Opening: Restoration and Stewardship Associate

Reports to: Restoration Projects Manager
Status: Seasonal
Compensation: Salary $15.00 to $17.50 DOE and certifications
Dates: 40 hrs/week from April 15th through October 31st (daily start times vary based on weather, fire, and daylight conditions)

The McKenzie River Trust is looking for a Restoration and Stewardship Associate. This field-based position would be ideal for an individual interested in assisting with floodplain restoration and managing land for ecologic goals. The majority of the work will take place in the field on the Green Island property owned by the Trust near Coburg. Additional work may take place on other Trust managed properties and the MRT office in Eugene as assigned.

The McKenzie River Trust is a land trust based in Eugene that helps people protect and care for the lands and rivers they cherish in Western Oregon.

Stewardship Assistant will perform the following activities:

  • Maintenance and monitoring of native plantings to include:
    • Mowing on tractor or other machinery
    • Irrigating native trees and shrubs (utilizing industrial scale aluminum hand line, wheel line, and gun with traveler)
  • Invasive plant management, to include:
    • Identifying and GPS/flag non-native plant species
    • Mechanical control of invasive species (using a variety of methods: brush cutter, hand tools, tractor mowing, skid-steer mowing, etc.)
    • Chemical control of invasive species: applying herbicides safely and effectively, according to labels, laws, and best practices to achieve restoration objectives
  • Completing riparian/stream habitat assessments
  • Working with volunteers, partners, and MRT staff to accomplish tasks
  • Safely operate and maintain equipment (ATV, spray trailer, weed-eater, chainsaw, tractor, & skid-steer, truck, trailers, etc.)
  • Assisting Restoration Projects Manager with the maintenance of equipment and contractor management/scheduling as needed
  • Other related tasks as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Desired:

  • Interest in floodplain restoration, ecology, botany, related fields
  • Ability to work independently and be self-directed
  • Experience with operation of power and hand tools commonly used in restoration projects, including weed-eaters, mowers/tractors, weed wrenches, and chain-saws (saw (or other relevant) certifications are encouraged to be shared with MRT on the job application)
  • Ability to identify and distinguish among common native and non-native plants in the field
  • Ability to work long hours under adverse weather conditions (dry, hot, inclement weather)
  • Ability to lift 60lbs (infrequently) and work in a bent-over/kneeling/sitting position for long periods of time
  • Must have valid drivers license and personal transportation to the site (mileage reimbursed at Federal rate)

TO APPLY: Email a letter of interest and resume (PDF preferred), and contact information for a minimum of three references to mrtjobs@mckenzieriver.org with “Restoration and Stewardship Associate” in the subject line. Address cover letter to Christer LaBrecque. The position is open until filled. Review of application materials will end on: March 15th, 2020.