Wildfire Biologist Technichian

The Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains is hiring a Wildfire Biologist Technician to support the district’s fire resilience and habitat restoration projects throughout the wildland-urban interface. We are seeking a detail-oriented individual who excels at multitasking and can work collaboratively on projects across two departments. This is a variable part-time position with hours ranging from 20-40 per week and is eligible for all offered employee benefits.

Job Description: 

Under the supervision of the Community Resilience Project Manager and in collaboration with the Wildfire Resilience Specialist and Oak Project Manager, the Wildfire Biology Technician delivers field‑based and technical support for our wildfire resilience, oak restoration, and habitat conservation initiatives in the wildland–urban interface (WUI).

Job Duties: 

• Conduct HIZ evaluations, create reports, and provide the results to clients.
• Works directly with the Community Resilience Project Manager and Wildfire Resilience Specialist to assist with scheduling Home Ignition Zone evaluations and streamline scheduling systems and best practices.
• May attend meetings and assist with presentations to community organizations, homeowners associations (HOA), neighborhood councils and others to promote the RCD’s wildfire programs and services.
• Assist with additional community outreach and partner initiatives as directed by the Community Resilience Project Manager and Wildfire Resilience Specialist.
• May attend National Fire Protection Association, California Fire, and similar wildfire training and program awareness opportunities as they arise.
• Complete other tasks as directed by the Community Resilience Project Manager or Director of Community Resilience.
• Assists Oak Project Manager with restoration and monitoring
• Assists with oak restoration volunteer events
• Assists Oak Project Manager with Bad Beetle monitoring and project deliverables.
• Assist with snorkel and redd surveys as needed.
• Assists with other restoration and monitoring projects.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelors in Environmental Studies, Conservation Biology, or Ecology preferred.
• Prior experience working in wildfire resilience-related programs preferred.
• Experience with vegetation and invasive insect survey protocols preferred.
• Familiarity with GPS and GIS tools (handheld and desktop).
• Proven self-starter with the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to organize time and resources efficiently
• Prior experience supervising teams preferred.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Comfortable driving large pick-up truck and towing trailer.

Work Environment:

• This is a hybrid position that will require in office and on-site work.
• This position will require nights and weekends.
• This position will require long periods of sedentary desk work.
• This position will require some physically demanding field work that includes traversing uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor elements in a variety of conditions. Some field days may be longer than 8 hours.
• This position will be regularly required to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 25 pounds.
• This position works with a diverse group of individuals and communities.

Benefits:

• Additional 8% health stipend.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• CalPERS state retirement system.
• Optional 457 retirement plan. (no RCD contribution)
• accrual of up to 12 days of sick time a year and 2 weeks of vacation (increasing with years of service)
• 14 paid holidays per year.
• $50 per month cell phone stipend.