Restoration Field Technician

Restoration Field Technician
Ojai Valley Land Conservancy jobshiringnearme.org Ojai, CA
Full-Time, Non-Exempt jobshiringnearme.org $25 to $27/hour jobshiringnearme.org Monday through Friday, 8-hour days

Love working outdoors? Help restore the Ojai Valley.

The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC) is a nationally accredited land trust that protects and restores the natural landscapes of the Ojai Valley for current and future generations. We care for more than 2,600 acres of open space and 27 miles of trails. With the anticipated acquisition of Rancho Cañada Larga, our protected lands would more than triple. That makes this an exciting time to join our Restoration team.

As a Restoration Field Technician, you’ll spend most of your day outside doing hands-on habitat restoration across our preserves. This is a highly physical, field-based role, and it’s a great fit for someone who wants their work to make a visible difference on the land.

What You’ll Do

• Remove invasive species by weed whipping, hand pulling, mulching, and applying herbicide (pesticide safety training provided)
• Install and care for restoration plantings, including cuttings, nursery plants, and seed
• Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems
• Use and maintain hand tools, power tools, mowers, and chainsaws (certification dependent)
• Drive OVLC 4×4 work trucks on unpaved and off-road routes to get crew, tools, and materials to project sites
• Lead student groups and volunteer events on our preserves
• Conduct vegetation monitoring and wildlife surveys
• Oversee contractor work quality and schedules
• Help in the nursery with seed collection, transplanting, and watering
• Support stewardship projects, community events, and public outreach

As you build experience, you’ll have the opportunity to take on task and project management responsibilities.

What You’ll Bring

• Ability to work in the field 8 hours a day in varying weather and conditions
• Valid California driver’s license and a driving record that meets the requirements of OVLC’s auto insurance carrier
• A team-first attitude and the ability to work independently
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn
• Enthusiasm for sharing OVLC’s mission with the community
• Openness to feedback and new perspectives

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with habitat restoration and California plant identification
• Experience with field work, planting, or landscape maintenance
• CPR and first aid certification
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Physical Demands
Work takes place outdoors on steep, uneven, and sometimes remote terrain, in all kinds of weather, including high heat. The role involves extensive walking and hiking, frequent bending and kneeling, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. You may be exposed to poison oak, ticks, dust, wildfire smoke, herbicides, and equipment noise, and you’ll wear protective equipment as directed. These demands represent the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Benefits
Benefits begin on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

• Medical (Platinum HMO), dental, and vision, with employee premiums paid 100% by OVLC
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• $50,000 life insurance, paid by OVLC
• 14 paid holidays per year
• 12 days of paid vacation to start, increasing to 15 days after two years and 20 days after five years
• Paid sick leave