Environmental Monitoring Technician

About the role

Riparia Environmental, a subsidiary of MacKay, is seeking an Environmental Monitoring Technician to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working outside and alongside a team while contributing to the improvement of habitats and ecosystems. Our Environmental Monitoring Technicians help our restoration team answer questions like: Are the plants we installed surviving? Are native species becoming established? Are invasive species returning? Is the habitat improving? Is erosion occurring? And are we meeting the project’s restoration goals? This is an essential role where individuals get to proactively contribute to the success of ongoing restoration efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field monitoring at wetlands, streams, rivers, forests, prairies, and other restoration sites.
• Monitor the progress and condition of ecological restoration projects.
• Identify potential problems such as erosion, invasive species, plant mortality, poor drainage, or unsuccessful restoration efforts.
• Collect soil, water, vegetation, and other environmental samples.
• Use GPS, tablets, cameras, and other field equipment to accurately document site conditions.
• Record field data and maintain accurate monitoring records.
• Provide regular updates to Project Managers and restoration team members on site conditions and monitoring results.
• Prepare progress reports, monitoring reports, and client deliverables.
• Present monitoring results, photographs, and field observations.
• Lead restoration crews in survey and construction activities within your area of professional expertise, as needed.
• Assist with restoration activities such as planting, invasive species removal, habitat enhancement, erosion control, and site maintenance when needed.
• Travel to project sites and work outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Conditions

• Ability to wear appropriate PPE for the entire shift including but not limited to: hard hats, goggles/glasses, gloves, reflective garments, etc.
• Ability to work in variable outdoor conditions (heat, rain, rough terrain, etc.).
• Ability to frequently bend and squat throughout shifts.
• Ability to carry loads of 30–40 pounds, up to the occasional 90 pounds.
• Ability to work long hours and overtime.

Minimum Qualifications

• 3–5 years of related natural resources experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience collecting and organizing field data for reports.
• Knowledge of environmental restoration techniques and best practices.
• Experience driving and backing full-size trucks with trailers and equipment.
• Experience with the safe operation of power tools such as lawn mowers, brush cutters, chainsaws, etc.
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to obtain DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate prior to employment.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or a related field.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in and with teams (preferably with a natural resources crew).
• Ability to identify invasive plant species and/or noxious weeds.
• WSDA Pesticide Applicator License.
• Active and up-to-date DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification.
• Desire and aptitude to grow.

Shift and Schedule

This position’s schedule varies based on current projects and the season. Work shifts are scheduled between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:30 pm. Overtime may be required. Local and overnight travel may be required.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $27.00 – $32.00/hr.

Benefits

• Company-sponsored medical (including an HSA high-deductible option), dental, vision, FSA, and supplemental life insurance plans.
• 100% company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
• Eligibility to participate in a company 401(k) plan with up to a 4% match.
• Paid vacation, paid sick time, and 11 paid holidays.
• Employee ownership options.
• Company pays for expenses associated with licensure as well as annual profit-sharing bonuses.