University of California - Santa Cruz, CA
posted 3 months ago
The University of California Santa Cruz is seeking a Research, Education, Outreach, and Restoration Steward for the Younger Lagoon Reserve. This position is pivotal in supporting the stewardship of the reserve, which is ecologically diverse and located on the beautiful central coast of California. The incumbent will work under the direction of the Younger Lagoon Reserve Director and will be responsible for a variety of tasks including field stewardship, biological monitoring, educational outreach, and habitat restoration. The role involves conducting hands-on restoration efforts, such as seed collection, propagation, weeding, and planting, as well as performing general land stewardship activities like trail maintenance and invasive species removal. In addition to restoration and stewardship, the steward will support educational initiatives by leading student interns, field assistants, and volunteer work crews. This includes organizing educational walks and public tours, as well as assisting with the recruitment, supervision, and training of student interns and volunteers. The steward will also be responsible for assessing the physical needs of the reserve, documenting issues such as invasive species and erosion, and enforcing reserve rules and policies as necessary. Data collection and management are key components of this role, including maintaining databases and logbooks of land conditions and preparing summaries for annual reports. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining the reserve's ecological integrity while also enhancing public access and educational opportunities. The steward will work closely with project leaders to coordinate research activities and ensure compliance with policies and procedures related to field research. This role is essential for the ongoing success of the Younger Lagoon Reserve and its mission to support research, education, and public service.