Santa Cruz Island Preserve Mechanic
The Nature Conservancy
What We Can Achieve Together:
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 as 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.
To accommodate both programmatic and personal needs, we are open to schedules ranging from 4–14-day tours on the Preserve with mainland time-off in between tours. Tours may also include time-off while on the Preserve. This position is designed to be equivalent to a full-time, 40 hour/week schedule, though it would include variable schedules (not only Monday - Friday). Housing while on-island and boat transportation from Ventura Harbor is provided. This position will be hired with a 2-year term, with possibility for extension based on funding and performance.
We’re Looking for You:
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 join a group dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity on a beautiful and unique island.
Aside from vital technical mechanical skills, such as experience repairing heavy equipment, we’re looking for someone who can proactively communicate, problem-solve with limited resources, and live in harmony with other Santa Cruz island colleagues while on-site. If you’re excited by the idea of supporting a gorgeous island preserve, we welcome you to apply.
What You’ll Bring:
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.
Demonstrated 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.
#LI-EG1
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 the Auto Safety information page 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.
Salary Information:
The starting pay for this position is within the range of $28.46 - $32.75/hour and will have hours equivalent to 40 hours/week (approximately $59,200 - $68,120 annually). 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, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Annual compensation is only one part of our overall compensation package, as TNC provides robust benefits to our full time employees.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
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.
