Introduction:
The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve (ESNERR) is a 1500-acre ecological reserve comprised of tidal wetlands, freshwater ponds, oak woodlands, and grassland habitats.  It is owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Game and it operates in partnership with the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the local, non-profit Elkhorn Slough Foundation.  It is one of 27 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country that serve as representative estuaries for research, education, and habitat stewardship.  To further its goals for habitat stewardship, ESNERR is hiring for the full-time position of Stewardship Specialist.

Definition:
The Stewardship Specialist, working under the supervision of the Stewardship Coordinator, will provide support for the protection, enhancement and restoration of natural resources on the Reserve. 
NOAA grant funded.  Full-time, permanent position.  Salary:  $47,000 with benefits.   

The Stewardship Specialist will be an employee of the Elkhorn Slough Foundation, but will be responsible for stewardship on the ESNERR which is supervised by the California Department of Fish and Game.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Direct, and participate in the implementation of resource management projects, as outlined in the Reserve’s management plan.  This includes invasive species control (with physical and chemical means), habitat maintenance and restoration activities.  Areas of focus include woodlands and freshwater habitats, which support special status amphibians.
• Oversee and operate the Reserve’s native plant greenhouse. 
• Plan, oversee, and assist with stewardship-related construction projects such as building a native plant shade house, and installing water control and erosion prevention structures. 
• Schedule, train, and direct volunteers, crews, and ESNERR staff in resource management and greenhouse activities. 
• Conduct monitoring activities as part of an adaptive management approach to habitat restoration.
• Communicate project goals, processes, and outcomes effectively to a variety of audiences including scientists, land managers, and volunteers.
• Assist in pursuing funding opportunities to support woodland and freshwater restoration projects, greenhouse activities, and other stewardship projects.
• Create and maintain reports, files, maps, images, and databases related to resource management.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:  Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management or related field or a minimum of 3 years experience in land management and habitat restoration.           

Knowledge of:  Coastal habitats, both wetlands and uplands; flora of Monterey County; restoration ecology; weed management strategies; permit requirements; project management; and greenhouse management.

Ability to: Work well independently and as part of a team; work under a variety of field conditions; work in woodlands with poison oak; oversee and mentor volunteers and/or interns; work some weekends; use and maintain field tools and equipment; and apply herbicide (under the Stewardship Coordinator’s pesticide applicator license).

Other skills:  Strong communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and leadership skills; good organizational and time management skills; basic word processing, database, spreadsheet, and presentation computer skills.

Position will remain open until filled; first round of applicants will be considered on June 20, 2008.

To apply send cover letter and resume by mail or email to:

Andrea Woolfolk, Stewardship Coordinator
Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
1700 Elkhorn Road
Watsonville, CA  95076

Please direct questions to Andrea Woolfolk at (831) 728-2822 ext. 311

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