Center for Natural Lands Management

Restoration Technician – Riparian

Reports to: Program Manager; Riparian Restoration Specialist

Location: Thurston County, Washington

Type: Temporary/Seasonal, Full-time (1.0 FTE), Non-Exempt

Pay: $15.00 to $17.00 hourly – DOE; with Benefits

Period: August 2017 through November 2017 (estimated)

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3), organization, created in 1990, whose mission is the perpetual stewardship of lands that are natural open areas, sensitive species and their resident ecosystems. Current operations are in California and Washington.

Currently, seventy-five preserves, encompassing over 50,000 acres throughout California, are under the management of the Center, with new preserves added regularly. The preserves vary in size from three to thousands of acres and are managed under direct ownership, conservation easements, or management contracts.

In the State of Washington, CNLM’s South Puget Sound Program focuses on conservation of one of the rarest ecosystems in the United States, the prairie and oak woodlands of Cascadia, especially those lands and habitats within the South Sound Region. In that Region, the Program aims to protect, restore habitats, and support recovery of rare species that are candidates for federal listing.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) Knotweed Technicians work with CNLM staff to survey and control the invasive plant knotweed along waterways throughout the Chehalis River Basin. Technicians work in the field throughout the hot summer field season – either hiking on the riverbanks (often through dense vegetation and uneven terrain) or paddling in a kayak/canoe. Technicians use field GPS units and data sheets to document and evaluate knotweed patches for rigor, extent, and location. Technicians also apply herbicides to control knotweed patches using backpack sprayers or pressurized spray bottles. The Knotweed Technician is a full-time, seasonal, non- exempt position supervised by the Thurston County Program Manager.

The overall success of the Chehalis River Basin Knotweed Control Project stems directly from the performance of the Knotweed Technicians. Therefore, Technicians require a diligent work-ethic in order to effectively restore critical riparian ecosystems during the brief two-month window when knotweed control efforts prove most effective. Proper knotweed control requires low-concentration herbicide treatments, so Technicians must be comfortable working with these chemicals. In addition, Technicians need strong interpersonal skills in order to encourage the participation and support of local landowners. Technicians must keep careful records of their survey and control actions in order to support future success for the program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct quantitative monitoring of pest and native species under the guidance of Restoration Team members and partner’s scientists
• Work with personnel, equipment and other resources to successfully complete restoration projects

• Operate equipment such as herbicide backpack sprayers, herbicide injectors, augers, chain saws, hand-operated gas-powered brush cutters and other heavy and light equipment
• Conduct routine maintenance of all equipment used in implementing duties
  • Maintain up-to-date understanding of the riparian restoration techniques and communicate these techniques to other crewmembers, partners and volunteers
    • Work collaboratively with resource agencies, consultants, landowners, and other conservation organizations
  • Assist with other natural resource management operations as requested including tree and shrub planting, herbicide application, invasive plant removal, and general restoration activities
    • Must obtain appropriate Washington State pesticide license

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma and 1-2 years of work experience in a science-related field or the equivalent combination of education and
• Working knowledge of natural systems and able to learn necessary plant identification skills
  • Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; herbicide backpack sprayers, lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)
• Ability to follow instructions and work together with colleagues
  • Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
  • Obtain related licenses or certifications such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, driver’s license
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers) and familiarity with ArcMap GIS and other database systems

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Regularly works in natural areas and at native plant nurseries and seed production Hikes across, and conducts work within, native habitats and uneven ground

• Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer workstation
• Regularly required to operate a CNLM vehicle
• Frequently works alone

• Responsible for some evening and weekends including travel
• Uses or supervises the use of pesticides and or other chemical substances
• Uses or supervises the use of powered equipment such as weed trimmers and chain saws
• Uses hand tools and operates nursery equipment
• Regularly lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds

CNLM is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status

or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. CNLM management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the CNLM and the employee and is subject to change by CNLM as the needs of the

CNLM and requirements of the job change.

TO APPLY: Qualified applicants must provide a detailed letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and three professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). All applications will be acknowledged.

Email these materials to: careers-knotweed@cnlm.org

If email is not possible, the application can be mailed to: Center for Natural Lands Management

Attention: Human Resources 27258 Via Industria, Suite B Temecula, CA 92590