ECWA Land and Water Projects Technician
Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association (ECWA) is seeking candidates for the position of Land and Water Projects Technician.
Join our dynamic, collaborative team that works to protect and steward conservation lands and water quality throughout the urban Ellerbe Creek watershed; implement stormwater management and green infrastructure projects; host community workdays; help manage ECWA nature preserves; and build authentic relationships based on our values of respect, accountability, and transparency.
The Land and Water Projects Technician will assist in the siting, installation, and monitoring of residential Stormwater Control Measures such as rain gardens and rainwater harvesting cisterns. They will also assist in monitoring and maintenance of ECWA’s owned properties. The Land and Water Projects Technician is a full-time 12-month position that will be supervised by the Stewardship Director and work in close collaboration with the Water Management Program Director and the Land and Water Projects Coordinator.
Join our dynamic, collaborative team that works to protect and steward conservation lands and water quality throughout the urban Ellerbe Creek watershed; implement stormwater management and green infrastructure projects; host community workdays; help manage ECWA nature preserves; and build authentic relationships based on our values of respect, accountability, and transparency.
The Land and Water Projects Technician will assist in the siting, installation, and monitoring of residential Stormwater Control Measures such as rain gardens and rainwater harvesting cisterns. They will also assist in monitoring and maintenance of ECWA’s owned properties. The Land and Water Projects Technician is a full-time 12-month position that will be supervised by the Stewardship Director and work in close collaboration with the Water Management Program Director and the Land and Water Projects Coordinator.
About the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association
ECWA is a land trust and a watershed non-profit organization that envisions a clean and healthy creek supporting both people and wildlife in Durham, North Carolina. Our assets include dedicated volunteers; a committed board of directors; more than 450 acres of conserved land throughout the watershed, including five publicly accessible preserves with hiking trails; innovative water management projects; and professional staff who develop and share these assets in a sincere and inviting way.
Experience and Qualifications
- Experience communicating with diverse set of event volunteers and participants
- Experience working alone on self-directed tasks and effectively functioning as part of team of staff and volunteers
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The following characteristics are expected for this position:
- Ability to work alone at job sites without supervision
- Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
- Lift up to 50 pounds
- Ability to safely transport and use (or learn to use) tools including chainsaws, zero turn mowers, string trimmers and other power tools
- Perform repetitive manual labor tasks (including, but not limited to: digging, compacting soil, hauling materials) for several hours at a time
- Provide own transportation to and from worksites located in Durham
- Work on weekends and occasional weekday evenings to lead workdays or attend meetings, with the opportunity to flex time within the same week
Position Responsibilities
- Conduct nature preserve maintenance including:
- Invasive species, trash and debris removal
- Trail maintenance
- Preserve amenity upkeep and installation
- Mowing, chainsawing, string trimming
- Invasive species, trash and debris removal
- Regular tool and equipment maintenance
- Transport ECWA tools/materials to various worksites
- Coordinate logistics for and lead community work days
- Communicate with preserve users and neighbors in positive manner
- Preserve monitoring
- Install Stormwater Control Measures such as residential rain gardens and cisterns with guidance from the Water Management staff
- Manually dig, plant, mulch, use hand tools and power tools, and perform other necessary tasks to complete Stormwater Control Measure installations
- Conduct visual monitoring and maintenance of existing Stormwater Control Measures and complete monitoring reports.
- Coordinate site preparation for Stormwater Control Measure installation such as contacting applicable utilities and ensuring the site is marked prior to digging
- Occasionally purchase, and pick up plants and other installation materials.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation will be $16.75-$17.75/hour based on experience and qualifications.
The Land and Water Projects Technician will be hired as a full-time hourly employee for 12 months, with the possibility of extending the contract if funding exists. The Technician will complete approximately 40 hours of work per week on recurring, regularly scheduled days of the week (mostly M-F, but the possibility for some weekend/evening hours). Employees are paid monthly on the 15th of the following month.
Benefits include 100% employer covered health insurance, a $1,000 ($83/month) pre-tax retirement stipend, and 20 hours/month of Paid Time Off (includes vacation and “sick time”).
The Land and Water Projects Technician will be hired as a full-time hourly employee for 12 months, with the possibility of extending the contract if funding exists. The Technician will complete approximately 40 hours of work per week on recurring, regularly scheduled days of the week (mostly M-F, but the possibility for some weekend/evening hours). Employees are paid monthly on the 15th of the following month.
Benefits include 100% employer covered health insurance, a $1,000 ($83/month) pre-tax retirement stipend, and 20 hours/month of Paid Time Off (includes vacation and “sick time”).
Application Process
Email a cover letter outlining your interest in and qualifications for the position along with a professional resume that details your experience to Donna Myers at [email protected]. Please include Land and Water Projects Technician in the email subject line. ECWA will accept applications on a rolling basis, but applicants who apply by Sunday, August 13, 2023 will be given priority.
The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong, growing emphasis on diversity of all kinds in its workforce. ECWA prohibits any discrimination in carrying out its mission on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. This includes all programs, projects, events, and all other activities sponsored by ECWA. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer and Non-binary individuals, formerly incarcerated people, and women are especially encouraged to apply.
The Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and has a strong, growing emphasis on diversity of all kinds in its workforce. ECWA prohibits any discrimination in carrying out its mission on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status. This includes all programs, projects, events, and all other activities sponsored by ECWA. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer and Non-binary individuals, formerly incarcerated people, and women are especially encouraged to apply.
Posted on July 12, 2023