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 parks system, offer education programs for school children and the public, maintain and improve trails, and restore habitat throughout the South Coast Wilderness. The Restoration Program is currently engaged in over a dozen different projects, ranging from habitat mitigation to weed management to rare plant protection to fuel modification.
Position Summary:
The Field Technician will report to the Conservation Crew & Logistics 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.
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 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 and self-motivated, and have a positive attitude.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct fieldwork as a member of a crew in support of new and ongoing field-based projects, including:
- 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.
- 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.
- Installing, monitoring, and maintaining irrigation systems.
- Assisting with vegetation and wildlife monitoring activities.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Requirements:
- One year of experience in restoration, conservation, gardening, landscaping, plant nurseries or related field, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- 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.
- Access to a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license and required insurance coverage, and willingness to use the vehicle for work purposes (mileage reimbursement available).
- Experience performing physically demanding field work in adverse weather conditions and difficult terrain.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills, time management skills, and organizational abilities.
- 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 (which LCF will offer as part of the onboarding).
- Fingerprinting for background checks may be required.
- Over 18 years old.
- COVID vaccination is required (with medical and religious exemptions as required by law).
The ideal candidate may also have:
- Experience with herbicide application in a conservation setting
- Experience using handheld power tools (e.g., weed trimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws)
- Experience restoring native habitat
- Experience organizing and running volunteer events
Essential Functions:
The person in this position:
- 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 25 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.
Salary and Benefits:
- Hourly rate starting at $18 (based on years of restoration experience).
- This is a seasonal position beginning on 10/17/22 and ending on or about 6/16/23.
Hiring Details:
- Please send a cover letter and resume to Alan Kaufmann at alan@lagunacanyon.org.