STRAW Restoration Field Technician

STRAW Restoration Field Technician at Point Blue Conservation Science 

Location: Will report to STRAW South Bay headquarters in Campbell, CA and drive work trucks to various field sites. Project field sites are located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister, with occasional work  in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. 

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Anticipated Duration: June 16, 2025 – May 31, 2026 (start date is negotiable)

Deadline to Apply: Monday, May 26th, 2025 

Compensation and Benefits: $26.45/hour. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long-term care, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

About Point Blue:

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture.  We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.

Job Summary:

We are seeking two enthusiastic team members to assist in habitat restoration projects with Point Blue’s Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed (STRAW) program. The STRAW Restoration Field Technician is an entry-level position that works closely with a team of Project Managers, Educators, Apprentices, and program staff to implement and maintain community-based ecological restoration projects with K-12 students. The Restoration Field Technician may lead the field work of other Restoration Field Technicians, Apprentices and Volunteers and will teach lessons and operate various equipment. 

Essential Functions include but are not limited to:

Restoration Support: 80-85%  

• Assist with planning and implementing restoration projects during the months of October through April, including ordering and staging restoration supplies, preparing field sites, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and project partners.
• Participate in physically demanding field work such as working on steep hillsides, carrying restoration equipment such as shovels, rock bars, and supply bins, loading and unloading vehicles, etc.
• Assist with planning and coordinating restoration site maintenance during the months of May through October, including assessing site requirements and plant health in the field, installing drip irrigation, weeding, and tracking and recording maintenance activities.
• Communicate effectively with a dynamic team including collaborating with Education staff, leading Interns, with instruction from Project Managers.
• Drive vehicles owned by Point Blue (e.g., trucks, tow trailers, all-terrain vehicles) from Point Blue office and/or storage facilities to project sites.
• Operate mechanical tools and equipment such as weed whackers and small engines.
• Observe safe work methods and appropriate use of related safety equipment.
• Mentor, supervise and provide technical direction to a crew of Apprentices, including leading field work and coordinating with Project Managers to plan daily tasks and supplies needed.
• Lead volunteers including school groups, conservation corps crews, and other volunteers in the field in community restoration activities, including demonstrating proper planting and tool techniques, while ensuring the safety of all participants and a high quality of work.

Education Support: 10-20%

• Education support for K-12 students on restoration work days entails: leading trainings; leading games/activities with students; working in a group with students.
• Attend and help lead Restoration Days with students, adult chaperones, and teachers .
• Build relationships with STRAW teachers, aid them with resources, ideas, and check-ins.
• Support with in-classroom pre-restoration education lessons and developing lesson plan activities.
• Assist with planning and logistics for teacher training events including the annual Watershed Week.

Other Duties as Assigned: 5%

• Perform other duties, projects and research as assigned.
• Attend restoration-related synergistic meetings and build relationships with local project partnerships and support restoration education and efforts regionally.
• Provide oversight to groups of volunteers.

Required Qualifications: 

• Any combination of education, experience and training that is equivalent to a minimum of 1-2 years of experience including, but not limited to: natural resource management, habitat restoration, natural sciences, horticulture, biology, ecology, restoration, botany, agronomy, agriculture, wildlife management, small engine repair, mechanics, engineering, hydrology, irrigation, landscaping, traditional ecological knowledge, or related work.
• Valid US driver’s license (4 year minimum) with favorable driving history to drive company owned vehicles.
• Approved background check and fingerprinting to work with students.
• Enthusiasm for ecological restoration work, including physically demanding field work.
• Enthusiasm for teaching and engaging with K-12 students and other public audiences.
• Enthusiasm to acquire knowledge of ecosystem processes, terminology, scientific research methods and techniques involved in ecosystem conservation and management.
• Work in both a team setting and individually.
• Lead small teams in the field.
• Listen carefully and execute detailed instructions.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications.
• Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities.
• Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds.

Desired Qualifications: (Applicants are not required to possess the following qualifications to be considered for the position. However, we would like to know if applicants possess any of the following qualifications as they are skill sets we are hoping to build on our team.)

• Spanish language fluency
• Seed collection, plant propagation experience
• Providing leadership in a field setting, leading field crews/volunteers/participants
• Enthusiasm for environmental education to support staff with in-classroom lessons and planning
• Dripline irrigation installation and maintenance
• Experience with developing educational materials
• Self-initiative
• Self-awareness

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• The position is based out of Point Blue facilities located in Campbell, California
• This position operates at remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity. Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and cold temperatures.
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk, and perform other physical activities.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks.

Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel:

• This is a full-time (40 hours/week) position, Monday-Friday.
• Overtime and Saturday work may be required periodically. Advanced notice will be given.
• Technicians will drive work trucks, and less often personal vehicles, from Campbell, CA to project sites located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, and Hollister.
• Occasional travel and overnight stays in the North Bay may be required for this position. Advanced notice will be given.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in an uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process.