Job Title

STRAW Restoration Field Technician (South Bay) at Point Blue Conservation Science Location: Will report to STRAW South Bay headquarters in Campbell, CA and drive work trucks to various project field sites located in Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, and San Francisco with occasional work in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. This is a field-based position; remote work is possible but likely very limited and not to be expected. Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Anticipated Duration: June 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027 Deadline to Apply: Thursday, April 30th, 2026 Compensation and Benefits: $26.45/hour. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits. Job Summary STRAW Restoration Technician (RT) works closely with STRAW Staff, volunteers, Educators, Apprentices and program staff to implement and maintain community-based ecological restoration projects. The RT may lead field work of Technicians, Apprentices and volunteers and will teach lessons and operate various equipment. Essential Functions Assist with planning and implementing restoration projects, including non-native plant management, ordering and staging supplies, preparing field sites, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and project partners. Participate in physically demanding field work on steep hillsides, carrying restoration equipment such as shovels, rock bars, and supply bins, loading and unloading vehicles, etc. Assist with planning and coordinating restoration site maintenance during spring and summer, assessing site requirements and plant health in the field, installing drip irrigation, weeding, and tracking and recording maintenance activities. Assist native plant nursery maintenance and operations in multiple locations, including seed collection, processing, germination, propagation and integrated pest management. Follow Best Management Practices for nursery propagation and field operations to prevent and test for Phytophthora. Communicate effectively with a dynamic team including collaborating with education staff, and leading interns, volunteers and apprentices with instruction from Project Managers. Drive Point Blue vehicles (trucks, tow trailers, all-terrain vehicles) to project sites and tow a water trailer to water plants in the field. Operate mechanical tools and equipment such as weed whackers, ride-on mowers, utility vehicles and small engines. Observe safe work methods and appropriate use of safety equipment. Map in the field for plants and monitoring. Assist with water management such as moving weir boards and adjusting tide gates. Track details like restoration supplies and tools, maintain accurate logs including data collection and entry, photo monitoring, and report writing. Oversee vehicle, storage facility, and tool logistics. Mentor, lead and provide technical direction to a crew of interns, apprentices, and technicians, coordinating with Project Managers to plan daily tasks and supplies needed. Lead volunteers including school groups, conservation corps crews, and other volunteers in community restoration activities, demonstrating proper planting and tool techniques while ensuring participant safety and high quality of work. Education Support Attend and help lead days with students, adult chaperones, and teachers throughout the Bay Area. Build relationships with STRAW teachers, aid them with resources, ideas, and check-ins. Assist with planning and logistics for teacher training events including the annual Watershed Week. Support in-classroom pre-restoration education lessons and provide feedback on lesson plan activities. Other Duties as Assigned Perform other duties, projects and research as assigned. Attend meetings and build relationships with local project partnerships and support restoration and outreach efforts. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Familiar with ecological restoration work, including physically demanding field work. Adept at teaching and engaging with K-12 students and other public audiences. Desire to acquire knowledge of ecosystem processes, terminology, scientific research methods and techniques involved in ecosystem conservation and management. Openness to feedback, sharing knowledge and skills, and hearing new perspectives. Strong self-awareness and willingness to engage in reflective practice. Strengths in problem solving and troubleshooting challenges. Work respectfully on private and public property. Work both in a team setting and individually. Lead small teams of people in the field. Listen carefully and execute detailed instructions. Familiar with Microsoft Office and Google Suite, including spreadsheets, word processing, and email applications. Communicate and interact effectively with people across cultures, ethnic groups, and identities. Practice self-awareness and respect while engaging with people of all backgrounds and ages. Certifications and/or Licenses Valid US driver's license (four-year minimum desired) with favorable driving history to drive company owned vehicles. Approved background check and fingerprinting to work with students. Preferred Education and Experience Any combination of education, experience and training that is equivalent to a minimum of 1-2 years of experience, including, but not limited to: natural resource management, habitat restoration, natural sciences, horticulture, biology, ecology, restoration, botany, agronomy, agriculture, wildlife management, small engine repair, mechanics, engineering, hydrology, irrigation, landscaping, traditional ecological knowledge or related work. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Position is based out of a facility located in Campbell, California. Operates at remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicle access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes solitary capacity. Must work in adverse weather conditions such as rain, heat, wind, and cold temperatures. Ability to stand, bend, stoop, sit, walk and perform other physical activities. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and complete strenuous physical tasks. Position Type, Expected Hours of Work, and Travel Full time, non-exempt. Schedule varies by season but generally 8 hours per day, Monday-Friday, with some overtime and weekend work possible. Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required; advanced notice will be given. We are an equal employment opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law and will make reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to complete the application and/or participate in the interview process. #J-18808-Ljbffr