Ecological Restoration Crew Member

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES                 

• Implement management prescriptions using restoration specific techniques such as seeding, planting, weed management, erosion control, etc., to help restore degraded native ecosystems.
• Work collaboratively on projects with other agency staff and/or volunteers in forest, grassland, and riparian/aquatic ecosystems.  
• Maintain detailed records of restoration and invasive species treatments and resources used.
• Map and log work efforts using GIS technology, aerial photography, and databases.
• Assist in rare plant inventories across the OSMP system.
• Responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional training and development; and adhering to attendance and other workplace policies.
• Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.  Uses all proper safety equipment.  Reports all accidents and damage to city property.
• Operates four-wheel drive vehicles as well as related hand tools and equipment like weed whips, chainsaws, herbicide sprayers, and tractors on rough terrain.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Ability to be flexible and take assignments as assigned. Ability to follow established procedures and direction for the benefit and safety of the team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills.
• Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment under a variety of weather conditions. Physical ability to stand, walk, kneel, and lift heavy objects on a regular basis.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn local plant identification. Interest in plants, natural resources, and/or ecology.
• Willingness to work independently as well as part of a team. Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned area and make judgments related to safety.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Have and maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge in basic GIS/GPS and database application skills.
• Knowledge of and experience in ecological restoration techniques and/or invasive species management in forest, grassland, or aquatic systems.
• Knowledge of and experience with trailers, 4-wheel drive vehicles, tractors, weed whips, chainsaws, and/or other related equipment.
• Knowledge of local flora and ability to use botanical keys.
• Knowledge, training and/or experience in mapping, aerial photo interpretation and map reading.
• Knowledge, training in and/or knowledge of vegetation inventory and monitoring principles.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years’ experience of college course work in in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Studies, or related field; or equivalent of four (4) years related experience may substitute for the education requirement only.

SUPERVISION

Supervision Received:  Senior Restoration Ecologist

Supervision Exercised:  None

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS    

• Physical Demands and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.  Physical ability to stand, bend, walk, and kneel.  Ability to carry up to 50 pounds while hiking on rough terrain.  Ability to work under stress with changing work priorities and conditions. Willingness to interact with the public in potentially challenging situations.
• Work Environment: Works in an outdoor environment year-round.  Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), potentially toxic chemicals (herbicides), dangerous plants (poison ivy) and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning).
• Machines and Equipment Used: vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles and pulling a trailer, tractors, power tools such as chainsaws and weed whips, and a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment.