POSITION SUMMARY:

A seasonal Habitat Restoration Technician performs manual labor to implement riparian habitat restoration projects throughout the Skagit and Samish River watersheds. Activities are primarily geared towards maintenance of native vegetation along waterways as part of ongoing riparian habitat restoration efforts. Specific tasks include mechanical weed control, herbicide application under the direction of a licensed applicator, mowing, mulching, watering, weeding, and removing trash. Work will be conducted outdoors in all weather conditions and terrain including waterways, steep slopes, pasture, forest, and wetlands. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform site maintenance activities using Integrated Vegetation Management techniques to control invasive species at riparian planting sites including mowing, weed whacking, mulching and herbicide application. 
• Safely apply herbicides under the direction of a licensed WA State Commercial Operator or Applicator.
• Safely operate mechanized equipment including skid steer, small tractor, and similar items to maintain riparian restoration sites. 
• Construct and repair fences along waterways according to specifications and plans.
• Safely operate, maintain and repair restoration tools and equipment. 
• Keep accurate records of daily activities. 
• Follow all safety protocols and attend appropriate trainings.
• Occasionally assist with juvenile fish seining and rescue related to in-stream habitat restoration projects.
• Occasionally assist with monitoring tasks including juvenile fish documentation, vegetation monitoring, and photo documentation.
• Occasionally perform manual labor related to the implementation of in-stream habitat improvement projects including installing and anchoring fish habitat structures in streams, constructing erosion control structures, and implementing other BMPs to reduce impacts to waterways during construction activities. 
• Occasionally assist with conducting culvert and habitat surveys according to WDFW protocols
• Seasonal technicians serving in their second year may be given additional responsibilities consistent with the job description.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING FOR POSITION: 

• Education, experience or training related to native and invasive plant identification.
• Education, experience or training related to fish biology or freshwater ecology.
• Experience working in natural resources, habitat restoration, landscaping, or similar field.

REQUIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES FOR POSITION:

• Knowledge and skills related to native plant identification 
• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team. 
• Ability and willingness to follow direction and take initiative while maintaining a positive attitude. 
• Ability to perform physically demanding manual labor outdoors, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain in all types of weather. 
• Ability to safely operate hand and power tools such as weed eaters, chainsaws, power auger, small tractors, high-weed mower, or mini skid steer
• Willingness and ability to safely apply herbicide under the direction of a licensed herbicide applicator.
• Knowledge and skills related to natural resources and/or environmental restoration.
• Comfortable working in and around water.
• Ability to operate four-wheel drive truck and trailer.
• Ability to communicate effectively. 

REQUIRED LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: 

• Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s License throughout employment period.
• As per SFEG’s personnel policies, SFEG will conduct a background check on any volunteers or employees who will work with children or other vulnerable populations.
• Must be qualified to work in the United States.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.:

• Must be able to lift 60 lbs.
• Must be able to walk up to 3 miles over steep or uneven terrain. 
• Must be able to operate a weed whacker or backpack sprayer for 6-8 hours per day.
• Frequently required to work in or cross streams and rivers with calm to moderate currents and depths of up to several feet.

DESIRED SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

The following qualifications, skills, knowledge, or abilities are preferred/helpful for this position but are not required.

• Training or college course work in biological sciences, environmental sciences, natural resources, or related field.
• Washington State Commercial Operator license.
• CPR and First Aid Certified. 
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS Suite.
• Experience with drone operation. 
• Familiarity with assessing culverts and habitat utilizing WDFW’s Fish Passage Inventory, Assessment, and Prioritization Manual