Temporary Ranger

ORGANIZATION
The Wildlands Conservancy (TWC) is a private nonprofit public benefit organization dedicated to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the earth and to providing programs so that children may know the wonder and joy of nature.

LOCATION
Estero Americano Coast Preserve, south of Bodega Bay. Ranger may also be assigned to travel to adjacent TWC locations such as the Jenner Headlands Preserve, just north of the coastal town of Jenner, CA.

THE POSITION
The Temporary Preserve Ranger performs land stewardship, public contact, maintenance, and habitat restoration from February to September. Maintains and improves structures, trails, and picnic areas; maintains equipment, vehicles, and water systems; and promotes safety awareness among the public and staff.

Establishes and maintains positive professional relationships with local residents, community groups, educational and business entities; explains the dual mission of TWC; Coordinates, promotes, and facilitates volunteer programs for land stewardship, and outdoor education opportunities for programs within the Sonoma Coast preserve system.

Primarily an outdoor position working independently in all weather conditions, and requires regular and punctual attendance. Weekend work is required, in addition to evening work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Effectively relate TWC’s mission to the general public and interact positively with visitors, residents, and community groups. Aid in fostering the preserve as a diverse, equitable, and inclusive gateway to the outdoors. Greets visitors, provides access and other information to the public, ensures their safety, and enforces Preserve rules and regulations. Engages visitors to sign up for the .

Designs and leads volunteer and educational service-learning projects that align with land stewardship and recreational enhancements on the Preserve (i.e. guided wildflower hikes, birding hikes, invasive plant removal efforts, etc.).

Conduct orientation and training sessions for volunteers. Provides regular feedback and support to volunteers. Assists in maintaining volunteer schedules to ensure adequate coverage for the Preserve. Maintain accurate records of volunteer hours, assignments, and reporting.

Repair and maintain buildings, facilities, roads, trails, irrigation systems, equipment (weed eaters, mowers, vehicles, generators, etc.), and appropriate fences and gates. Performs janitorial work in buildings and restrooms. Performs various construction duties; making and repairing signs, kiosks, etc. Removes litter upon discovery and disposes of trash and recycling from premises.Landscaping and grounds maintenance work; mowing, using weed whip, leaf blower, chainsaw, and other gas or battery powered tools, removing weeds, planting and trimming trees, bushes, and plants as directed. Assists in the construction/landscaping of new facilities, campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails.Assists in habitat restoration programs for riparian habitat, native grassland, and wetlands; and eradication of exotic plants (may include the use of herbicides).Keeps all workshop areas/vehicles clean and orderly; monitors and controls inventory of tools and equipment. Operates and maintains equipment and vehicles in a safe manner. Follows proper safety standards, practices, and procedures at all times.

Inspects grounds for hazards and safety checks on-premises. Assists with emergency scenarios and on-site accidents, and prepares necessary written reports.

Provides a high level of supervision, protection, and security to the land and its resources; may have interactions with confrontational visitors or trespassers on the premises. Uses the authority of the resource techniques during such interactions.

Sets up studies for restoration and baseline monitoring projects per direction from supervisors. Collects field data with a GPS unit and conducts analysis with GIS as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passionate about the outdoors, and have a personal dedication to environmental conservation. Positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic about working in a non-profit environment.
• Bachelor's Degree is desirable, preferably in biological, environmental sciences, or rangeland management.
• Experience with local plant and animal identification.
• Experience operating heavy equipment (tractors, skid steers, etc.) is a plus.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, a valid Driver's License, and the ability to be insured under TWC’s auto insurance policy per the Driver Acceptability Standards.
• Pass Live Scan criminal history background check, 5-Panel Drug Screen, and Physical (post-job offer).

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT

• Knowledge of endangered species and habitats of Northern California.
• Grounds equipment operation and maintenance procedures.
• Water and irrigation system maintenance procedures.
• Principles of ecology, plant taxonomy, natural history, and habitat restoration.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficiency with gas tools (chainsaws, pumps, weed whackers, etc.), towing equipment, and power tools.
• Handle difficult behavior effectively and with discretion.
• Demonstrate effective use of leadership, organization, and decision-making techniques.
• Work with minimal direct supervision.
• Use basic computer applications: online timekeeping system, e-mail, and Google G-suite.
• Competently and safely operate 4x4 vehicles (pickups and UTVs) in extreme road conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Perform strenuous work outdoors in all weather conditions and at a variety of altitudes.
• Walk a minimum of six miles in uneven terrain. Lift, carry, pull, and push a minimum of 50 pounds. Perform routine standing, sitting, reaching, bending, kneeling, speaking, hearing, seeing, and operating a motor vehicle; perform standard work functions such as typing, learning, and speaking on the radio, telephone, and in person.
• Perform janitorial, carpentry, plumbing, and mechanical maintenance and equipment repair duties.
• Perform all landscape maintenance tasks, including operating weed eaters and mowers; weed, rake, shovel, dig; install and maintain irrigation systems.

CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
$22.00 per hour, non-exempt, part-time, 16 hours per week working Saturday and Sunday shift with part-time benefits package which includes 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, paid sick, bereavement, and jury duty. In accordance with California’s pay transparency requirements, the pay rate for the position is $22-23 per hour.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The Wildlands Conservancy is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of unlawful harassment, discrimination, or retaliation based on an individual’s race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, reproductive health decision-making, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, off-duty and off-premises use of cannabis, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. The Wildlands Conservancy is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy in regard to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Employment with The Wildlands Conservancy is on an “at-will” basis. This means employment may be terminated at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause. Likewise, we respect an employees right to leave Wildlands at any time, with or without notice and with or without cause. Additionally, the terms of employment at TWC, including but not limited to promotion, demotion, discipline, transfer, compensation, benefits, duties, and location of work may be changed by Wildlands at any time, with or without notice, and for any or for no reason. Nothing in this document should be understood as creating a contract, guaranteed or continued employment, a right to termination only “for cause,” or any other guarantee of continued benefits or employment, or interpreted, applied, or enforced to interfere with, restrain, or coerce employees in the exercise of their rights under Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act.

Pay: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program

Application Question(s):

• What interests you about this position?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Bodega Bay, CA 94923 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $23