Stewardship Crew Member in Chico California, California at Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria

Job Title: Stewardship Crew Member

Department: Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR)

Reports To: Stewardship Crew Supervisor

Classification: Hourly, full-time, benefit-eligible

Anticipated Salary Range: $25 - $29/hour

Position Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Stewardship Crew Supervisor, Crew Members will engage in land stewardship and improvement activities on Tribal lands. Stewards will assist in the implementation of various land management activities such as invasive plant removal, prescribed burns, and ecological restoration. This position requires that each member work safely and cooperatively as a team to perform duties assigned, and be able to work independently when directed to do so. The successful candidate will have a high degree of situational awareness, a thorough understanding of proper safety protocols, and be comfortable working in remote outdoor locations in inclement weather and rough terrain. Employment in this position is subject to the availability of grant funding and may be terminated if such funding is reduced or discontinued.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with all aspects of land management including natural and cultural resource protection and enhancement, infrastructure maintenance, prescribed fire, fuel reduction, invasive species management, ecological restoration, road and fence repair, trail building, agricultural activities, and property maintenance tasks
• Assist with pile burning, prescribed fire burn unit prep, fuels management and thinning, and participating in prescribed burns throughout the county
• Assist in leading Stewardship related volunteer workdays including planning and volunteer training
• Assist the collection of resource monitoring data, such as fire weather data, fuel and/or soil samples, GPS points, and vegetation surveys
• Assist in tracking project progress and maintain appropriate records
• Participate in wildland fire and safety trainings
• Safely utilize a variety of tools and equipment to conduct land management activities
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment including portable pumps, chain saws, and other common forestry equipment
• Assist Crew Supervisor with repairs of equipment to permit continued safe use
• • Works cooperatively with Mechoopda staff, other tribes, agencies, partner organizations and the public while maintaining professional conduct throughout all work assignments
• Maintains assigned equipment such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), chainsaws, and tools in good condition and working order, and report defective equipment to supervisor immediately
• Works closely with fellow crewmembers to exceed expectations in relation to work quality, quantity and the appropriate code of conduct
• Submits time-off requests, timecards entries, and administrative paperwork in a timely manner
• Safley operates 4WD trucks, passenger vehicles, tractor, water tender, and ATVs to access remote locations for field projects
• Conduct regular equipment maintenance to ensure all tools and equipment are in good working order
• Assist with shop inventory, organization, maintenance, and minor repairs
• Maintains neat and orderly workplaces including shops, project work sites, office areas, equipment storage facilities, and vehicles
• Other duties as assigned

Additional information

• This work involves some physical exertion, such as long periods of standing; walking over rough, wet, uneven, or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching; or similar activities; and recurrent lifting of moderately heavy items (50 pounds or more).
• Preference in hiring is given to qualified American Indians in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25 U.S. Code § 472 and 473). Applicants claiming Indian preference must submit verification by tribe of affiliation or other acceptable documentation of Indian heritage.
• All offers of employment are contingent upon:

-Successful completion of background and reference checks

-Passing a pre-employment physical.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to make sound decisions in a manner consistent with essential job functions and perform with a high degree of autonomy, organization and adaptability
• A high degree of situational awareness, ability to assess surroundings to determine potential hazards, and willingness to prioritize safety at all times
• Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in inclement weather
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of the organization and community
• Ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team in a diverse work place with people of varying cultures and backgrounds
• Demonstrates good judgment in time management and solving problems
• Familiar with and able to use common hand tools and power tools
• Have ability and interest in learning to use chainsaws, brush cutters, tractors, pumps, wood chippers and other related equipment
• Are interested in learning and gaining experience in all aspects of land stewardship
• The ability to make sound and independent judgments in a potentially stressful environment
• Must be eligible for coverage under the Tribes vehicle policy and be willing to travel locally and/or regionally, as necessary, during or after regular working hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working a labor-intensive job (preferably: trails, forestry, conservation, landscaping, agriculture, or similar)
• Experienced and comfortable driving full size pickup trucks and towing trailers
• Familiarity with operation and maintenance of chainsaws, wood chippers, brush cutters, various power and hand tools, and heavy equipment
• Knowledge of native and non-native plant species