Ecological Restoration Technician

Ecological Restoration Technician

Employer: Mack Creek Ranch LLC Job Location: Cle Elum, WA

Job Type: Part time/Full time, Permanent Start Date: April/May 2025 (flexible)

Salary: DOE $22-28/hour Ranch Operating Hours: M-F 8am – 4pm

Job Description:

Seeking a professionally trained technician with experience in research, natural resource management, and restoration. Must be self-motivated, team oriented, and enthusiastic for work in nature, as well as with data and people. The position is focused on stewardship and study of a variety of ecosystems on private land.

The ideal candidate brings land management and research skills to accomplish our goals of bringing back measurable resiliency and health to forests, creeks, wetlands, and prairies in this time of drought, wildfire, and climate change.

The candidate will work under supervision of the Restoration Ecologist and Ranch Management to assist the team with restoration, monitoring projects, and development/ implementation of experimental projects. As part of the Mack Creek Ranch team, the candidate will also participate in weekly staff meetings, and work related to ranch operations when needed.

Primary Responsibilities for the Ecological Restoration Technician:

· Restoration and monitoring projects relating to forestry, wetlands, grasslands, and prescribed fire.

· Implementing land management prescriptions through manual labor and the use of equipment.

· Develop their own restoration or land management projects through collaboration with the Restoration Ecologist, as well as professionals and consultants.

· Weed management and revegetation.

· Developing and maintaining knowledge of current and relevant science around forestry and restoration.

· Coordination, communication, and outreach with ranch team, professionals, students, and the community.

· Possible ranch work responsibilities include: Mowing, landscaping, fence maintenance, use of equipment (bobcat, excavator, etc.), snow plowing/shoveling, equipment maintenance, etc.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

· Must be self-motivated, creative, dependable, and adaptable.

· Completed bachelor’s degree in field relating to biology, natural resources, forestry, environmental studies, or similar degree.

· Must be able to communicate and perform work duties professionally and respectfully with other team members, colleagues, supervisors, landowners, students, and collaborators.

· Ability to perform basic field science and restoration tasks under supervision.

· Ability to comply with safety procedures and wear appropriate PPE as directed by ranch protocol.

· Must demonstrate the ability and willingness to perform all aspects of the work, including:

o Working outside all day when required over a variety of terrain.

o Able to perform physically demanding manual labor outdoors

o Able to operate 4wd vehicles

o Proficient in operating a variety of hand and power tools including chainsaws, weed whackers, post pounders, heavy equipment, and other specialized equipment. On-the-job training provided.

o Lifting, bending, squatting, hiking, and repetitive movements.

o Work up to 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

· A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, clean driving record, and the ability to safely operate vehicles.

· Minimum age 18 years old, fully vaccinated, proof of vaccinations, welcome ranch rules on masks/boosters.

· Housing not provided at this time

· Background check required

Desired Qualifications:

· Experienced in developing and conducting independent research.

· Knowledge and skills related to native plant identification.

· Experience using Microsoft office, mapping/GIS, and other data collection and visualization software.

· CPR and first-aid training

Position, Duration, Schedule, and Benefits:

The position starts in the spring of 2025. This position is 32-40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, and is year-round. There are slow times of the year where 40 hours per week may not be possible. This could change depending on the amount of research projects, and ranch work available. Work can also lean heavily towards either field work, or office work, depending on season and work load.

Benefits include:

· Health insurance

· Paid time off and holidays

· Retirement benefits

Past Projects:

· Inventoried nearly 400 acres of forest

· Created and studied efficacy of wildlife habitat features

· Implemented prescribed fire on over 200 acres of grassland and forest

· built beaver dam analogues and planted a riparian zone to restore a fish stream

· Implemented a variety of grassland restoration techniques

· Amphibian habitat restoration efforts

· Monitored wildlife through trail cameras

· Public presentations on various restoration projects

Policy Statement:

Mack Creek Ranch LLC is committed to equal employment and volunteer opportunity without regard to ancestry, disability, national or ethnic origin, race, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, or veteran status.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No nights

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $28