Conservation Science Seasonal Biological Trails Technician

Marin County Sheriff's Office; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Marin County Parks is seeking a Conservation Science Seasonal Biological Trails Technician for the 2027 season. The role focuses on promoting sustainable trail access, restoring fragmented habitats, and coordinating with the Open Space Ranger staff on closures and maintenance.

The ideal candidate will have experience in field surveys, GIS mapping, and habitat restoration concepts relevant to the Bay Area, plus 4WD operation or willingness to learn.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience in biological monitoring, wildlife surveying, habitat assessments, nursery operations, vegetation mapping and management, or trail management.
• Completion of 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of training in environmental science, forest/wildlife ecology, or biological science may substitute for the experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Open Space Ranger staff and lead crews to implement trail closure strategies and basic trail maintenance.
• Monitor mitigation sites and prepare compliance monitoring reports for mitigation projects.
• Perform habitat restoration planning and implementation, assist with trail planning, construction and maintenance projects.

Skills

Trail monitoring

Habitat restoration

Manual and field surveys

GIS data collection

Education

Env science coursework (12 units/18 quarter units)

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS devices

Cloud-based databases

Job description

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website. Read on to find out more about this opportunity.

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do and they are proud to tell people “I work for the County of Marin.” Read on to find out more about these opportunities:

MARIN COUNTY PARKS:

Marin County Parks offers an extensive system of regional and community parks, open space preserves, and trails for public use and enjoyment. The department consists of two divisions: the Parks and Landscape Division and the Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD). Our team is made up of committed professionals serving in the core programs of operations and maintenance, planning and resource management, volunteers, environmental education, and administrative services.

We are currently have one (1) Conservation Science Seasonal Biological Trails Technician opportunity with Marin County Parks for the 2027 Season.

The Conservation Science program is now recruiting for a Seasonal Trails Technician for the 2027 Season. We are looking for someone who would enjoy working to promote sustainable trail access and restore fragmented habitats in Open Space. The Trail Technician’s duties will be distributed as follows:

50% Trail Monitoring, Inventories, Impact Assessments, Habitat Restoration:

Work independently to inventory and monitor previously decommissioned, unsanctioned trails. Develop, organize and lead habitat restoration efforts on unsanctioned trails.

25% Trail Planning, Maintenance and Construction:

Work with the Senior Natural Resources Planner and the Open Space District Trail Crew to provide as needed support on trail planning, construction, and maintenance projects.

25% Permit Compliance Monitoring and Reporting and Other:

Monitor mitigation sites and prepare compliance monitoring reports for mitigation projects.

The primary duties and responsibilities of this position include:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Coordinate with Open Space Ranger staff
• Coordinate and lead crews to implement trail closure strategies
• Coordinate and lead crews in basic trail maintenance
• Habitat restoration planning and implementation

MONITORING & COMPLIANCE

• Permit compliance monitoring and reporting
• Monitor trail closure effectiveness

Other general tasks for our Conservation Science field staff may include: treating invasive plants, monitoring and collecting plant and wildlife population data, mapping and recording work completed using a GPS/GIS, data entry/data processing, writing monitoring protocols and summary reports, maintaining tools and equipment, general park maintenance and other tasks as needed. Working occasional Saturdays and Sundays may be required and 4WD experience or a willingness to learn.

Successful candidates will possess experience working independently and leading projects and teams in outdoor settings on challenging terrain. Candidates will have experience working with trail maintenance/management and have a background in the local flora, fauna and habitat restoration concepts to the Bay Area. The ideal candidate will have experience with 4-wheel drive vehicle operations, power and hand tool use, digital mapping and data collection techniques, ArcGIS, trail design concepts, and the ability to communicate effectively as a member of a team and as a team leader.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Depending on assignment:

• Principles and practices of natural resources management, including weed management, habitat restoration, and wildlife monitoring.
• Local flora and fauna; historical and geological resources and methods; techniques of wildland resources protection and restoration; and Marin County Parks lands and boundaries.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and light equipment.
• Use, handling, application of and safety equipment for use with herbicides.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment, and basic computer applications.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

Depending on assignment:

• Read, interpret and apply technical information from manuals, drawings, specifications, layouts, blueprints, and schematics.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer, GPS equipment and GIS software, and cloud-based databases.
• Conduct field surveys in remote locations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate a variety of hand and power tools and specialized motorized equipment as required for the work.
• Establish and maintain positive cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including the general public, with a focus on quality service to internal staff and community stakeholders.
• Use sound independent judgement when interpreting and applying the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records and materials related to work.
• Train and inspect the work of others and maintain established quality control standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Six months of experience in biological monitoring, wildlife surveying, habitat assessments, nursery operations, vegetation mapping and management, or trail management. Completion of 12 semester units or 18 quarter units of training and/or education in environmental science, forest/wildlife ecology, or biological science may be substituted for the experience outlined above.

Certificates and Licenses

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving history as obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles is required at time of appointment. Depending upon assignment, may be required to obtain a Pest Control Applicator Certificate during appointment.

For any questions concerning this position announcement, please contact at [e-mail]

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.

LiveScan

Candidates selected may be subject to fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Department and must pass a Department of Justice LiveScan background check prior to appointment.

Testing and Eligible List

Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates' names will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active.

Open & Continuous Recruitment

This recruitment is Open and Continuous. Applicants are encouraged to submit completed applications as soon as possible. The filing period for an Open and Continuous recruitment may be closed at any time.

Disaster Service Workers

All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.