Biological Science Technician (Seasonal)

The Presidio Trust is seeking a Biological Science Technician(Seasonal) who will support the Natural Resources Department. Once an Army Base, the Presidio of San Francisco is now a new kind of national park. The 1,500-acre Presidio is richly layered in history, is a natural oasis for wildlife, plants, and people, and offers iconic views known around the world. In its third decade as a park, public awareness and enjoyment of this exceptional place continues to grow.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about conducting field work in ecological restoration, volunteer management, and inventorying, monitoring, and research. You have experience with the tools and practices of trade, strong plant and animal identification skills, and an understanding of ecological science. You enjoy connecting people with the park, sharing your knowledge in plant and animal identification, wildlife management, and resource monitoring. You possess strong interpersonal skills and interact positively with the public, including volunteers, colleagues, tenants, and visitors.

This is a seasonal position with limited benefits and starting pay of $29.19 per hour.  This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically The Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by November 13, 2023, will receive first consideration. This position is expected to start early December 2023 and finish end of June 2024.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of restoration at designated work Install and maintain native plants with attention to the ecological requirements of each species. Control weeds using a variety of methods, including hand tools, power tools, and herbicide. Implement monitoring protocols to track rare plants and characterize plant communities at restoration and reference sites. Collect, organize, and enter field data for tracking work performed and as part of monitoring events.
• Leads volunteer, contractors, and fellow staff member workdays on weeding and planting programs, including instructing new volunteers and students on the proper methodology for restoration techniques, motivating these volunteer crews toward working, and creating a safe and positive work environment.
• Work with wildlife including conducting wildlife surveys, bird nesting surveys prior to vegetation, building oyster restoration, and possibly more.
• Assist with the tool inventory and maintenance Install, operate, and maintain resource management tools.
• Participate in the Integrated Pest Management Program at the Presidio, which may include using saws, weed whips, flamers, and spraying herbicide if applicant has a Qualified Applicator’s Certificate from the California Department of Pesticide
• Provide advice, assistance, and training to interns and volunteers involved in resource management projects and field research.
• Provide information to other employees and visitors about the natural resource management program.
• Occasionally respond to special requests for assistance with other natural resource projects or programs.
• Writes reports annually on work completed throughout the fiscal year at restoration sites.
• Work generally independently, but sometimes as part of a crew or leading a small
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in a biological or environmental science related field OR two years of relevant experience.
• Experience monitoring plants and animals
• Ability to communicate information in a clear and concise manner and ability to work harmoniously in a team environment with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of established practices, procedures, and techniques of at least one biological science.
• Knowledge of routine natural resource management practices, methods, and procedures, and basic knowledge of related regulations.
• Knowledge or ability to learn data collection techniques, including installation, operation, and maintenance of testing and sampling equipment.
• Ability to follow detailed sampling and laboratory procedures, train others to follow procedures, and recognize departures from established quality control/quality assurance guidelines.
• Basic understanding of natural resource management principles and techniques to understand and communicate results to scientists and non-scientists.
• Knowledge of basic word processing, spreadsheets, and data
• Values diversity and respects equity and inclusion for all staff, volunteers, and park
• Current valid Driver’s License

Physical Demands

• Strenuous physical activity is required including periods of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting and carrying heavy Some activities will occur in physically dangerous areas or settings, including around poison oak.
• Perform repetitive tasks outside, sometimes during inclement weather and may require the use of power tools including chainsaws and the application of herbicide while wearing a Tyvek suit.
• Field work includes exposure to extreme weather and terrain conditions, pesticides, poisonous plants, biting insects, snakes, and wild Laboratory work may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals.
• Due to Covid-19, there may be opportunities to do a mix of telework and field.

Desired Qualifications

• Passion for parks; strong desire to work for the
• Experience working in community-based natural resource and hands-on education
• Qualified Applicator’s Certificate, Category B

About the Department

Our Natural Resources program is a thought-leader within the ecological community and diligently manages native plant conservation and wildlife, monitors water quality and erosion, and conducts natural resources research, continually challenging conventional thinking and creating innovative solutions to improve the Park’s ecological health. We work closely with and share ideas with other innovative leaders in ecology, engage our local communities in community science, ecosystem restoration, and the management of biodiversity within the park.

Driver’s License Investigation & Review

This position requires a current, valid Driver’s License prior to starting work, and maintenance of a driver’s license throughout occupancy of the position. You will be subject to a driver’s license investigation as a New Entrant, and annual driver’s license reviews thereafter. An individual’s granting of an investigation and resulting reports thereafter is voluntary, however, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a driver’s license investigation. The Trust may refuse to hire an individual, rescind an offer of employment, or review and terminate the employment of a current employee who does not successfully complete the driver’s license investigation.

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. To apply, download the employment application from our website at www.presidio.gov/presidio-trust/jobs and submit your application to our email address listed on our website.