Restoration Field Specialist – Seasonal Positions
Summary
This is a posting for several seasonal Restoration Field Specialist positions for the Yosemite Rivers Alliance (Yosemite Rivers), functioning out of the Sonora office. These positions are grant-funded and will include up to 40 hours of work per week from May-October 2026. The candidates selected for these positions will help implement and coordinate restoration projects in Stanislaus National Forest and the Lower Tuolumne River in La Grange and Modesto.
Information
Working under the guidance and supervision of Yosemite Rivers’ Restoration Project Manager, the Restoration Field Specialist will be tasked with assisting staff and overseeing volunteers on designated meadow, river, trail, and riparian restoration projects. The Restoration Specialist will become well versed in the goals and objectives of the projects they work on to help produce the most successful outcome.
Yosemite Rivers’ Restoration team will identify and implement key trainings and provide the necessary resources to ensure staff and volunteers work safely and effectively, including process-based restoration structure building techniques and tool and field safety protocols.
This position is primarily performed in the field, averaging approximately 90% field time & 10% office time, depending on Restoration Program needs.
The Restoration Field Specialist will work on a team with Restoration program staff to participate in hands-on restoration efforts on project sites in Stanislaus National Forest and along the lower Tuolumne River.
Duties and Responsibilities
Primary duties include:
Assisting with the implementation of meadow restoration tasks that include but are not limited to: installation and maintenance of process-based restoration structures, invasive plant removal, fence building or repair, small conifer removal, native plant revegetation, data collection, and project monitoring.
Assisting Restoration Program staff with field work monitoring and data collection, reporting and correspondence, mapping, and other tasks as needed for the planning and implementation of restoration projects.
Assisting with water quality monitoring and project progress tracking for river restoration work on the lower Tuolumne River.
Assisting the Restoration Coordinator with planning and implementation of volunteer restoration workdays.
Assisting Restoration Project Manager with permit & grant reporting for the river restoration projects.
Supporting quality control & permit compliance oversight on river restoration projects.
Tool maintenance.
Other duties as assigned.
Essential Job Functions
Work is primarily performed outdoors, in uneven, rural terrain including river and creek fronts, agricultural fields, and forests. Must be able to traverse long distances while navigating through heavy brush and uneven or steep terrain up to 3 hours per day.
This position performs manual labor, by use of a range of hand and power tools, equipment, and materials, up to 8 hours per day. Manual labor entails utilizing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as digging, cutting, and pounding. Frequently transports supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds up to 8 hours per day.
Exposure to heat, cold, rain, sun, and other challenging weather conditions. Field work may require working in potentially hazardous environments which may expose employees to chemicals, allergens, or other irritants, requiring appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment.
Spends up to 6 hours per day in a vehicle and frequently operates said vehicle. Occasionally (up to 10% of the time) work is performed in an office environment.
Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day), move items weighing up to 25 pounds, and move through the office and ascend/descend stairs.
Frequent repetitive clerical tasks including but not limited to operation of a computer keyboard, mouse, phone, tablet, and printer.
May be required to work overtime and or weekends.
Required Qualifications
Strong candidates will have a background and track record that includes:
Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.
Has the ability to work independently.
Is a team player and is able to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences, particularly in challenging site conditions over long days and in inclement weather.
Has basic computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Ability to learn to use software programs used for project management such as Asana and Box.
Ability to type efficiently and clearly for communication and reporting purposes.
Has a strong commitment to safety in the field.
Must have a valid California driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications
Some college background in forest ecology, fisheries, forestry, silviculture, hydrology, natural resources management, or a closely- related field.
Some knowledge of one, some, or all of the following: meadow restoration techniques, river restoration principles, forestry, vegetation management, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or river and meadow ecology.
1-2 field seasons of relevant experience in natural resource-related and/or restoration work.
Experience with hand tools such as crosscut saws, axes, etc.
Experience and training with chainsaws.
Wilderness first aid and CPR training.
Experience and comfort driving large field vehicles on rough roads (Forest Service dirt roads and Jeep roads).
Field and data mapping familiarity (Avenza, ESRI FieldMaps, and Survey123).
Knowledge of and familiarity with process-based restoration principles and design.
Travel
Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. Primary mode of transportation to work sites will be utilizing Yosemite Rivers’ fleet of work vehicles, but personal vehicle use (with mileage reimbursement provided) may at times be necessary. Enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice program and proof of a valid California Driver’s license and insurance will be required at the time of employment.
Additional Details
These positions will be based out of our Sonora, CA office and will report to the Restoration Project Manager. This is a seasonal, hourly, non-benefitted position, and a rate between $22-27/hr will be paid DOE. Overtime will be provided, and sick leave will also be accrued.
Yosemite Rivers Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a varied staff of qualified, intelligent, highly skilled and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. At this point, we hope you're feeling excited about the job description you’re reading. Even if you don't feel that you meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply.
To Apply
Please send an email with cover letter and resume as attachments with subject heading “Restoration Field Specialist” to jobs@yosemiterivers.org. If you have a strong preference to spend more of your time supporting meadow restoration or river restoration projects, please note that in your cover letter, though you are not required to do so.