Under direction of the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA) Natural Resources Manager, the Seasonal Open Space Habitat Technician will primarily be responsible for maintenance of open space habitats and restoration systems as well as assist higher level positions with conducting various tasks under the management and monitoring annual work plans. The Seasonal Open Space Habitat Technician serves as an “at will” employee.

RCHCA is responsible for planning, acquiring, and managing habitat for the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR) and other endangered threatened and candidate species in Western Riverside County. RCHCA oversees the implementation and management of the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat Habitat Conservation Plan. RCHCA activities are administered by the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG). For more information regarding the RCHCA, please visit www.rchca.us. For more information regarding WRCOG, please visit www.wrcog.us.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES / FUNCTIONS:

Under general direction of RCHCA’s Natural Resources Manager, the job functions for the Seasonal Open Space Habitat Technician may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Carry out light custodial, maintenance, and cleanup of open space structures and grounds.
• Minor construction, repair, and improvement of structures, facilities, and grounds.
• Ability to answer public inquiries and complaints concerning space and wildlife habitat reserves and operations.
• Aid in emergency situations.
• Maintain fire prevention standards including maintaining fire breaks and fire fuel modifications as established by the State Department of Forestry and Fire Prevention.
• Understand principles and practices of natural resources conservation, open space management, and general enforcement, methods, and procedures.
• Support the natural history, conservation, preservation, wildlife habitat, and endangered species of Riverside County.
• Understand basic principles of gardening, landscaping, and grounds maintenance.
• Ability to work with other grounds maintenance crews, jail trustees, or youths detained in juvenile institutions in the performance of grounds maintenance work.
• Operate and maintain small gas engine equipment, hand tools, and other equipment as necessary.
• Patrol open space and wildlife habitat reserves; monitor for trespass and interact with trespassers; work with maintenance personnel to maintain signs and access controls as needed; utilize law enforcement agencies to achieve compliance.
• Safely mix and apply various herbicides.
• Perform other related work as required.

The preceding functions have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by employees assigned to this job classification. WRCOG Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would include:

• Basic written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interest in natural resource conservation, especially small populations, and threatened and endangered species.
• Experience with or willingness to learn the safe and efficient use of herbicides.
• Ability to hike through a variety of habitat types and terrain, walking over uneven ground, climbing over obstacles, and accessing remote locations.
• Ability to interpret maps.
• Strong organizational skills, initiative, and flexibility to work independently.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff from numerous agencies and jurisdictions, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to address and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously and work amid interruptions.
• Detail-oriented and resourceful, possessing aptitude to assist with special projects, as needed.
• Exceptional organizational and reporting skills, recognizing the importance of communication and completion of tasks on deadline.
• A valid California Driver’s License.
• Ability to operate a four-wheel drive vehicle over rugged terrain.
• Operate vehicles that are equipped with manual transmissions.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of natural resources conservation, open space management, and general enforcement.
• California native plant and wildlife species.
• Principles of first aid and safety including CPR certification.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in both writing and speaking in English language.

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with, provide staff support to, and implement the policies of Management.
• Provide a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, contractors, and WRCOG staff in a professional manner.
• Drive a 4×4 vehicle in off-road situations.
• Work evenings or early mornings as needed during monitoring sessions.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in open space, parks, or landscape maintenance settings.
• Experience with herbicide application preferred.
• Experience with operating a tractor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a field work-oriented position. Approximately 90% of time will be spent in the field. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Must be able to navigate in uneven or rugged terrain. Should be able to learn and operate GPS navigational systems, topo maps or compass, and have orienteering skills. The Technician will be required to work independently in the field with limited supervision. Must also work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer / laptop, operate a motor vehicle, and visit various meeting sites throughout Western Riverside County, southern California, and beyond for the conduct of WRCOG / RCHCA business. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

This position is classified to work under extreme temperatures outdoors, in primitive conditions and around large domestic livestock. The employee also interfaces with staff, management, other departmental representatives, government officials, business representatives, and the general public in explaining WRCOG and RCHCA policies and requesting and providing information. The Technician will be required to use herbicides to treat non-native plant species using backpack sprayers. Therefore, applicants should be comfortable with working with herbicides or willing to be trained.

COMPENSATION:

Salary:$17.50 / hour; this is a part-time position

Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday – Thursday

Benefits:There are no standard benefits for part-time employees

Period: Seasonal

Application:

A completed application, resume, and cover letter must be submitted / postmarked by the filing deadline. It is preferred that application packets are submitted electronically. Please email application packet to Hiring Manager at careers@wrcog.us.

Applications may also be mailed to the following address:

Western Riverside Council of Governments 3390 University Avenue, Suite 200 Riverside, CA 92501
ATTN: Hiring Manager

FILING DEADLINE: At this time, this position is open until filled. Electronic submittals are acceptable if they are provided by the stated deadline (WRCOG staff may subsequently request original documents).

For more information regarding this job opportunity please contact Hiring Manager at careers@wrcog.us.