Environmental Technician - Trail Steward

SWCA Environmental Consultants • San Luis Obispo, CA

1d • $22 - $29 • Onsite

About The Position

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking an on-call Environmental Technician to support its San Luis Obispo, California office. This on-demand, hourly, non-exempt role averages fewer than 20 hours per week. Work hours may vary seasonally and according to project needs and the employee’s skills.

The technician supports field, laboratory, or office data collection and management, completing assigned tasks accurately and in accordance with established procedures, safety and quality protocols, and applicable regulations. The position also involves trail stewardship: operating and patrolling trail facilities, helping visitors, inspecting and maintaining trails and facilities, documenting activity, and responding to safety issues. The expected pay range is $21.65 to $28.67 per hour. The position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across environmental projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams; ability to learn and use other computer applications, including training and timecard applications.
• Excellent communication, multitasking, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the company professionally.
• Willingness to take on varied tasks and learn new things as team needs arise.
• Strong customer service approach and problem-solving ability.
• Professional demeanor when working with visitors and colleagues.
• Current, valid driver’s license and ability to drive multiple types of vehicles, including trucks, 4x4s, and ATVs; must meet SWCA driver requirements when driving is required.
• Ability to get to and from the job site.
• Ability to move heavy objects up to 25 pounds and operate equipment needed to maintain client recreation facilities.
• Ability to operate GPS devices, including SPOT and Garmin, as well as two-way radios.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to hike over uneven terrain, lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25–50 pounds, and work in varying or extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to follow safety procedures while potentially exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• One year of related experience or an equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
• Proficiency with Adobe Acrobat Professional.
• Up to one year of current work experience as a Trail Steward; two years of current Trail Steward experience would be very helpful.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting and/or managing data in the field, laboratory, or office, ensuring assigned work is accurate, complete, and verifiable.
• Communicate proactively with team members and supervisors about task objectives, methods, progress, questions, and needs.
• Follow directions, safety and quality protocols, established procedures, and applicable regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Operate and patrol trail facilities, reporting openings, damage, critical updates, trespassing, and unauthorized activity to designated contacts.
• Enforce trail rules and assist with visitor complaints or disputes, including property-loss or damage claims.
• Inspect trails and facilities for safety hazards, off-trail hikers, hazardous trees, and unsafe trail sections.
• Perform minor trail and facility maintenance, including clearing walkways, filling holes, and repairing barriers, fences, ropes, posts, and signs.
• Empty waste containers and remove litter from trails, roads, parking areas, and facilities.
• Provide basic first aid and CPR and assist emergency personnel in locating visitors.
• Maintain trail records, equipment inventories, hiker counts, and incident data.
• Maintain signage and bulletin boards and post approved regulatory, emergency, and safety information.
• Follow chemical-handling and storage requirements, including required safety documentation, and wear designated uniforms and personal protective equipment.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexibility
• Paid wellness time
• Opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects
• Career development programs and Career Landscape support resources

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED