Position: Seasonal Field Assistants (2)

Department: Land Bank

Locations/Hours: Orcas (16 hours per week) and Lopez (20-24 hours per week)

Duration: April – October 2024

Type:  Seasonal Part-Time, Non-Represented, Non-Exempt

Pay Range: H-5, $31.79 – $35.35 per hour

Benefits: Washington paid sick leave

Reports to: Land Bank Director

Opening Date: 2/27/2024

Closing Date: Until filled

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume to hr@sanjuancountywa.gov and indicate your desired location

San Juan County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

BASIC FUNCTIONS: 
The Seasonal Field Assistant performs a range of activities associated with conservation lands management, including trail building and maintenance, weed control, facilities upkeep, resource protection, leading volunteers, preserve monitoring and educating the public on preserve rules and guidelines. The Seasonal Field Assistant reports to the Land Bank Director, assists the Preserve Stewards, and may work with other Land Bank staff, contractors, and volunteers on all Land Bank preserves located throughout San Juan County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED, and a minimum of one year direct or transferable skill experiences related to the job duties and responsibilities; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the job. Related experience includes the following: trail construction and maintenance, invasive species control, landscaping and groundskeeping, repairs and maintenance, field biology and environmental education. Must have a valid WA State Driver’s License and good driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with landscaping maintenance tools (weed eater, mower); Experience leading volunteers

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

  1. General preserve monitoring and maintenance – activities include trail work, sign and facilities maintenance, litter removal, mowing.
  2. Invasive plant species removal – strategic removal of invasive plant species including coordinating and leading volunteer work parties.
  3. Public engagement and education including conveying preserve rules.
  4. Restroom cleaning, shop maintenance and maintenance of tools.
  5. Assist with stewardship projects, including habitat restoration and enhancement, biological surveys, and vegetation management.
  6. Acts within the scope of his/her/their responsibilities, working as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

Knowledge of:

  • Natural history of the San Juan Islands
  • Use of carpentry tools and maintenance
  • First-aid training
  • Public relations

Skills:

  • Basic landscaping

Ability to:

  • Perform field work in all weather conditions
  • Work independently
  • Be self-motivated and self-directed

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work of this position is performed primarily in the field and requires average hearing and vision. Requires frequent standing, walking, climbing, bending, and twisting and ability to traverse uneven terrain. Ability to lift up to 40 pounds with both hands and arms and to carry loads. Requires sufficient manual dexterity to operate hand and power tools. The employee must be able to understand written and oral communication and give written and oral instruction.  Must be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide accurately. Stamina required for rigorous and lengthy or monotonous and laborious tasks. Fieldwork is often on uneven terrain. The person holding this position also must be highly motivated and self-directed.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS:                          No. of            Frequency of use

            Equipment/Tool                                           Hours       Daily     Weekly     Monthly

 

          Hand tools 9 X
          Power hand tools

 

 5 X
          Riding/ push mower

 

 4 X
          Vehicle

.5                     x

 1 X

 

WORKING CONDITIONS   Outdoors during all weather conditions. Outdoor work frequently requires vigorous activities in inclement weather. Employees are exposed to the dangers of operating tools and equipment. Use of safety and health equipment (eye and hand protection) is required.