Environmental Technician - Trail Steward

SWCA, Incorporated; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consultants seeks an On-Call Environmental Technician to support the San Luis Obispo office. Hours vary seasonally and depend on project needs, averaging less than 20 hours per week, with hourly, non-exempt compensation.

The role involves field, lab, or office tasks, data collection, and ensuring data quality. Candidates should have a high school diploma, strong communication and customer service skills, and a valid driver's license to access sites.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or GED equivalent).
• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro preferred.
• Excellent communication, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the company professionally.
• Willingness to take on diverse tasks and learn new things to support the team.
• Strong customer service approach and problem-solving ability.
• Professional demeanor while working with visitors and colleagues.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to drive multiple vehicle types.
• Must be able to get to/from the job site and move up to 25 lbs.
• Experience operating GPS devices and two-way radios; First Aid/CPR certified.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field, lab, or office data collection and management tasks with accuracy and verifiability.
• Communicate frequently with team members and supervisors to track progress and address needs.
• Follow safety, quality, and procedural guidelines to complete tasks with accountability.
• Adhere to applicable regulations, standards, and client specifications.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Driver's license

Microsoft Office

First Aid/CPR

Willingness to learn

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Acrobat Pro

GPS devices

Job description

About the opportunity

Are you looking for a career opportunity that allows you to use your love for outdoors, great organizational, communication and people skills to be an integral member of a team? Look no further.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a dynamic On-Call Environmental Technician to support the office in San Luis Obispo, California. Work hours may vary seasonally and depending on project needs and your skills.

This is an on-demand/on-call (averages less than 20 hours per week), hourly/non-exempt position based out of San Luis Obispo, California.

Applications will be accepted through November 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST.

What you will accomplish

• Assists with tasks to collect and/or manage data in the field, lab, or office. Technicians are expected to work efficiently to complete assigned tasks in a manner that ensures the data are accurate, complete, and verifiable. Assigned tasks have simple, narrow objectives that may be accomplished through implementation of standardized or routine actions.
• Communicates frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure that task objectives and methods are clearly understood, task progress is shared, and questions or needs are promptly addressed. This includes initiating and/or responding to communication requests before, during, and after task implementation as part of a real-time, collaborative work effort.
• Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Operates and patrols trail facilities, reporting openings, damage, critical updates, trespassing, and unauthorized activity to designated client, security, or law-enforcement contacts.
• Enforces trail rules and assists with visitor complaints or disputes, including property-loss or damage claims.
• Inspects trails and facilities for safety hazards, off-trail hikers, hazardous trees, and unsafe trail sections.
• Performs minor trail and facility maintenance, including clearing walkways, filling holes, and repairing barriers, fences, ropes, posts, and signs.
• Empties waste containers and removes litter throughout trails, roads, parking areas, and facilities.
• Provides basic first aid and CPR and assists emergency personnel in locating visitors.
• Maintains required trail records, equipment inventories, hiker counts, and incident data.
• Maintains signage and bulletin boards and posts approved regulatory, emergency, and safety information.
• Follows chemical-handling and storage requirements, including required safety documentation, and wears designated uniforms and PPE.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or GED equivalent) required
• Computer skills with demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and other software applications such as Adobe Acrobat Professional preferred. Ability to learn and apply training on various computer applications, including training and timecard applications.
• Excellent communication, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the company in a professional manner.
• Willingness to jump into various types of tasks and learn new things to support our team as needs arise.
• Strong customer service approach and problem-solving ability.
• Professional demeanor while working with visitors and colleagues.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license, with the ability to drive multiple types of vehicles, trucks, 4x4’s, and ATVs.
• Must be able to get to/from the job site.
• Must be able to move heavy objects up to 25 lbs. and operate all equipment necessary for maintenance of client’s recreation facilities.
• Must be able to operate GPS devices, including SPOT, Garmin, as well as 2-way radios.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified.

Preferred Qualifications

• Up to one (1) years of current work experience as Trail Steward preferred. Two years of current work experience as a Trail Steward will be very helpful.