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Crew Member
Lakeport, California · On-site · Full-Time · Crew
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About the role
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT:
Crew Member
POSITION SUMMARY:
Implement TERA’s ecocultural restoration work in the field across Lake County and in the surrounding region.
ORGANIZATIONAL VISION
The Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance (TERA) is a community-based, intertribal nonprofit organization that works to revitalize ecology, economy, and culture through indigenous-led stewardship.
Our program goals are to:
- Connect Tribal members with meaningful livelihoods and culturally relevant work in their Traditional territories
- Build intergenerational Tribal capacity to engage in ecocultural stewardship work that mitigates the impacts of climate change and reduces the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire
- Support Native American voices and worldviews to play a central role in land stewardship
- Regenerate local ecology of the North Coast Ranges
TERA is a young organization in a dynamic growth phase, and building a team of professionals who are deeply committed to TERA’s vision.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Crew members on our intertribal hand crew help fulfill a core part of TERA’s mission to heal the land.
Every week of the year the crew completes hands-on land stewardship projects in the field accompanied by educational, programmed activities. This work consists of:
- Vegetation removal/fuels reduction using hand tools and chainsaws
- Applying beneficial fire to the land through broadcast and pile burning as well as through cultural burning
- Native seed collection for onsite restoration work
- Planting of trees and other species of ecocultural importance for basketry, food, medicine, and craft,
- Invasive species removal (hand tools only, no chemical application)
- Other riparian, wetland, and oak woodland restoration techniques.
These activities are physically demanding and require working full days outdoors in variable weather conditions, often in backcountry areas without running water or toilet facilities. Work takes place primarily in Lake County and surrounding areas.
All members of TERA Staff take part in maintaining safe, clean, and smooth functioning work sites, prioritizing safety every day in every operation. Each Crew Member commits to upholding TERA core safety, cultural and general workplace policies.
FUNDAMENTALS:
Reports to: Fuels Captain
Supervises: N/A
Location: TERA’s office is located in Upper Lake, CA. The working location for this position is in person with frequent travel for field work within Lake County and the surrounding areas.
Time Commitment: 32 hours/week Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-4pm with occasional additional work on Fridays and on the weekends for special assignments and/or travel. Must be able to commit for a minimum of one year.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Job Type:
Hourly, non-exempt
- Pay is commensurate with experience: $20/hour or $21/hour with S212 and FFT2
- Benefits available after 90 day introductory period for regular, full-time (32+ hours/week) employees include:
- IRA retirement plan
- $600 monthly pre-tax health reimbursement, which can be used for insurance premiums, copays, or other qualified health expenses
- Up to 32 days of paid time off annually, including 15 holidays, 5 days sick leave, and 12 days vacation (accrued based on hours worked).
- On-the-job training, great working environment
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Crew Operations:
- Work under the supervision of TERA’s Fuels Captain and Crew Leads to implement ecocultural stewardship projects.
- Work efficiently and help the group maintain a timely schedule.
- Show up each day on time and ready to work.
- Follow TERA’s Safety Policies and help build a strong culture of safety practices and procedures.
- Contribute to a positive, cohesive crew environment where everyone is treated respectfully and fairly.
- Participate in culture and ethnobotany teachings.
- Effectively communicate ideas and concerns as they arise directly to supervisors, colleagues and organization staff.
- Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences.
- Participate in presentations and public speaking engagements as needed
- Complete other duties as assigned.
QUALITIES & QUALIFICATIONS:
The following are required minimum qualifications for this position:
- Experience working with Tribes and interest in traditional ecological knowledge.
- Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and walk on uneven terrain.
- Ability to walk 2-4 miles per day in the backcountry (including off-trail) while carrying tools and equipment.
- Ability to work in inclement weather conditions and in dense stands of poison oak.
- Strong work ethic, dependable, punctual, and committed to work.
- Positive attitude and good team player.
- Flexibility, adaptability and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment.
- Commitment to representing the Tribal community and TERA’s work in the best light possible.
- Willing to follow and enforce all TERA policies, maintain professional boundaries, and appropriately represent the organization.
- Must have a working phone and available to be contacted via phone or text
All members of the TERA team are expected to embody the following qualities:
- Cultural competency, humility, self-awareness, and willingness to learn
- Ability to listen well, and give and receive direct, honest, and constructive feedback
- Positive attitude, able to work independently and contribute to a high-functioning, collaborative team environment
- Strong work ethic, reliability, accountability, and commitment to excellence
- Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid and often fast-paced work environment
- Commitment to follow and enforce all TERA policies, maintain professionalism, and represent the work of TERA and Tribal communities with dignity and integrity at all times
Optional but desired qualifications for this position:
- TCIA or S212 chainsaw certification or equivalent.
- First Aid & CPR, OSHA 10.
- High School diploma or GED minimum.
- Valid California Driver’s License.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please answer applications questions through our application portal on BambooHR at https://tera.bamboohr.com/careers. Resume and cover letter submission are optional.
Priority Application Due Date: December 4, 2026
Applications received after this due date will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis. This position is open until filled.