Field Technician

Southern Weed Science Society; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Special Access to LCSLO Properties

Job summary

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is seeking a Field Technician to join the 4-Person Field Crew for restoration and stewardship projects. The position reports to the Field Supervisor and Restoration Program Manager, with coordination across the Preserve Program Manager and Stewardship Director.

The anticipated length runs Oct 26, 2026 through Apr 23, 2027, with potential extensions depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Experience working in outdoor environments as part of a team.
• Able to adapt to field conditions and complete tasks efficiently.
• Willingness to work with and spray herbicide/chemicals as required.
• Experience with hand tools (shovels, hoes) and power tools (drills, saws).
• Experience with mechanical equipment and basic repairs.
• Experience in plant installation, irrigation, and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to drive 4-wheel drive trucks and OHVs on rough terrain.
• Ability to walk 5 miles per day in dune environments and lift 35 lbs repeatedly.
• Ability to manage allergies related to dust or pollen.

Responsibilities

• Invasive plant management
• Native plantings and maintenance
• Stewardship tasks
• Facilities and equipment maintenance

Skills

Team-based outdoor work

Adaptive to field conditions

Motivates crew

Willingness to apply herbicide

Safety with chemicals and equipment

Read labels and follow instructions

Hand tools experience

Power tools experience

Mechanical repair basics

Plant installation/irrigation/landscap

Vehicle operation (4WD/OHV)

Endurance to walk 5 miles daily in the

Lift 35 lbs

Allergy management

Job description

The Field Technician position is a seasonal, full-time position as a part of The Land Conservancy’s 4-Person Field Crew that is an integral part of the on-the-ground implementation of restoration and stewardship projects. The Field Technician works under the daily direction of the Field Supervisor and the Restoration Program Manager, with frequent coordination with the Field Coordinator, Preserve Program Manager, and the Stewardship Director.
The anticipated length of the Field Technician position is from October 26th, 2026 through April 23rd, 2027, but ending dates may be extended or subject to change depending on project needs and/or funding. In addition to paid holidays, there will be unpaid time off during the week of Thanksgiving (November 23rd through November 29th, 2026) and two weeks at the end of year (December 22nd through January 3rd, 2027).
The main duties of the job include invasive plant management, native plantings and maintenance, stewardship tasks, and facilities and equipment maintenance.

• Experience as part of a team working in a professional outdoor environment.
• Ability to adapt to challenging work environments as a team to perform tasks in an efficient and thorough manner.
• Motivates fellow crew members and encourages positive and productive work environment.
• Willingness to work with and spray herbicide/chemicals on a regular basis.
• Ability to read and understand warning labels and follow instructions on equipment, restrictions on the use of chemicals, and training documents related to the use of equipment and chemicals.
• Experience with the use of hand tools such as shovels and hoes, and power tools such as drills and saws.
• Experience with mechanical equipment – ability to safely start, run, and make minor repairs.
• Experience in the area of plant installation, irrigation, and landscape maintenance.
• Ability to safely drive 4-wheel drive trucks and OHV’s on rough, narrow, steep, or sandy terrain.
• Ability to walk 5 miles per day in the dune environment. This includes walking on soft ground and climbing steep sand dune hillsides with a backpack sprayer and/or other field equipment.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. repeatedly as part of daily activities.
• Ability to manage one’s susceptibility to allergies that could result from exposure to dust or pollen.

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Special Access to LCSLO Properties

Location

1137 Pacific St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401,

Closing Date

09/07/2026

Date Position Available

26/10/2026

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County

The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County is a local, private, non-profit land trust working to conserve and care for the diverse wildlands, farms, and ranches of the Central Coast. We connect people to the land and to each other. The organization strives to create a fun, inspiring, and family–friendly work environment with flexible work hours, a team-oriented structure, and good benefits. The organization has received the 2024 Blue Diamond Family-Friendly Workplace award, the highest available, from SLO County’s Chamber of Commerce.