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 acquire open space to add to the 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.
Position Summary:
The Conservation Technician will report to the Conservation Coordinator and will work closely with the rest of the Laguna Canyon Foundation staff, volunteers, landowners, and partners to implement a variety of field-based projects. Typical work hours are Monday – Friday 7 am – 3:30 pm. Occasionally will be asked to work evenings and/or weekends.
This position performs duties including but not limited to native plant seed collection, native plant propagation and installation, irrigation installation and maintenance, vegetation & wildlife monitoring, and mechanical and chemical weed control. This position is field-based and requires extensive physical labor in adverse conditions and difficult terrain, including but not limited to off-trail travel, traversing steep slopes, working with herbicide, hand weeding, digging, bending, kneeling, using power tools such as string trimmers, brush cutters and augers, and moving heavy, awkward materials and equipment. The ideal candidate will have experience working on field-based projects, be a strong problem solver who is comfortable using an adaptive work management style, have a proven track record working both independently and as a team member, be dependable, self-motivated, and have a positive attitude.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Identifying and managing non-native plant populations through a combination of herbicide application, hand-pulling, mowing, and mulching.
- Restoring native habitat through a combination of planting and seeding.
- Installing, monitoring, and maintaining irrigation systems.
- Assisting with vegetation and wildlife monitoring activities.
- Maintaining hand and power tools while ensuring accurate inventory of supplies.
- Various janitorial duties to ensure workspaces and equipment sheds are kept clean and organized.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Essential Functions:
- Constantly works outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions.
- Constantly traverses off-trail over rough terrain and steep slopes, sometimes through thick vegetation.
- Frequently lifts and carries loads up to 35 pounds and occasionally lifts loads to 50 pounds.
- Frequently positions self-close to the ground to pull weeds, fix irrigation lines, etc.
- Frequently grips and manipulates hand tools such as shovels, cultivators, loppers, hoes, hammers, etc.
- Frequently uses power tools such as string trimmers, brush cutters, and augers.
- Constantly exchanges information both verbally and in written form with supervisor, co-workers, and others.
- Remains in a stationary position for up to 30% of the time.
Conservation Technician Requirements:
- Knowledge of or ability to learn about and identify local native and non-native plants.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently, both independently and as a productive team member.
- Valid California driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) and ability to drive as part of the job.
- Experience performing physically demanding field work in adverse weather conditions and on difficult terrain.
- Ability and willingness to work occasional weekend hours and evening hours as necessary.
- Highly motivated and a proven self-starter.
- Passion for Laguna Canyon Foundation’s mission.
- CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain (paid training provided by LCF).
- Fingerprinting for background checks may be required.
- Over 18 years of age.
The ideal candidate may also have:
- Experience and/or education in habitat restoration, conservation or related field
- Experience with herbicide application in a conservation setting
- Experience using handheld power tools (e.g., weed trimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws)
- Experience implementing volunteer events.
Hiring Details:
- Position starts at $19 per hour based on qualifications and experience.
- Full-time seasonal position starting 10/16/23 and ending 06/21/24.
- To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Dulce Cortez at dulce@lagunacanyon.org