Restoration Project Assistant

Join our Team at Coastal Conservation and Research!

Coastal Conservation and Research, Inc (CCR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit business based in Moss Landing, CA. Incorporated in 2000, CCR personnel have been working in marine, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats since the 1970s. CCR’s work focuses on habitat restoration, scientific research, environmental planning, and education. CCR partners with the Central Coast Wetlands Group at Moss Landing Marine Labs to develop wetland restoration projects within the Salinas Valley. These partners now seek a motivated and self-directed new staff member to aid our management of restored areas within the Valley.

Job Description:

The Restoration Project Assistant will assist Coastal Conservation and Research, Inc and Central Coast Wetlands Group (CCWG) in the management of new and completed wetland and upland restoration projects in the Lower Salinas Valley. The Restoration Project Assistant will work with the Restoration Project Specialist to complete maintenance activities needed to ensure that new and completed restoration projects continue to provide surface water quality treatment and habitat enhancement benefits as designed.

Common maintenance activities will include weed control (weed whacking, hand weeding, herbicide application, etc.), watering newly planted native species and project specific maintenance activities. Periodic maintenance of failing water control and pump infrastructure necessitates some working mechanical and light electrical knowledge. The Assistant will also participate in monitoring activities. Knowledge of wetland restoration and weed management strategies is a benefit.

Full list of responsibilities includes:

·       Coordinate with Restoration Project Specialist on maintenance required at each site

·       Assist with restoration site Operations and Maintenance (O&M) activities including weed whacking, mowing, planting, watering, light earth moving

·       Troubleshoot flow problems in treatment wetlands

·       Assist the Restoration Project Specialist with coordinating and managing planting days

·       Assist CCWG staff with monitoring of restoration sites and participating in other research activities as needed

·       Assist the Restoration Project Specialist with supervising fieldwork performed by temporary workers, volunteers, and California Conservation Corps crews

·       Assist the Restoration Project Specialist with maintaining assets, tools, and property owned by CCWG and CCR

Preferred skills:

·       Herbicide application

·       Light duty tractor operation

·       Restoration ecology, native plant ID

·       Pump and pipe maintenance and repair

·       Basic electrical knowledge

·       Basic Spanish

The ideal candidate will have experience conducting traditional restoration activities (planting and weed management) in addition to basic plumbing and/or mechanical experience. A successful candidate will be physically able to complete intensive fieldwork activities, be self-motivated, adaptable to changing needs and environment conditions, and have excellent communication skills.

Work Environment:

The Restoration Project Assistant position is subject to all CCR policies including, but not limited to, those provided in the Employee Handbook, safety protocols, and standard operating procedures.

CCR’s full time staff typically work five 8-hour days each week, 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The schedule may shift earlier or later occasionally to support CCR projects. Work shall be performed in outdoor and office environments. Work assignments may require walking or standing most of a given day, sitting, bending, pulling, reaching, stooping, climbing, crawling, kneeling, lifting heavy objects, and contending with adverse weather conditions requiring special clothing and safety precautions. Walking/hiking may be on uneven surfaces and through rough terrain. Some work assignments may require working independently in a remote field setting. The Assistant shall be expected to follow field safety protocols.

Salary and Benefits:

Hourly pay ranges from $22 to $27 per hour, commensurate with skills and experience. Paid time off consists of 5 days of sick leave, 10 days general paid time off and 11 annual paid holidays. Position includes a $500 monthly healthcare stipend.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit by email:

1. A resume

2. A statement of qualifications and interest

3. Three professional references

The statement of qualifications should describe the applicant’s relevant experience and interest in the position. The statement should not exceed two full, single-spaced pages. Applicant contact information must include mailing address, phone number, and email address. Professional references must include names, email addresses, and phone numbers.

Please email application materials to Kamille Hammerstrom, Director of CCR at ccandr@ccandr.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.