Natural Resources Technician

  • Full-time

Company Description

Our mission is to conserve the natural environment, support agriculture and connect people to nature by protecting open spaces, natural areas, and working farms and ranches for future generations. We have protected over 25,000 acres of natural and agricultural lands in Santa Clara County. Our agency operates a network of open space lands to manage and conserve natural resources and provide compatible opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian uses.

We know our continued success depends on our employees and the work they do. We are committed to providing a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages growth and development and acknowledges individual and team achievements.

Job Description

The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority seeks a Natural Resources Technician to support the Authority’s goals for natural resource protection and stewardship. This position will play an integral part in enhancing the natural habitats within the Authority’s preserve network.

The Ideal Candidate

You are an enthusiastic professional with a passion for resource management and environmental stewardship. You are excited by the outstanding opportunity to work with a vibrant and dynamic team. You want to develop and hone your skills and knowledge in resource management through field work and time in the office.

You have a strong understanding of flora and fauna in the region, including invasive and special status species. You understand survey techniques used to monitor natural resources. You are competent with wayfinding and are able to utilize GPS to collect field data. The Authority works closely with the local agriculture community; this position will work with cattle grazers on Authority lands to ensure that grazing objectives are met.

As a member of the Field Operations department you will interact with the public through opening and closing of Open Space preserves and through volunteer events such as our Land Stewards programs, where you will work with volunteers to implement resource management projects. The Authority will require this position to obtain a Qualified Applicator Certificate, working to ensure compliance for the Authority. This position requires the ability to drive safely in off-road environments and to operate power tools and equipment utilized in applications such as vegetation management. The Authority will support the chosen applicant in obtaining appropriate certificates.

As much as you love being in the field, you are also comfortable working in the office, providing support to the resource management program through data entry, report drafting, and preparation of presentations and training materials. You are comfortable tracking multiple projects and deadlines to ensure that objectives are being met on time, and you communicate concerns or questions that arise. You have the aptitude to learn new software programs for mapping and data analysis.

Your strong communication skills enable you to effectively serve as a liaison to other departments at the Authority, vendors and contractors, and to regional organizations to advance resource management initiatives. You are able to communicate with a variety of individuals, from other resource management professionals and staff to cattle grazers and the public. You are comfortable giving public presentation whether at a regional meeting or to members of the public learning more about natural resources.

This position is classified as an Open Space Technician I, please review the complete position classification here: https://bit.ly/32xJxZH

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the skills, education, and experience needed to be successful in this position.  For example:

  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade supplemented by college-level coursework in park maintenance, resource management, or a related field and one (1) year of experience in resource management or construction, maintenance, and/or repair of parks, open spaces, and/or related facilities. 
  • Experienced with identification of flora and fauna, including invasive species and special status species.
  • Ability to understand survey techniques and ability to assess habitat conditions.
  • Proficiency with the MS Office Suite – especially Word, Outlook, and Excel, some experience with PowerPoint.
  • Comfortable with public interactions and giving presentations to smaller groups.
  • Clear communication and strong writing skills.
  • Valid Driver’s license and experience with off-road driving.
  • Comfortable to work with power tools.
  • Ability to lift 60 pounds.
  • This position is required to take and pass a pre-employment background check.

Additional Information

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this full-time, non-exempt position is $27.99 to $34.02 hourly, depending on experience and qualifications. To complement this salary, we offer a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents – we cover 100% of the cost for these premiums. We participate in CalPERS retirement programs as well as offering a separate 457 Plan for tax deferred retirement savings. A basic life insurance policy is provided to all eligible employees with the option to purchase additional personal insurance benefits.

Application and Selection

All application materials must be received prior to March 30, 2020, at 5:00 PM. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your application materials including cover letter and resume at the application link provided below. Resume should reflect years and months of employment. In person interviews are tentatively set for April 24, 2020.

 

NO AGENCIES are needed in recruiting for this job.