Land Steward/Lot Inspector

Tahoe Resource Conservation District is hiring a Land Steward/Lot Inspector for a seasonal, field-based role in South Lake Tahoe, CA. Responsibilities include habitat enhancement, property inspections, public outreach, and data management. The job involves working in various weather conditions and requires strong communication skills, independence, and a valid California Driver’s License. Desired qualifications include knowledge of natural resources and familiarity with GIS/GPS tools.
Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) is a non-regulatory special district that promotes conservation, stewardship, and knowledge of the Lake Tahoe Region’s natural resources. Tahoe RCD provides leadership and innovative environmental services to all stakeholders.

Through a long-standing partnership with the California Tahoe Conservancy, Tahoe RCD manages approximately 4,700 parcels totaling nearly 6,500 acres across the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Responsibilities include:
• Forest habitat enhancement
• Hazardous fuel reduction
• Streambank stabilization
• Aquatic invasive species management
• Property inspections and restoration

Position Overview

This seasonal, field-based position requires working in a variety of adverse conditions, including wildfire smoke, snow, rain, and extreme heat. The length of the season may vary due to weather, workload, and funding availability.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Land Stewardship
• Educate visitors on appropriate use of conservation properties and the importance of protecting wildlife
• Coordinate with law enforcement as needed
• Monitor site usage patterns and on-site natural resources
• Identify, monitor, and treat invasive species populations
• Conduct public outreach and assist with educational events
• Monitor and protect Tahoe Yellow Cress populations
• Conduct restoration monitoring tasks, including data collection, photo documentation, and field inspections
• Support the Upper Truckee Marsh (UTM) Restoration Project through compliance monitoring and outreach
• Perform administrative support tasks such as data entry, document scanning, and report preparation
• Litter removal

Lot Inspection
• Evaluate resources on-site, including erosion issues, invasive species, hazardous trees, and restoration needs
• Use GPS-enabled tablets for documentation
• Input and manage field data in the Conservancy’s Property Data Management System
• Identify property lines and encroachments
• Plan and implement maintenance and restoration projects
• Communicate with adjacent property owners regarding encroachments and resource concerns
• Attend routine office meetings

Required Qualifications
• Excellent communication skills and a strong desire to educate the public
• Professional demeanor; ability to handle potentially contentious interactions tactfully
• Ability to work independently and safely in the field for extended periods in varying weather and terrain
• Strong record-keeping and data management skills
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude, even during repetitive tasks
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record
• Basic understanding of environmental issues in the Lake Tahoe Basin

Desired Qualifications
• Educational background in natural resources or related fields
• Ability to interpret parcel maps and identify property boundaries
• Understanding of ecological restoration and resource management
• Bilingual in Spanish (verbal and written)
• Experience identifying tree species, native plants, and invasive weeds
• Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools and database management
• Knowledge of the Lake Tahoe region

Compensation and Benefits
• Paid sick leave accrued at a rate of 3.08 hours per 80 regular hours worked
• Coverage under California State Disability Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, Social Security, and Worker’s Compensation
• If currently enrolled in CalPERS, membership will be continued

Physical Requirements
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds
• Frequent walking, standing, sitting, bending, climbing, and squatting
• Manual dexterity and strength for field tasks
• Regular use of phone, email, and in-person communication

Note: Housing is not provided. Actual work dates may vary based on weather and workload. All positions are contingent on funding availability. Final candidates will be required to submit a DMV printout.

To Apply

Submit the following materials via email to jpajobs@tahoercd.org:
• A cover letter detailing your interest in natural resource management and your qualifications
• A current resume
• Three professional references

Additional Resources
• Tahoe RCD: https://tahoercd.org
• California Tahoe Conservancy: https://tahoe.ca.gov

Equal Opportunity Statement

Tahoe RCD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, age, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Tahoe RCD maintains a drug-free workplace and expects all employees to comply with this policy in accordance with state law.