Biological Science Technician

POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE ASSOCIATION (PRNSA)
We partner with the National Park Service to create opportunities for all people to experience, enhance, and preserve Point Reyes National Seashore for present and future generations. As a national leader in coastal conservation and environmental education, we transform park visitors into park stewards. 

JOB SUMMARY
This position supports Natural Resources Management at Point Reyes National Seashore. Specifically, the Biological Science Technician will work under the technical guidance of the Range Management Program within the Integrated Resource Management Division. The technician will receive on-the-job training in natural resource monitoring, vegetation identification and ecology, invasive plant management techniques, GIS software, and data management.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The technician will assist with field mapping and monitoring of lands leased for cattle ranching and targeted grazing managed by Point Reyes National Seashore to assess habitat, vegetation, water quality, soil, animal use, and ranch infrastructure conditions. The technician will also assist with treatment of invasive plant species and planning, implementation, and maintenance of ranch management activities. The technician will be an employee of PRNSA, and PRNSA staff will act as the direct supervisor while NPS staff will provide day-to-day technical guidance regarding specific work activities. The technician will conduct work paired with another equivalent PRNSA Biological Technician position but may work alone at times. A National Park Service Biologist will lead and coordinate field activities. 

REPORTS TO
Sam Chiriboga (PRNSA Deputy Director) and works alongside Dylan Voeller, Range Program Manager/Ecologist

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
The Technician will assist with field mapping and monitoring of rangelands to support conservation and management actions that may be required. Work will include treatment of invasive plant species to promote desired vegetation conditions, water quality monitoring, and may require the occasional maintenance of resource protection infrastructure such as fencing. Work will often involve navigating to sites and mapping using positioning receivers and mobile devices with ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps. The Technician will also undertake activities that promote native plant restoration, including native seed collection and preparation for storage. Specific tasks conducted by the technician will include:   

• Spring grassland vegetation monitoring and rare plant monitoring
• Fall residual dry matter monitoring
• Water quality monitoring in freshwater streams, lagoons, and beaches
• Mapping and monitoring of invasive non-native plant infestations, including treatment tracking
• Implementing an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, using a combination of manual, mechanical, biological, cultural, and chemical methods, including chemical application with a backpack sprayer or other appropriate device in accordance with state regulations and park best management practices, as well as hauling removed plants for appropriate disposal
• Field mapping and monitoring of ranch infrastructure, compliance with permits, and activities such as the implementation of management practices
• Project-related planning, pre-construction, or post-construction surveys for rare plants, wetland vegetation, and high-value habitat to assist with project designs and environmental compliance
• Native plant seed collection, preparation, storage, and nursery maintenance
• Data management including entry, validation, and clean-up of monitoring data in ArcGIS, Excel, Access, organization, and cataloging of monitoring photos, and clean-up of existing databases
• Assistance with generating ArcGIS maps, tables, figures, and reports for completed actions
• Occasional maintenance of ranch infrastructure such as repairs to resource protection barbed wire fencing
• General maintenance of tools and equipment, organization of storage areas, and other tasks associated with keeping program equipment accessible and in working order
• Other duties as assigned

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated knowledge of coastal California flora and skills in identifying California vegetation with only minimal use of a taxonomic key
• Experience and skills in implementing vegetation monitoring protocols
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills navigating to locations, collecting spatial data, and mapping resources (using equipment such as positioning receivers and mobile devices with ESRI ArcGIS Field Maps) 
• Familiarity with ESRI ArcGIS software, such as the ability to conduct basic data management, editing, and analysis and produce simple to moderately complex maps and graphics 
• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and skills with Excel and/or Access databases
• Familiarity with water quality monitoring in freshwater streams, lagoons, and beaches
• Knowledge, experience, and skills in integrated pest management (IPM) principles and practices, including manual, mechanical, biological, cultural, and chemical methods; experience using tools and equipment such as hand picks, weed whips, and backpack sprayers for invasive plant management; familiarity with safe and effective herbicide application in accordance with California regulations and park best management practices. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) is desirable (May be required to obtain and retain a California Qualified Applicator Certificate, on work time, if one is not already held)
• Willing and able to work safely in poison oak 
• Experience and skills in working with field crews or contractors. Should have the ability to collaboratively work with field technicians, field work lead, and crew supervisors
• Experience working with diverse populations and interfacing with various groups of stakeholders
• Experience assisting with monitoring of ecological restoration or rural agricultural infrastructure installations desirable (e.g. riparian restoration, livestock fencing, erosion control structures)
• Off-road driving experience a plus
• Commitment to PRNSA’s mission, values, goals, and success
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License required
• Willing to be fingerprinted and undergo a criminal background check through Live Scan and NPS

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS (not required but helpful)

• Genuine, demonstrated interest in vegetation management, rangeland management, and habitat restoration
• Strong attention to detail and ability to carefully follow monitoring protocols (vegetation, residual dry matter, etc.), conduct field documentation, and spatial and non-spatial data collection and processing
• Very strong work ethic, including enthusiasm for long field days and repetitive tasks 
• The ability to consistently meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision when necessary
• Willing and able to adapt when circumstances demand and look for solutions to unanticipated issues 
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Physically fit; able to hike off-trail over rough terrain carrying a 30-lb. pack as needed
• Very reliable and punctual
• Able to proactively anticipate and resolve issues even before they arise  
• Able to work cooperatively on a team as well as working independently 
• Demonstrated commitment to field safety

PHYSICAL DEMAND
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and climb or balance. The employee will spend a good proportion of time in the field, completing tasks that include hiking through dense vegetation, steep slopes, and uneven terrain, including off-trail hiking, wading in streams with flowing or stagnant water, driving on unimproved dirt roads, and will sometimes be required to conduct work that requires significant physical exertion. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK SCHEDULE
Most work will be Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, but due to the flexible nature of the work, the candidate may occasionally be asked to work some longer or weekend hours.

SALARY & BENEFITS
$28 - $31 per hour, non-exempt, with the exact rate depending on the strength of qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, dental, 403(b) with employer match, and paid time off. This is an at-will, 14-month position, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding availability.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The work environment is frequently outdoors, often in physically challenging site conditions including steep slopes, uneven terrain, various types of inclement weather, hiking through dense vegetation, wading in flowing streams, rangelands with cattle, and with frequent exposure to hazards such as poison oak, stinging plants, or stinging/biting insects. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be provided to assist the employee in working safely under demanding physical conditions. A proportion of time is spent driving government vehicles to work locations within Point Reyes National Seashore, including rural ranch roads and occasional off-road travel. Some work will occur in an open office setting, occasionally with prolonged sitting and computer use. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Point Reyes National Seashore is located in a rural area with limited public transportation. A personal vehicle may be necessary to commute to and from work. The cost of living in Marin County is significantly higher than the national average. Shared government housing may be available for a monthly fee within a 30-minute drive of the park headquarters.

HIRING PROCESS

• Please submit your application by October 30, 2026
• Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis through the submission deadline 
• The suggested start date is January 11, 2027, for a 14-month contract

This job description reflects the assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Point Reyes National Seashore Association is an at-will employer. Point Reyes National Seashore Association is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

Department: Parks Projects & Programs
This is a non-management position
This is a full time position