Hiring Field Technicians

The DDHPL is hiring field technicians. We expect, but cannot guarantee, that the work will be 2 days a week, M-F with start time of 7:30 AM. (Flexible on which 2 days a week, to accommodate student schedule.)

This job is for vegetation management, which is considered essential by the state of California during the Stay at Home order.

Summary

The Field Technician weeds out non-native invasive species using hands, small hand tools and herbicide and does other physical tasks as needed. Work is within the San Dieguito River Valley.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct eradication and control of invasive plants at restoration sites. Utilize hand weeding, hand tools, power tools, herbicide application equipment such as spray bottles and backpacks.

Data collection and reporting using GPS units.

Perform other duties as directed by superiors.

Work collaboratively as a member of a cohesive team.

 Requirements

Must be willing to work with herbicides. (Training in herbicide safety and application will be provided.)

Must be willing and able to commute to work site independently.

Must be careful, conscientious and pay attention to detail, have a great work ethic, work efficiently, be enthusiastic, and above all be a positive functioning member of a diverse team. Ability to work independently and safely is essential.

 Physical Demands

Ability to work and hike outdoors in all weather conditions

Ability to work long hours outdoors

Ability to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds, while on rugged terrain.

Fieldwork involves manual labor, hiking over steep, rugged terrain with frequently unstable rocky substrate while carrying hand tools and heavy backpack sprayers.

Handling of plants is routine.

Must be willing to wear appropriate safety gear such as masks, gloves, gaiters and goggles.

Work Environment

Field conditions may be windy, hot, dusty, cold, muddy, and/or wet.

Wages

Starting at $15 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

To apply

To apply, please send an email to stacy@ddhpl.org with qualifications or resume. Phone interviews will begin immediately, so please apply as soon as possible.

 www.DDHPL.org

Welcome Back Boaters and Fishermen

A few minor changes were made at the shoreline for launching kayaks and boat rentals to protect wildlife and limit shoreline pollutants.

Vehicles are allowed for 10 minutes for Loading and Unloading Only. Lake use parking in the paved parking lot near the Concession stand. It is more important than ever to keep parking off the shoreline this year, since Hodges was closed and wildlife had the run of the area.

Keep noise low -Quiet conversation only. Normal conversation volume only (estimated as 60 decibels) is the recommendation from San Diego wildlife biologists. Wildlife are raising young close to the shore as the county shut down changed animal behavior. With the lake closed since March, and so few cars, boats and people, the brushy shoreline became ideal nesting habitat.

Birds have nested closer than usual to the launch areas. Many birds make nests low in shrubs or on the ground where people and dogs walk. Birds choose nesting locations considering food supply and nest security they did this while the lake was closed - without cars, boats or fishing. It is a federal violation to disturb or tamper with a bird or their nest. There are still many babies trying to get a start on life and unable to navigate humans and dogs.

Show your respect for Mother Nature - keep dogs and people out of brushy areas, park in the paved lot and keep noise levels low.

Thank you for your cooperation, it is truly appreciated.

Endangered Vireo Nesting at Lake Hodges

Least Bell’s Vireo

This small endangered bird moved in near the boat launch while the Reservoir was closed to the public. We like to think our restoration efforts helped the bird find suitable habitat. With the lake closed since March, and so few cars, boats and people, the brushy shoreline became ideal nesting habitat.

Many birds are nesting closer to the shoreline than usual with the absence of fishing and boating. We have partnered with the City of San Diego Lake department and Public Utilities department to get the Lake ready for re-opening in the middle of nesting season. We will be asking Lake users to be especially sensitive to the natural environment.

It is a federal violation to disturb or tamper with a bird or their nest.

Girl Scouts Volunteer Work Parties

Please join us in giving the habitat a helping hand. Those who want to learn more about how to conserve, protect and enjoy special places will welcome the opportunities to work closer to home with restoration locations in Del Mar, Escondido or Chula Vista/Otay. We will working with restoration experts to create wildlife friendly habitats this spring - weeding, raking, planting and whatever site work needs doing. We will work in and around endangered habitats including vernal pools. Given timing and progress, planting natives and acorns may be needed, so come prepared to dig in! 

Ages: Juniors and up

Applicable badges: Animal Habitats, Eco Explorer

Dates/Times of Events:

Sign up goes live on Feb 15

Chula Vista/Otay:
9am - 12pm March 28
9am - 12pm April 18
9am - 12pm May 16
9am - 12pm June 6

Del Mar/Carmel Valley:
9am - 12pm March 14
2pm - 5pm April 25
2pm - 5pm May 9
9am - 12pm June 13

Escondido:
9am - 12pm March 21

Capacity: 40 girls per event. We will be keeping a waitlist once an event is filled.You will be notified via email if an opening becomes available.

Space must be limited due to the sensitive nature of the areas we will work, so if you can’t make the event, please email stacy@ddhpl.org to give up your spot.

Details per location once signed up:

• Reminders: you will receive a notice at sign up and another email a few days before the event specifying the exact location, type of work, nearest restroom location, and any other pertinent information 

• Make sure to check your email before coming as work parties are dynamic events.

• Directions to meeting point. South County locations will require off driving on unpaved, improved but bumpy road

• Bathrooms are not on site, so we will communicate nearest bathroom location with event details

• Make sure you have: closed toed shoes, gloves, sunscreen, water, snacks, long pants good for sitting on the ground 

• Hazards include uneven ground, sun, heat and wildland animals and spiny plants