Natural Resources Field Technician/Laborer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:Natural Resources Field Technician/Laborer

Department/Division: Environmental Department

Status: Permanent (Grant Contingent)

Salary: Hourly/DOE

Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Supervisor: Environmental Director

Subordinates: None

Benefits
Employer Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401K Retirement Plan (Eligibility after one year service). Company matches half of employee's contribution up to 7%

Vacation Earn up to 13 days per year for FT employees

Sick LeaveEarn up to 13 days per year for FT employees

Life Insurance The Company provides up to $25,000.00

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position supports Tribal environmental goals and objectives on the Pala Indian Reservation under the direction of the Pala Environmental Department. This position is responsible for working on a variety of projects including, but not limited to, fuels management, Natural Resources, wildlife, water, air, and solid waste. You will be responsible for clearing hazardous vegetative fuels on the Pala Reservation. This is an essential crew-level position with the fuels crew, which works alongside two other crew members and a crew leader. All work will be conducted on the Pala Indian Reservation with the goal of supporting the Pala Band's goals of wildfire resiliency, fire prevention, habitat restoration, and forest health.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Running a chainsaw on a four-person crew
• "Pulling" or "Swamping" brush
• Applying herbicide
• Safely operating a chipper
• Performs pile burning or controlled burns
• Planting trees, shrubs and seedlings
• Assist with technical tasks such as fuels work, invasive species removal, replanting, and some forestry type operations.
• Keep all equipment and vehicles clean and maintained
• Perform vegetative clearances around homes, road systems, fuel breaks, tribal buildings and structures, off site properties, power poles and hydrants, and sensitive cultural areas and landscapes
• Use iPad with mapping/GIS software
• Work with PED staff to provide support and backup for Natural Resources, wildlife, water, air, solid waste, and other programs
• Inspect, maintain, and repair tools and equipment while following all mandated safety protocols
• Interface between various tribal departments when needed (law, fire, tribal services, etc.)
• Attend trainings (local, overnight and out-of-state)
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work out problems with crew members in a mature fashion
• Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing).
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationship with people in a varied economic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to work in team/crew with chain of command environment
• Ability to implement directives
• Knowledge of driving a 4x4 work truck in varied and extreme terrain
• Proficient in chainsaw operations (sawyer)
• Mechanical aptitude and experience with engines (vehicle, chippers, chainsaws, etc.)
• Physical and emotional condition adequate to meet the demands of the assigned work station and duties

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or GED
• Experience with environmental and Natural Resources programs such as forestry, fuels, water, air, waste is preferred
• Valid Class C California Driver License
• Experience working in Native American tribal communities preferred
• Must be able to perform moderate to heavy physical work with prolonged standing and walking for extended periods, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, stretching, bending, and pushing, stooping, climbing, crouching, crawling, moving, lifting, and carrying loads weighing 100 pounds
• Must be able to pass a background check
• Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment
• Indian preference will apply. The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members. Pala Band of Mission Indians is an equal-opportunity employer

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Completion of NWCG courses preferred (ICS-100, L-180, S-130, S-190, IS-700).
• Red Card preferred
• Willing to perform annual physical and pack test if needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Exposure to inclement weather conditions while performing work, including exposure to wet and/or humid conditions
• Work is performed outdoors while exposed to fumes, odors, dust, dirt, rain, heat, cold, chemicals, and machinery with moving parts
• The noise level in the work environment is loud when operating equipment

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

All employees are expected to follow the Tribal Personnel Policies and Procedures of the Pala Band of Mission Indians and must adhere to any additional applicable addendums.