to values and mission of Pepperwood Preserve
• Can work safely and efficiently independently and as part of a team
• Experience operating chainsaws and other small engine tools

Non-essential Skills/Qualifications:

• Bilingual Spanish and English
• Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, natural resources, and/or environmental studies
• Basic Wildland Firefighter Qualification (FFT2) and/or experience in prescribed fire
• Current CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid certification
• Experience driving full sized work truck, tractors and haul utility trailers
• Experience with herbicide application
• Experience using ARCGIS
• Experience with report writing and data management
• Experience leading groups in a field setting

Work Environment: Central office in Preserve barn: temperate climate, office lighting, and computer workstation. Remote field locations on preserve: uneven terrain, limited vehicle access and cell phone reception, sometimes solitary. This position includes indoor and outdoor work. Vegetation management can entail work with power tools and herbicides in various weather conditions. Pepperwood is committed to maintaining a safe work environment. Employees are required to follow all safety policies and procedures, participate in required safety trainings, and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing job duties.

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike 8 miles in varying terrain; perform manual labor in extreme weather conditions; lift up to 80 lbs; visual capacity to use binoculars and GPS unit. Familiarity managing hazards including ticks, poison oak and rattlesnakes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.