Field Technician

Field Technician

• Full-time (1.0 FTE), non-exempt position
• Reports to the Senior Project Manager
• Hours are generally between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday with occasional weekends
• Compensation: $20-$23/hour DOE

Summary

Field Technician supports stewardship and resource management with a focus on habitat restoration and mitigation on all Solano Land Trust (SLT) properties (over 11,600 acres). Current projects include oak woodland and riparian area restoration, with future wetland creation projects planned. The Field Technician will be responsible for monitoring endangered species including California red-legged frog and various plant species. Field Technician will lead Community Science projects and work with volunteers to collect data and implement projects. (SLT will provide training, as needed.)

The Field Technician is accountable for delivering the following results:

1. Prompt and efficient response to requests for management/maintenance of SLT’s facilities, properties, and infrastructure.
2. Accurate and complete activities logs, including timesheets, maintenance records, monitoring data sheets, property visit records and other forms as assigned.
3. Consistent watering and weed control of mitigation sites, as directed.

Specific Responsibilities:

Support restoration and mitigation projects on Solano Land Trust lands. This includes oak and riparian restoration projects, and may include planning, implementation, and monitoring. Land management and habitat restoration includes weed control. Field Technician will work with chemical herbicides and will be provided appropriate training and protective gear. Mitigation and restoration area maintenance may include construction or maintenance of some fences and tree cages, mowing or weeding to promote native species, and may involve installation or maintenance of irrigation systems.

Support land restoration and habitat maintenance, including weed control using weed eater, tractor mower, chain saw, manual removal, and/or herbicide application by back-pack, ATV, and tractor. Repair and maintain fences, gates, barns and other livestock-related facilities, and repair or maintain trails and trail-related signage and kiosks, ranch roads.

Support facilities maintenance including scheduled and minor maintenance of off-grid electrical system, well-supplied public water system and the septic system.  Maintain and build/repair well-supplied stock water and irrigation systems, including electric and solar pumps, storage tanks, piping, and troughs.  Support maintenance of vehicles and equipment, including hand and power tools, vehicles, trailers, and other equipment as assigned.  Keep accurate records on activities and maintenance logs.

Support users and visitors of SLT lands including interacting with and providing assistance to groups and visitors utilizing facilities, and assisting SLT staff and volunteers with outdoor activities and fund-raising events. Field Steward may occasionally lead or supervise temporary employees, volunteers, including prison work crews, or contractors. Field Technician interacts with the public and supports use of all facilities by visiting scientists, user groups, and the general public. 

Position Requirements

Required Skills, Education, and Physical Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Interest in and willingness to learn plant and animal identification.
• Strong and reliable work ethic.
• Ability to rigidly adhere to monitoring protocols, maintenance and management schedules, and complete maintenance logs.
• Willingness to work with chemical herbicides with appropriate training and protective gear.
• Willingness to work in all kinds of weather conditions, walk for several miles over rough terrain, and endure biting and stinging insects.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the visiting public, ranchers, volunteers, and others.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, develop timeframes, and complete tasks within timeframes.
• Ability to lead others in assigned tasks.
• Ability to resolve problems independently as delegated.
• Ability to do physical work related to various maintenance and fieldwork activities including walking over uneven, hilly, and/or difficult terrain for one to two miles with a 3-gallon backpack sprayer and lifting and carrying tools and heavy (60-100 pounds) field equipment.
• California Class C driver’s license and ability to drive for local and regional travel.

Preferred Skills / Knowledge:

• Three years related work experience in habitat management, agriculture, or land management preferred. (Associates Degree or Trade School certification in a relevant field may substitute for one year of experience; Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field may substitute for two years of experience.)
• Basic carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical skills. Ability to safely operate a chainsaw and other power tools, a four-wheel drive truck with standard transmission, and a small farm tractor.
• Experience operating All-Terrain Vehicles over hilly terrain.
• Experience managing small construction projects.
• Experience with trail construction.
• Experience with chemical herbicides and associated equipment.
• Knowledge of local flora and fauna and/or an interest in learning to identify plants and animals classified as species of special concern.
• Comfortable working around livestock.

Solano Land Trust Culture

We value and benefit from the unique life experiences and collective wisdom of our diverse community and we intentionally seek out and welcome those voices who have historically not been involved in our work. We are learners who are always looking for ways to grow personally and we support and encourage our colleagues to be their best. We are self-starters, are flexible to ever-changing circumstances, and we operate with integrity, trust, personal responsibility, and mutual respect.

Salary and Benefits

Solano Land Trust provides a portion of the employee’s health, dental, and vision insurance, matches up to 3% of employee’s contribution toward their 403.b retirement account, and provides eleven paid holidays and three weeks of vacation per year.

After 6 months of employment, this position is eligible to enroll in the process to earn their Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) at the expense of Solano Land Trust.