Laguna Canyon Foundation is a wonderful place to work!
Founded in 1990, Laguna Canyon Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the South Coast Wilderness, a 22,000-acre network of open space surrounding Laguna Beach in Orange County, California which is on traditional lands of the Tongva and Acjachemen peoples.
We assist in the acquisition of open space to add to system of protected lands that make up the South Coast Wilderness, offer education programs for school children and the general public, maintain and improve trails, restore habitat and conduct other land management activities throughout the South Coast Wilderness.
LCF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages BIPOC candidates, those identifying as LGBTQIA+ and other people from groups traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field to apply.
Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Conservation Programs include the Trails Program, the Fuel Modification Program and the Land Management Program.
The Conservation Trails Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Conservation Programs, Conservation Program Coordinator and other Laguna Canyon Foundation staff, volunteers, land managers, Park users, regulatory agencies and other partners and stakeholders to coordinate and implement the Trail Program. Though this position will be primarily funded through the Trail program, it will also assist with implementation of the Fuel Modification, Land Management and Restoration Programs as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Monitor, maintain, repair and improve singletrack trails in the South Coast Wilderness
- Plan, coordinate and implement trail stewardship volunteer events and manage & support LCF’s Long term Trail volunteers
- Educate and direct contractors (hand crew and heavy equipment) in the field and ensure compliance with land manager goals, regulations and requirements
- Coordinate with members of the public to answer questions and address concerns
- Collect, manage, analyze and report geospatial and photographic data
- Participate in monthly trail committee meetings
- Maintain hand tools
- Conduct targeted invasive control, including the application of herbicides
- Conduct weed assessment, rare plant and nesting bird surveys
- Assist with marking fuel modification treatment area boundaries
- Assist with preparation of maps and reports
- Coordinate and conduct field work in support of new and ongoing habitat restoration projects
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management or related field and 1 year minimum experience in trail management or vegetation management OR
- 2 years minimum experience in trail management or vegetation management
- Proven experience leading volunteer events, a field crew, and/or managing contractors
- Certification or ability to become certified in Basic First Aid & CPR (training available through LCF)
- Familiarity and experience with use of handheld GPS units and mapping software
- Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn to identify local native and non-native plants
- Familiarity with or ability to quickly learn to identify local bird species
- Basic computer literacy and the ability to quickly learn new computer programs
- Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communications skills
- Extensive experience working outdoors in all conditions
- Passionate about Laguna Canyon Foundation’s mission
- Highly motivated and a proven self-starter with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Ability and willingness to work weekend and occasional evening hours as necessary
- Access to a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and required insurance coverage, and willingness to use vehicle for work purposes (mileage reimbursement available)
- Candidate must be able to perform the Essential Functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations (see below)
The ideal candidate may also have:
- Familiarity with local parks, trails, habitats, environmental agencies and regulations
- Proof of formal non-academic training in trail management
- 3 or more years of experience trail management
- Demonstrated experience in trail design and/or project management
- Experience with the use of herbicides for vegetation management in wildland settings
- Experience working on habitat restoration and/or trail construction and maintenance projects
- Experience using chainsaws, brush-cutters and other power tools
Salary and Benefits:
- $35,000-$40,000 annually
- 2 weeks vacation per year plus paid holidays and sick days
- Laguna Canyon Foundation contributions to employee health insurance and retirement benefits
Additional Information:
- Preferred start date is October 15, 2021
- Please send resume and cover letter to paula@lagunacanyon.org