Center for Natural Lands Management Prairie Restoration Technician

Reports to: Joint Base Lewis McChord Program Manager Location: Olympia, Washington

Type: Temporary/Seasonal Full-Time (1.0 FTE); Non-Exempt (Hourly) Compensation: $15.00 – $17.50 hourly – DOE; with benefits Period: Est. April 15, 2018 thru September 30, 2018 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 Prairie Restoration Technician will work with a team in the maintenance and restoration of prairie sites in the South Puget Sound region of Washington. Maintenance and restoration efforts include control of pest plants, monitoring native vegetation, collecting seed of native plants, planting native plants and conducting prescribed fire. The position entails strenuous physical activity and operation of heavy equipment. The Prairie Restoration Technician is a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position supervised by the Joint Base Lewis McChord Program Manager. This position entails a sound work ethic, interpersonal skills, and positive attitude during long field days. Development of positive and effective relationships with volunteers and partners is critical. The Technician must also be able to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision or through the supervision of conservation partners, including federal and state agency personnel, such as the WA Dept. of Natural Resources, WA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, and Joint Base Lewis McChord. The South Sound Prairie Program is science-based and the Technician will be required to document and appropriately file all data pertinent to the operations on a regular basis. The Technician is expected to be an integral member of the CNLM’s South Sound Program. The Technician will become a staff information source on the effective and efficient implementation of restoration actions. The Technician will need to effectively communicate with partners, volunteers and the public concerning specific work and the work of the South Sound Program and the Center for Natural Lands Management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct quantitative monitoring of pest and native species under the guidance of Prairie Restoration Team members and partner’s scientists.

• Work with personnel, equipment and other resources to successfully complete prairie restoration projects.

• Operate equipment such as tractor with rotary brush cutter, engine powered chipper/shredder, chain saws, hand-operated gas-powered brush cutters and other heavy and light equipment.

• Participate on controlled burns. Maintain qualification as Firefighter Type II under NWCG guidelines. Work towards advanced qualifications such as Firing Boss and Engine Boss.

• Conduct routine maintenance of all equipment used in implementing duties.

• Learn state-of-the-art prairie restoration knowledge as developed and utilized by the prairie restoration team. Communicate the correct and safe implementation of these techniques to other crewmembers, partners and volunteers.

• Work collaboratively with resource agencies, consultants, and other conservation organizations.

• Assist with other natural resource management operations as requested including tree planting, herbicide application and controlled burning activities. Must obtain appropriate Washington State pesticide license and firefighting certification.

• Fulfill other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Completion of or progress towards BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in science-related field or at least one year natural resources or agriculture related experience

• Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems; ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete preserve management activities. Knowledge of ecological land management principles.

• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; lawn mower, chainsaw, tractor, two-way radio, etc)

• Ability to follow instructions from 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, Firefighter Type II qualification.

• 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 fields. 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

• Regularly works around wildland fires

• 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-prt@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