Santa Cruz Island Preserve Mechanic - The Nature Conservancy

Ventura, California, USA.

The Preserve Mechanic will be expected to live and work at the Santa Cruz Island Preserve for 7 – 14 days at a time with mainland time-off in between tours. This position may be part-time to full-time (20 – 40 hours/week).

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

The Nature Conservancy has owned and operated the 46,000-acre Santa Cruz Island (SCI) Preserve, located 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, since 1978 as a center for large-scale ecological research and restoration and a site to cultivate support for TNC’s mission. The Santa Cruz Island Preserve Mechanic is responsible for supporting the daily operations and infrastructure management of SCI. The Preserve Mechanic directly maintains vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and tools. Providing training and oversight for staff and volunteers, they assist the Infrastructure Manager in all aspects of maintaining and improving the Preserve’s infrastructure. 

This position undertakes work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Due to the remote location, rugged geography, and communication technology limitations the Preserve Mechanic must exercise careful judgment, communicate proactively, and operate with flexibility and responsiveness. They make safety decisions in the absence of supervision, applying established policies and protocols.

The Preserve Mechanic will be expected to live and work at the Preserve for 7-14 days at a time with mainland time-off in between tours. Tours may also include time-off while on the Preserve. This schedule may fluctuate based on programmatic needs and requires some flexibility. This position may be part-time to full-time (20 – 40 hours/week) and is paid hourly. Housing on-island and boat transportation from Ventura Harbor is provided.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go?  Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.  With us you can make a difference every day!

By joining our team, you will become part of a group that is a force to be reckoned with - a force for nature, a force for people, and a force for our planet.  Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together.  

Aside from the technical mechanical skills that we’re looking for, self-sufficiency, proactive communication, and teamwork are essential to this position. If you’re a problem-solver who loves to learn and is excited by the idea of supporting a gorgeous island preserve, we welcome you to apply.

•    High school diploma/GED (or equivalent applicable technical certifications) and a minimum of 4 years of direct experience in applied mechanical maintenance.
•    Ability to live and work in a remote island setting with fluctuating resource availability.
•    Experience and ability to diagnose and repair various types of equipment and machinery (e.g., tractors, mowers, backhoe, bulldozer, dump truck, crane truck, forklifts, passenger vehicles, ATVs/UTVs, chainsaw, etc.).   
•    Competency with shop and general safety techniques and standards including the use of proper PPE, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and effective communication to others to avoid injury and property damage. 
•    Experience working with hazardous materials and maintaining materials compliance.         
•    Experience with supply inventory, ordering, purchasing and organization.                                                    
•    Experience coordinating with multiple parties and demonstrating flexibility in shifting priorities.
•    Ability to complete tasks independently and manage diverse activities under deadlines.
•    Demonstrated ability to keep/maintain maintenance records. 
•    Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, email, web browsers, etc.
•    Competency operating 4WD vehicles on unimproved dirt roads.                                                    
•    Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required, such as CPR, first aid, etc.

Desired Qualifications

•    Experience with and/or ability to learn electrical, plumbing, welding, and carpentry.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay for this position is within the range of $27.64 - $31.80 per hour. This position may be part-time to full-time (20 – 40 hours/week). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and county of employment is Ventura, CA. Where a successful candidate’s pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55673, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ . In your cover letter, please include how many hours per week you would expect you would work in this position (between 20 - 40). This position is open until filled, with early applications encouraged. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.