Outdoor Habitat Restoration Technician

Student Conservation Association; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living accommodations provided

Defensive Driving Training

Wilderness First Aid Training

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Job summary

The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is seeking three members for a 12-month placement in the Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, California. Members will assist with habitat restoration, including weed control, native plantings, seed collection, and trash removal, under the supervision of Preserve staff.

The program requires outdoor work, endurance for long days, and the ability to work with the public. Living accommodations are provided; compensation includes a weekly living allowance and

Qualifications

• Applicants must have or be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology or related social science disciplines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently in outdoor field conditions.
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Perform habitat restoration tasks such as weed control, native plantings, and seed collection.
• Monitor habitat health and maintain equipment under supervision of agency staff.
• Assist with CRP partner projects and educational outreach when required.
• Work outdoors in varying conditions and complete hard physical labor.

Skills

Communication skills

Driver's license

Field work experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Graduate degree acceptable

Job description

#PO-00802416-MEM

Galt, California, United States

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Job Description

Position Summary

For the proposed youth opportunity, SCA will recruit and place three, 12-month members in the Mother Lode Field Office to assist with habitat enhancement and restoration within the Cosumnes River Preserve, Galt, Sacramento County, California. Restoration work projects will involve construction/repair of livestock grazing fence, removal of non-native/invasive plants, thinning trees (up to 6” in diameter) collecting of seeds, planting native vegetation, and/or removal of trash. The riparian areas of this property support a diverse community of plants and wildlife, including the Federally threatened Coho salmon, steelhead, and giant garter snake. SCA will work closely with Cosumnes River Preserve staff to coordinate projects.

Hosting Organization

Location

Galt, CA

• This position is primarily in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. SCA Members regularly interact with members of the public. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible. Cell phone reception maybe limited, spotty, or not available.
• This position may conduct work in a front country setting where emergency services are accessible, but may be delayed by 1-2 hours. Access to public transportation at work site is limited or not possible.Cell phone reception is limited, spotty, or not available.

Schedule

October 19, 2026 - October 15, 2027

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The member will complete restoration work in Cosumnes River Preserve. Primary duties include: Habitat restoration— controlling weeds (mechanically and chemically), monitoring habitat, native plant material collection, native plant plantings, forest health (vegetation clearing including tree removal), and maintenance of equipment used in these tasks. Hard physical labor. This work will be completed under the oversight of the BLM’s Wildlife Biologist, Botanist and Preserve Manager. CRP is a partnership, some project time will be assisting CRP Partners – The Nature Conservancy, CA Department of Fish and Wildlife, Sacramento County, CA Department of Water Resources.

Marginal Duties

Assist in facilities management (trail maintenance, basic building maintenance), occasional educational out reach or interacting with k-12 students, trash pick up, data collection via FieldMaps/ArcGIS.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have or be working towards an undergraduate or graduate degree in biology or social science-related disciplines. The position will require extensive time outdoors and field work that is often under somewhat rigorous physical conditions. Applicants must have good communication skills and the ability to work independently. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. Participants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent or agree to obtain one or be enrolled in an institution of higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

First aid training certificate—basic is ok, wilderness is ideal
Tool experience—weed eater, shovels, trimmers, pruners, etc.
Chainsaw certified—ideal, not required
Physically fit—hike 5+ miles, lift 50 pounds
Interests/previous learning in biology, ecology, wildlife, plants

Hours

Living Accommodations

The BLM will provide furnished, shared-room housing (similar to a youth hostel), bunk beds with 2 to 4 people in a 12’ x 12’ room).

Compensation

Living Allowance: $750/week. Travel Allowance: $650 $200/month food allowance on a reimbursement basis with receipts. $1200 for PPE and equipment on a reimbursement basis with receipts.

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Driving

Driving is not required

Additional Benefits

Defensive Driving Training
Wilderness First Aid Training
AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

SCA is an equal opportunity employer. Selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and performance, without unlawful discrimination.

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