Hiring: Rappahannock Restoration Technician

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Friends of the Rappahannock is hiring for a part time Restoration Technician based in Culpeper, Virginia to support our restoration programs in the Rappahannock and Rapidan River Watershed counties of Greene, Madison, Orange, Culpeper, Rappahannock, and Fauquier Counties.

Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR) is a 501c3 watershed protection organization with offices in Fredericksburg, Culpeper, and Tappahannock, Virginia. FOR works to be the voice and active force for a healthy and scenic Rappahannock River. We accomplish this through three program pillars – advocacy, restoration and education. FOR is seeking a flexible part-time restoration technician to support our restoration programs in the headwaters region.

Working with the Culpeper office staff, this position will support a variety of field based programs and projects in a six county region. The majority of this work will be outdoors and field based. Hours will range from 15-30 hours per week based on the season and program needs.

DUTIES

Rappahannock Conservation Nursery:

Friends of the Rappahannock manages a wide range of restoration programs and projects that require native trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennial flowers. In 2021, we founded the Rappahannock Conservation Nursery in Culpeper, VA to supply projects led by Friends of the Rappahannock and partners of the Rappahannock River Roundtable with quality native plants grown and raised locally.

  • Assist with nursery management
  • Oversee volunteers to support nursery activities
  • Maintain inventory of nursery stock
  • Maintain water infrastructure at the nursery and adjacent buildings
  • Support community and K-12 education programs at the nursery

Watershed Surveys and Monitoring:

  • Stream survey work to support the Upper Rappahannock watershed modeling and prioritization project
  • GIS assessment of aerial imagery and spatial bmp data to support the the Upper Rappahannock watershed modeling and prioritization project
  • Support the management of sample sites, equipment, volunteers, grants, and reporting for citizen water quality monitoring program

Reforestation and Green Infrastructure Projects:

  • Support urban tree planting projects
  • Support riparian buffer planting projects
  • Provide technical assistance for the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) and other green infrastructure projects including design or construction

Outreach:

  • Attend and staff outreach events to represent Friends of the Rappahannock
  • Support interpretive trips including nature walks, paddle trips, presentations, and more
  • Support and lead river cleanups in target areas

REQUIREMENTS

Necessary Qualifications:

  • Training or experience in horticulture, forestry, environmental science, biology, ecology, natural resource mgmt or related field. Extensive landscaping experience is also counted.
  • Must have valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to drive trucks with trailers
  • Must be able to lift 75lbs
  • Must be willing to work outside in varying weather conditions
  • Passion for environmental protection and conservation

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, horticulture, ecology, or related field
  • First aid certified
  • Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Training
  • Experience with GIS and esri products
  • Volunteer management experience
  • Environmental education experience
  • River safety training

This is a part-time, entry level position with the ability to grow into a full time position given availability of resources. The hourly rate will be $13-$16 per hour depending on experience.

Friends of the Rappahannock is an equal opportunity employer. We are inclusive. We believe diversity drives innovation. We are always growing our partnerships and believe it takes a watershed to make a difference.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to [email protected] with “Restoration Technician” in the subject line.

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