We're hiring a seasonal Restoration Technician!
Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG) is seeking a temporary field technician to join our team of conservation-minded staff to assist with “boots on-the-ground” field work and help recover salmon populations. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) hourly, field-based position from July to October (at least 12 weeks) with the possibility of continuation into next year.
The technician will have the opportunity to contribute to on-the-ground salmon habitat restoration work to increase quality and availability of habitat for ESA-listed salmonids while learning about salmonid habitat requirements, ecological restoration strategies, fundamentals of river and stream restoration, and native and invasive plant species. All of this while experiencing some beautiful and often remote stretches of river across Southwest Washington!
The technician’s main responsibilities will be to assist project managers and the senior technician with fish habitat construction and vegetation management. Tasks will include but are not limited to:
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Operating and maintaining gas-powered and pneumatic hand tools and small engine machinery (e.g., weed whackers, chainsaws, augers, rock and wood drills, etc.);
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Assisting with installation of wood structures in streams;
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Working on riparian restoration including preparing, planting, monitoring, and maintaining project sites;
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Conducting habitat monitoring and assessment;
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Assisting with nutrient enhancement activities (dependent on funding and whether the position is extended);
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Gaining valuable knowledge, experience, and job skills such as construction logistics, use of a variety of tools and equipment, principles of stream restoration, ecology of salmon and aquatic systems, and plant identification.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position requires the ability to: lift and carry 50 lbs; safely use and maintain a variety of gas powered, pneumatic, and manual construction tools; drive vehicles and trailers on paved and unpaved roads; and interact professionally with others. We will provide some on the job training but would like to hire someone who is comfortable/familiar with these tasks. The technician will report directly to LCFEG project managers and must be willing and able to follow written and verbal instructions tied to weekly priorities determined by the project managers.
The typical weekly work schedule will start at 7:00 am but can vary from four 10-hour days (7 am to 5 pm) to four 9-hour days and a half day to, occasionally, five 8-hour days. Total hours will not exceed 40 per week and no weekend work is anticipated. Due to the limited window in which we’re permitted to conduct instream work, we discourage requests for extended time off from late July to mid-September. It is important that the technician have reliable transportation and be able to arrive on time to start work each day.
Construction work requires an understanding of construction practices and a firm commitment to safety. Typical equipment used includes small hand tools, chain saws, air compressors, rock hammer drills, and gas powered wood drills. The work entails drilling holes, inserting bolts, and placing anchors. Vegetation work entails clearing vegetation, watering, weeding, mowing, harvesting native clippings, and planting. Equipment used includes weed-eaters, shovels, augers, and brush mowers. Other responsibilities include maintaining and properly storing tools and equipment; focusing on safety in all work activity; and interacting with the public and landowners in a professional manner.
LOCATION: LCFEG’s main office is in Vancouver, Washington. LCFEG restoration projects are in Clark, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties in southwest Washington. 2021 construction work will take place in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties.
START DATE: July 2021
QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires physical strength and stamina and the ability to work in inclement weather conditions. Ideally, we are looking for someone who:
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Has a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable transportation;
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Is in good physical condition, comfortable working around water, and capable of navigating slippery and uneven terrain on a daily basis;
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Has experience pulling trailers and safely using a variety of gas-powered, pneumatic, and manual construction tools;
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Has a conservation ethic and a strong interest in fisheries conservation, restoration ecology, or a similar field;
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Can identify native and invasive plant species;
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Is a team player with a positive, “can do” attitude and the perseverance to work through challenges that arise;
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Has demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively with a variety of individuals;
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Can follow a work plan but is adept at problem solving and capable of working independently.
COMPENSATION: $15/hour and paid holidays/sick leave. LCFEG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, age, or any other category prohibited by law.
TO APPLY: Please submit the following to Shauna Hanisch-Kirkbride at Lcfegdirector@outlook.com: (1) letter of interest (in the body of the email not as an attachment) stating when you will be available to start work, why you’re interested in the position, and how you meet the qualifications, and (2) resume (as an attachment). We will begin reviewing applicants as soon as they come in so please send in materials immediately if you’re interested in the position.
To be considered, your resume must include names and contact information for three references and at least one reference must be a supervisor from a work experience. By applying for the position you are authorizing LCFEG staff to contact references and conduct a background check if you are selected as a final candidate.