We are committed to removing barriers based on racial, gender, cultural, and other factors and believe that equal representation is essential to the success of Point Blue’s mission and vision. We seek and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams.
Job Summary:
The 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 the field work of Technicians, Apprentices, and volunteers, and will teach lessons and operate various equipment.
Essential Functions:
Restoration Technician
Restoration Support: 85-90%
- Assist with planning and implementing restoration projects, and non-native plant management, including ordering and staging restoration supplies, preparing field sites, and communicating and coordinating with teachers and project partners.
- Participate in physically demanding field work such as working 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, including 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 but not limited to: 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, leading interns, volunteers, and apprentices with instruction from Project Managers.
- Drive vehicles owned by Point Blue (e.g., trucks, tow trailers, all-terrain vehicles) from the Point Blue office and/or storage facilities to project sites and drive a vehicle to 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 related safety equipment.
- Mapping 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, including leading field work and coordinating with Project Managers to plan daily tasks and supplies needed.
- Lead volunteers, including school groups, conservation corps crews, and other volunteers in the field in community restoration activities, including demonstrating proper planting and tool techniques, while ensuring the safety of all participants and a high quality of work.
Education Support: 5-15%
- 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 with in-classroom pre-restoration education lessons and provide feedback on lesson plan activities.
Other Duties as Assigned: 2%
- 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.
- A strong sense of self-awareness and the willingness to engage in reflective practice.
- Strengths in problem-solving and troubleshooting challenges.
- Work respectfully on private and public property.
- Work in both 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.
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, to 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.
