Our Commitment To Conservation

At Channel Islands Restoration, we are environmental activists helping create a more sustainable planet. As a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Santa Barbara, we work to restore native habitat along the Central Coast.

CIR staff play a vital role in our mission to provide environmental restoration, education, and research. Most of our team members live locally, in Santa Barbara or Ventura County. For 20 years, CIR has also partnered with businesses, organizations, and schools, offering volunteer services and educational opportunities for students and adults. We are recognized partners with Patagonia and REI. Join our team today and help make an environmental impact!

Reasons To Join Channel Islands Restoration

Internships

We do not have internship opportunities available at this time, but please check back at a later date.

Careers

Habitat Restoration Landscape Technician

(Part-Time Variable Hours) 

Channel Islands Restoration 

Channel Islands Restoration is a 501©3 non-profit organization and licensed landscape contractor that restores habitat in sensitive and unique natural areas on the California Channel Islands and mainland of southern California. We protect rare and endangered native plant and animal species by restoring the natural habitats they depend on for survival. www.cirweb.org. 

Job Title  

Habitat Restoration Landscape Technician (Field Technician)  

Job Summary 
The Habitat Restoration Landscape Technician plays an integral role in the restoration of native plants and the removal of non-native or invasive plant species to help restore habitat in sensitive and unique natural areas. In this entry-level role, you will gain the knowledge and experience to identify native and non-native plant and animal species.  

In a team environment, your responsibilities will involve working outdoors. These include but are not limited to, planting native plants, installing irrigation systems, removing weeds using assorted tools and methods, and other physical tasks. Our work takes us to job sites on the mainland of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties. We are fortunate to work in beautiful environments with great people! 

Although our work is hard and physically demanding at times and field conditions vary, you will make a direct environmental impact every day. CIR also provides additional opportunities to expand your professional development and learn about the environment, including training, webinars, workshops, and educational events. 

Hours  

This is a part-time variable hours entry-level position. Part time variable hours means that there are no guaranteed number of work hours per week. We may be able to provide up to 40 hours of work some weeks during our busy months, and an average of 20 hours per week during slower months. Though this is dependent both on the employee’s availability as well as active projects which change throughout the month.  

Qualifications  

• Willing and able to learn about native plants and weeds 

• Willing and able to work in physically demanding environments and weather 

• Willing and able to work as part of a team and independently 

• Mindful of safety, conscientious, and detail oriented 

• Great work ethic, able to work efficiently, enthusiastic, and have a positive disposition  

• Must have a valid driver’s license, if you are assigned to drive employer vehicles as needed 

• Must have you own reliable transportation to/from sites, as several of our sites are not accessible to the public and sites are spread out through several counties 

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 40 pounds  

• Ability to hike over steep, rugged terrain with frequently unstable rocky substrate while carrying hand tools and heavy backpack sprayers  

• Ability to learn new software for scheduling 

• Willing to wear safety gear including but not limited to, coveralls, hiking boots, gloves, and goggles 

• All employees must adhere to the company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program 

• All applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

Skills and Knowledge Appreciated but Not Required 

• Prior experience and knowledge using hand and power tools 

• Prior experience and knowledge installing and repairing irrigation systems 

• Knowledge in identification of native and non-native plants 

• Knowledge in data collection and navigation using GIS applications on mobile phones 

• Certification for using a chainsaw a plus 

Wages/Pay Scale  

The rate for this position starts at $20 per hour. Over time and with experience during employment, the rate for this position may be increased to a maximum compensation of $27 per hour.  

Benefits 

• Sick and vacation time accrued  

• Simple IRA enrollment and matching option 

• Able to work in beautiful outdoor environments  

• Opportunities for continuing education and growth  

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: 

Channel Islands Restoration is an equal opportunity employer and committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage people of the global majority, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with protected class backgrounds to apply. We value the individuals that we hire and look forward to creating a positive, diverse work environment for all identities. 

Apply 

You must submit both a cover letter and résumé to be considered for the position 

Submit a cover letter and a résumé to Director of Admin & Finance, Carrie Gergely: carrie@cirweb.org.