VCRCD is seeking a versatile ecologist to fill the position of Conservation Ecologist. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history working in diverse natural environments conducting floral and faunal surveys and monitoring habitat restoration sites.
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND
The Ventura County Resource Conservation District's (VCRCD) mission is to collaborate with landowners, government agencies, and other willing partners to facilitate the conservation and restoration of Ventura County's natural resources. VCRCD is a special district (District) of the State of California and is primarily funded by grants. VCRCD is one of 99 RCDs in California and belongs to the California Association of RCDs (CARCD). VCRCD is governed by a board of seven Directors appointed to four-year terms. Directors must be landowners or agents of landowners residing within the District. Please visit our website at vcrcd.org for more information about VCRCD.
IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB DESCRIPTION
VCRCD is seeking a versatile ecologist to fill the position of Conservation Ecologist. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated history working in diverse natural environments conducting floral and faunal surveys and monitoring habitat restoration sites. Candidates must be willing to work across VCRCD programs, such as climate resilience, fire preparedness, and invasive and resistant species, take on new challenges and opportunities, and possess the communication skills needed for a public presence. The Conservation Ecologist will be responsible for helping VCRCD meet current grant requirements and assisting in the pursuit of new grant opportunities. The Conservation Ecologist is expected to pursue VCRCD’s strategic priorities in a manner that reflects the culture and values of the organization.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, botany, forestry, environmental science or related field
· Working knowledge conducting biological surveys: transects, quadrats, point counts, tracking
· Strong understanding of endangered, threatened, sensitive and listed species and their habitat
· Proven ability to develop habitat restoration plans, monitoring plans, and management plans
· Hands-on experience prepping, planting, irrigating, and maintaining restoration sites
· Working knowledge of local, state, and federal agency regulatory and permitting requirements
· Exceptional communication skills, proficiency with Microsoft Office and spatial imagery software
· Experience with project development, grant writing, and grant management
· Ability to work effectively in a team environment and under challenging conditions
· Desire to partner with state, federal, tribal, NGO, and community organizations
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Manage and coordinate tasks, staff, and reporting activities to achieve grant deliverables
· Serve as lead conducting and reporting biological survey results for applicable VCRCD projects
· Conduct field work that includes prepping, planting, and maintaining VCRCD restoration sites
· Develop restoration plans, monitoring plans, and management plans for restoration projects
· Assist with the preparation and review of environmental compliance documents and reports
· Provide as-needed assistance on projects in support of VCRCD’s strategic priorities
· Assist with writing grant proposals for District programs and projects
· Attend meetings on matters related to District programs and/or operations when needed
· Promote the VCRCD's mission, projects, and services within the community
· Contribute to VCRCD's short- and long-term organizational planning efforts
· Any additional duties deemed essential to the function of VCRCD
LOCATION
The VCRCD office is located at 3380 Somis Road, Somis, CA 93066. Services are provided throughout Ventura County and to surrounding counties so travel may be required
COMPENSATION
Employment type: Permanent, Hourly, Full Time (40 hours/week)
Salary range: $32.52-$36.34 to start, depending on experience
BENEFITS
Health, dental, vision, and up to 3% IRA matching contributions. VCRCD provides unemployment, workers’ compensation, Social Security, Medicare at the going rate. State Disability (SDI) is paid by the employee. VCRCD offers paid leave time and eleven paid holidays.
OTHER
Mileage: If VCRCD vehicle is not available, mileage will be paid for personal vehicle usage at the current Federal rate. Must have a clear DMV record and maintain vehicle insurance.
Candidates must be capable of a full range of motion, ability to lift at least 30 pounds without restriction, and hike in occasional adverse weather and terrain as needed.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
August 16, 2024
HOW TO APPLY
Email a resume, cover letter, and work sample to [email protected] and [email protected]. State the title of the position description you are applying to in the subject line.
In the cover letter, answer the supplementary questions below.
1) Identify restoration opportunities in Ventura County that you’d prioritize and explain why.
2) Discuss your experience, role, and actions working on a restoration project.
3) Describe your experience conducting community and tribal engagement.
You must submit answers to these questions to be considered for this position. Limit your response to a total of 5,000 characters, including spaces.
$32.52 - $36.34 per hour