Field Steward I (reports to the Field Operations Manager)
- Full-time (1.0 FTE), non-exempt position
- Mutually agreed upon daytime schedule with some flexibility; some weekends and evenings with opportunity to telecommute one day per week with prior coordination
- Compensation: $14.00 - $18.00/hour DOE
Summary
Field Steward 1 works on all Solano Land Trust (SLT) properties (nine properties totaling over 11,600 acres). Field Steward 1 helps to control weeds, to maintain water infrastructure including troughs and restoration irrigation systems, and to maintain trail, with other duties as assigned. Field Steward 1 works under the direction of the Field Operations Manager (FOM), and may be called upon to work on restoration projects or to assist in vegetation monitoring. Field Steward 1 works in close coordination with other Lands Team staff. Field Steward 1 supports the Lands Team in property, facility and equipment maintenance. He/she may occasionally lead or supervise temporary employees, volunteers, including prison work crews, or contractors. Field Steward 1 works closely with all Solano Land Trust staff and others to support the Solano Land Trust mission. Field Steward 1 interacts with the public and supports use of all facilities by visiting scientists, user groups, and the general public.
The Field Steward is accountable for delivering the following results:
- Support the Lands Team staff in the day-to-day management of SLT’s facilities, properties and infrastructure.
- Support SLT’s events and public use of properties as assigned.
- Keep accurate and complete activities logs, including timesheets, maintenance records, monitoring data sheets, property visit records and other forms as assigned by FOM.
Specific Responsibilities:
Landscape and Habitat Maintenance (all properties unless otherwise specified):
- Conduct weed control on all SLT properties using weed eater, tractor mower, chain saw, manual removal, and/or herbicide application by back-pack, ATV, and tractor as assigned by FOM.
- Under the direction of FOM, repair and maintain all fences, gates, barns and other livestock-related facilities, and repair or maintain trails and trail-related signage and kiosks, ranch roads.
- Direct concerns from or regarding grazing licensees to Project Manager - Stewardship.
- Conduct habitat restoration activities as assigned.
Facilities Maintenance:
- Support Field Operations Manager in scheduled and minor maintenance of off-grid electrical system, well-supplied public water system and the septic system on SLT properties.
- Maintain and build/repair well-supplied stock water and irrigation systems, including windmills, electric and solar pumps, storage tanks, piping, and troughs at all SLT owned properties.
- Under the direction of Field Operations Manager, maintain vehicles and equipment, including hand and power tools, vehicles, trailers and other equipment as assigned.
- Keep accurate records on activities and maintenance logs.
User Support:
- Coordinate with other staff and user groups and their requirements.
- Interact with and provide assistance to groups and visitors utilizing facilities.
- Check in and orient visiting scientists and guests using living quarters, office space, and laboratory space, as needed.
- Assist docents with educational programs.
- Assist staff with fund-raising events.
- Assist Project Manager 2 with Citizen Science, as needed.
Position Requirements
Education
- High school diploma or GED Plus two years related work experience.
- Associates Degree or Trade School certification in a relevant field may substitute for one year of experience.
Required Skills:
- Minimum two years of experience conservation, habitat management or agriculture, with experience in maintenance of electrical, mechanical or other systems or related work in the construction or agricultural industry.
- California Class C driver’s license.
- Provide a written record of a maintenance task.
- Strong and reliable work ethic; ability to rigidly adhere to maintenance and management schedules.
- Basic carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical skills.
- Ability to safely operate a chainsaw and other power tools.
- Ability to drive a four-wheel drive truck with standard transmission.
- Ability to operate a small farm tractor, load it onto a trailer and tow it with a standard truck.
- Willingness to work with chemical herbicides after appropriate training and given appropriate protective gear.
- Willingness to work in all kinds of weather conditions; walk for several miles over rough terrain; and endure biting and stinging insects.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the visiting public, ranchers, volunteers, public officials, contractors, and researchers.
- Ability to prioritize tasks, develop timeframes, and complete tasks within timeframes.
- Ability to lead others in assigned tasks.
- Ability to resolve problems independently as delegated.
Preferred Skills / Knowledge:
- Experience operating All Terrain Vehicles over hilly terrain.
- Experience managing small construction projects.
- Experience with trail construction.
- Experience with chemical herbicides and associated equipment.
- Knowledge of local flora and fauna.
- Interest in learning to identify plants and animals classified as species of special concern.
- Comfortable working around livestock.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to do physical work related to various maintenance and fieldwork activities.
- Ability to walk over uneven, hilly and/or difficult terrain for one to two miles with a 3-gallon backpack sprayer.
- Ability to lift and carry tools and heavy (60-100 pounds) field equipment.
- Ability to drive for local and regional travel.
Salary and Benefits
This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), non-exempt position. SLT offers paid sick leave in accordance with the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014 for seasonal/temporary employees who are employed at least 30 calendar days within a year.
SLT provides a portion of the employee’s health, dental, and vision insurance, matches up to 3% of employee’s contribution toward their 403.b retirement account, and provides eleven paid holidays and two weeks of vacation per year.
After 6 months of employment, this position is eligible to enroll in the process to earn their Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) at the expense of SLT.