Conservation Science Seasonal Biological Vegetation Technician

County of Marin; San Rafael (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

County of Marin seeks Seasonal Vegetation Restoration Technicians for the Conservation Science program, February to October 2027. Positions include 60% Crew Lead and 40% Early Detection/Rapid Response, tackling invasive species and restoration activities across Open Space preserves.

Ideal candidates will have field experience, GIS skills, and a valid CA Driver's License; desirably a Pest Control Applicator Certificate. Open & Continuous recruitment; training provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in biological monitoring, wildlife surveys, habitat assessments, or vegetation management.
• Knowledge of local flora and Bay Area habitat restoration concepts; ability to operate GIS tools (ArcGIS).
• Valid California Driver's License and willingness to obtain Pest Control Applicator Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a crew of up to four seasonal assistants, focusing on invasive plant management in Marin County Open Space preserves.
• Conduct field surveys for rare plant populations and priority weed infestations; assist with data collection and reporting.
• Support other programs; perform restoration planting, native seed collection, and GPS/GIS data entry; maintain tools and equipment.

Skills

Biological monitoring

Field survey execution

GPS & GIS usage

Team coordination

Education

Environmental science education

Tools

ArcGIS

GPS devices

Pesticide applicator license (CA)

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.

In the Conservation Science program we have three (3) Seasonal Vegetation Restoration Technicians opportunities for the 2027 Season.

We are looking for people who would enjoy working in our vegetation program from February through October. The Vegetation Restoration Technicians’ time will be distributed as follows:

60% Crew Lead

Provide oversight for a crew of to four seasonal assistants, focused on the management of invasive plant species in Marin County Open Space preserves. The Technician will assist the Program Coordinator with project planning and scoping, coordinating crew needs and logistics, and promoting safe and effective field work practices. This role may assist with on-the-job trainings covering relevant skills, tools, and equipment.

40% Early Detection/Rapid Response

Surveying for early detection invasive plant species and conducting rapid response weed management treatments. Additional tasks may include conducting vegetation surveys for rare plant populations, priority weed infestations, and project areas.

There will be opportunities to support other programs or teams. Additional tasks for all Conservation Science seasonal staff may include: treating invasive plants, restoration planting activities, native seed collection, working with volunteers, monitoring and collecting plant and wildlife population data, mapping and recording work completed using GPS/GIS, data entry/processing, writing monitoring protocols and summary reports, maintaining tools and equipment, general park maintenance and other tasks as needed. Tasks are subject to change during an emergency, seasonal staff should have the ability to be flexible during these times.

The Highly Qualified Candidate(s)

will be willing to perform tasks both indoors and outdoors in a variety of open space settings, and have experience working independently and providing support on more complex projects and teams. They will have experience or a willingness to learn four-wheel drive vehicle operations, power and hand tool use, digital mapping and data collection techniques, ArcGIS, local plant identification, familiarity with local vegetation communities, summarizing and communicating progress and work performed. They will have experience working independently and providing support and input on projects and teams, and experience working with vegetation management. Familiarity with the local flora and habitat restoration concepts applicable to the Bay Area region and a valid applicator license or certificate from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation is also highly desirable.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• 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:

• 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