Field Technician
Summer 2026 Field Technician
The Scott River Watershed Council (SRWC) is seeking qualified and motivated individuals to join our team for the summer field season. Our mission is to bring science-based and collaborative solutions to the issues facing the Scott Valley watershed. SRWC is a place-based, non-profit whose local Board of Directors and committed staff is taking a holistic and comprehensive approach to many of the problems facing the Scott River watershed. Our projects encompass instream and fisheries monitoring, forest health management, mountain meadow restoration, and increasing community engagement. We address complex issues caused by anthropogenic activities such as fire suppression, grazing, logging, and mining. While SRWC focuses on the Scott River watershed, the issues addressed are reflective of those across the west, and the experiences, skills and lessons learned are widely applicable.
We are hiring seasonal field technicians to fill the following positions:
- Mountain meadows field technician: 4-6 positions
- Invasive weeds management technician: 2-3 positions
- Fisheries technician: 2-3 position
Please specify in your application which position you are interested in and describe your experience relevant to that position.
Responsibilities:
Field technicians will perform various tasks in ecological monitoring and restoration as well as scientific data collection. Specific responsibilities for each of the positions will include the following:
Mountain meadows field technician
- Perform meadows inventory field validation and meadows condition assessment.
- Construct beaver dam analogs (BDAs) and similar low-tech process-based restoration (LTPBR) structures, using tools including chainsaws, loppers, shovels, and rock bars.
- Use GPS in remote backcountry settings; use and collect data on Avenza Maps.
- Input data into paper and digital datasheets using programs such as Survey 123, Avenza Maps, and Excel. Quality assurance quality control data.
- Maintain, service, and otherwise keep all field equipment in good condition.
- Field activities require physical strength and endurance, including working in inclement weather in remote areas with rugged terrain.
- Work in other projects/programs as needed.
Invasive weeds management technician
- Mapping and identifying distribution of invasive plants for developing management strategies and documenting progress.
- Remove invasive plants.
- Photo documentation.
- Maintain, service, and otherwise keep all field equipment in good condition.
- Field activities require physical strength and endurance, including working in inclement weather in remote areas with rugged terrain.
- Work in other projects/programs as needed.
Fisheries technician
- Habitat/biota stream surveys.
- Spring/Fall Chinook spawning surveys in cooperation with Federal, State, Tribal, and non-governmental entities.
- Spring Chinook/Summer Steelhead holding census.
- Larval lamprey surveys.
- Amphibian surveys (Cascades frog and tailed frog focus).
- Road crossing assessment.
- Temperature monitoring.
- Large wood monitoring.
- GIS and data entry.
- And more….!
Other information
- Full time seasonal position.
- The field season is mid May to late August or September; dates may be flexible based on snowpack and college schedules.
- Assigned job site may vary by day or week.
- We will be providing a designated camping area for the summer crew with the following amenities:
- Shared indoor space with table, couch, and ping pong table
- Basic kitchen setup with propane stove, barbeque, microwave, fridge, and running water
- Mountain meadows field technicians will be dispersed camping in remote locations during the work week
- Pay range: $18-$22/hr depending on experience and education.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ability to work and live in remote environments, streams, and uneven off-trail terrain.
- Attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Able to follow team leader instructions accurately and completely, sometimes while working with minimal supervision.
- Able to work in a small team and individually.
- Ability to repeatedly lift and carry 40 pounds.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Have a valid Driver’s License, good DMV driving record, personal vehicle insurance, and reliable vehicle capable of traveling on dirt roads.
- Have a California address.
Desired Qualifications:
- Completed at least one year of college in environmental science, natural resources, or related programs.
- Experience with scientific data collection.
- Able to lead day-to-day activities in a small team.
- Strong environmental and work ethic.
- Maintain effective and positive relationships with other staff, managers, and the public.
To apply, fill out this Google Form.
For questions, please contact Yifang Zhang at yifang@scottriver.org
Open until filled; applications will be reviewed beginning February 6, 2026.