Position Title:
Ecological Volunteer Technician - Hourly
Job Description:
The ecological volunteer technician will work closely with the Restoration Ecology team members in a variety of ecological restoration projects on Trails and Natural Lands properties. Will collaborate and coordinate with Public Lands volunteer staff to recruit, promote, and run volunteer events. Will additionally provide leadership in working with volunteer community members on ecological restoration and maintenance projects to add needed care for our natural lands as well as instill community pride and ownership within our community.
Candidates should have education in botany and natural resources or experience in working with native plants and native ecosystems, should have demonstrated experience in outdoor education, volunteer management, or a related field, and should be a confident leader with the desire to connect with community members on a weekly basis.
DUTIES:
- Ecological restoration through invasive plant management and revegetation efforts
- Restoration project site preparation including: vegetation management, laying tarps and weed fabric, plant transportation, and native plant site arrangement
- Native species planting
- Vegetation management and control of invasive species, including hand pulling, solarization, and the use of herbicides and power equipment such as mowers, line trimmers, brush cutters, and chainsaws
- Identification of native and non-native plant species
- General maintenance of trails and nature parks
- Maintenance of natural surface trails and trail amenities including use of hand and power tools and mechanized equipment
- Litter cleanup
- Installation and maintenance of fencing and signage
- Pruning vegetation and clearing debris from trail and park amenities
- Weeding and managing invasive species
- Maintenance tasks associated with trails and park safety
- Basic irrigation repair including replacing spray heads and fixing leaks
- Hand watering trees and native plants
- Light equipment operation
- Interface with the public, including providing support to volunteer projects, stewardship events, and engaging with park visitors
- On the job training and professional development
- Various other tasks in support of Salt Lake City’s system of public lands and trails
- Communicate and continually updates co-workers and supervisor of progress and problems
- Follow and prioritize safety requirements and hazard/risk assessment of themselves and the team, utilizing provided personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills in plant identification, restoration, farming, forestry, hydrology or ecology or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills
- Practical outdoor work experience
- Valid Driver’s License and ability to safely drive large pickup trucks
- Basic experience and knowledge of natural resource management practices and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to operate hand tools and light equipment
- Demonstrated ability to work in adverse conditions including rain, high or low temperatures, insects, and difficult terrain and to work full days outdoors without regular access to amenities
- Demonstrated ability to stay on task, especially when work is tedious and repetitive
- Demonstrated ability to handle unexpected changes in plans with flexibility, patience, and creative problem solving
- Must be 16 years of age or older
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree or six months of field experience in natural resources, natural sciences, landscaping, trails, environmental education, or other outdoor industries
- Demonstrated ability to carry a heavy pack and hike up to six miles in variable mountainous terrain
- Effective at leading and motivating small groups
- Excellent observation and communication skills (written and verbal)
- Detail-oriented and focused on accuracy and quality control
- Ability to haul and backup trailer with hand signal assistance
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Work is primarily outdoors under a variety of weather and environmental conditions and may involve hiking to reach the job site. Work locations include Salt Lake City’s Foothills Natural Area, the Jordan River Parkway, properties along City Creek, Red Butte Creek, Emigration Creek, Parleys Creek, and various city parks and greenways.
- Exposure to hazardous wildlife and off-leash dogs
- Work on city properties may involve working around the unhoused population
- Moderately heavy physical activity. Required to push, pull, carry and lift medium to heavy weights. Difficult working positions; may have to stand, walk, or sit in uncomfortable positions for extended periods and squat or crawl.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
POSITION TYPE
Part-Time
POSITION SALARY RANGE
$ 20/hr - $26/hr
DEPARTMENT
Public Lands
Full Time/Part Time:
Part time
Scheduled Hours:
20