FUNCTION OF THE UNIT

SERG (Soil Ecology and Restoration Group) is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the San Diego State University Research Foundation and is committed to restoring and preserving California’s sensitive vegetation communities for the benefit of the environment and the preservation of the ecosystem services they offer.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

SERG seeks two (2) Seasonal Restoration Technicians for habitat restoration, rare plant surveys, and other botany-related projects on San Clemente Island, a Naval installation on the southern-most of California’s Channel Islands. The Seasonal Restoration Technician position requires arduous manual labor, working outdoors in all weather, heavy lifting and carrying, and hiking on rugged terrain. The Seasonal Restoration Technician position will start on January 28, 2025 and end in June 2025. This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits. Compensation will be $22.70/hour plus a full benefits package. Housing is provided while working on San Clemente Island. Work schedule will be 10 days working on-island and 4 day weekends off-island. Housing is not provided during the 4 day weekends off-island. Transportation to and from the island is provided from the San Diego area by means of a twin engine 19-seater plane. Relocation benefits will not be offered.

All work will be conducted on San Clemente Island, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy as an active training site, as part of the Navy’s Natural Resources Program. San Clemente Island has a particularly unique flora, hosting 2 federally listed plants, 15 plants that are known from nowhere else in the world, and an additional 48 plants that are only known from the Channel Islands as a whole. The program also supports an extensive community of biologists and researchers. Applicants should enjoy living as part of a small and remote community, and be able to maintain a professional, positive attitude at all times.

SPECIFIC DUTIES
The SCI Restoration Technician is responsible for but not limited to:

Field Work 80%

• Monitor rare plant populations
• Monitor vegetation cover
• Install, maintain, and monitor native species out-plantings
• Remove/control non-native plant species manually, mechanically, and chemically
• Install erosion control materials
• Collect native plant propagules
• Propagate native plants

Data Entry and Other Office Work 15%

• Use GPS in the field and GIS software
• Enter data and maintain databases

Other Duties and Responsibilities as assigned 5%

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

Knowledge and Abilities

• Ability to interact effectively with co-workers, clients and study participants
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Ability to relate well to others within the project environment.
• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to display organization, meet deadlines, display detail orientation, possess good judgment and common sense
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of cross-cultural sensitivity
• Passion for Southern California flora
• Capacity to follow work rules, directions, and procedures
• Experience performing strenuous labor with a high level of physical endurance under a variety of weather and work conditions
• Ability to repeatedly lift loads of up to 45 lbs. throughout the workday and to safely navigate and work off-trail on steep, rocky, cactus-covered terrain
• Highly motivated individual with a high energy level and strong interpersonal skills.
• Possess good judgment and common sense.
• Ability to respectfully, clearly, and accurately communicate with other staff, contractors, and military commands
• Ability to pass a background check to obtain clearance for military base access
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and ability to drive 4-wheel-drive vehicles

Required Experience/Education

• Completion of upper level undergraduate courses in botany, ecology, biology, or related discipline

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology, biology, or related discipline
• Previous experience in habitat restoration
• Familiarity with Southern California flora
• Experience maintaining and repairing small engines
• Experience safely operating and maintaining mechanical equipment, hand tools, herbicide application equipment
• Experience working in greenhouses or plant nurseries
• Experience with GIS

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION

• Candidate must reside in California or live in a commutable distance from SDSU during employment
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets/Title IX Employer.