Two seasonal field technician jobs – McLaughlin Reserve, northern California

Job Type: Seasonal Field Technician  – TWO POSITIONS          

Expected Dates: First Position: March 16 to July 17, 2026. Second position: April 20-July 17

Hours: Full Time (8 hrs/day, 5 days/week).   

Salary: $25.00/hr

Location: University of California’s McLaughlin Natural Reserve located in Lower Lake, CA

The McLaughlin Natural Reserve is seeking two spring field technicians to assist with grassland studies and engage in wildland meadow stewardship.

First position: Position starts on March 16.  From mid-March through mid-April, the technician will be working under the guidance of a graduate student on data collection, field observations, and plot maintenance to document the survival and growth of native bunch grasses relative to prescribed fire.  From mid-April onward, under the guidance of land stewards at the McLaughlin Reserve, (https://naturalreserves.ucdavis.edu/mclaughlin-reserve), the work will focus on managing native meadows and grasslands, primarily by hand-pulling or mowing invasive grasses and forbs, but also by participating in prescribed burns, plant surveys, pollinator surveys, and a variety of land stewardship activities such as stabilizing erosion sites, maintaining trails, removing legacy fencing, and maintaining tools and equipment.

Second position: Position starts mid-April with some flexibility on start date.  Under the guidance of land stewards at the McLaughlin Reserve, (https://naturalreserves.ucdavis.edu/mclaughlin-reserve), the work will focus on managing native meadows and grasslands, primarily by hand-pulling or mowing invasive grasses and forbs, but also by participating in prescribed burns, plant surveys, pollinator surveys, and a variety of land stewardship activities such as stabilizing erosion sites, maintaining trails, removing legacy fencing, and maintaining tools and equipment. Some work may involve assisting researchers working at the Reserve.

The ideal candidate will have patience to engage in full days of detail-oriented observations, determination to learn and practice effective data collection and land stewardship approaches, a strong work ethic, the ability to engage in physically challenging work that can be both active and sedentary, good interpersonal skills and a willingness to work closely and collaboratively as part of a team, and  good verbal and written communication skills.

The technicians will be required to live at the Reserve in dormitory-style housing at no cost.  A valid driver’s license is required for the first position.  For either position, a personal vehicle would be useful but is not necessary; Reserve staff will assist with transportation to the Reserve and travel for grocery shopping in the nearby town of Clearlake.

If interested in the positions, please contact McLaughlin Reserve Director Catherine Koehler (koehler@ucdavis.edu) to discuss your interest and for access to the job application link. 

• Job Type: Job