Environmental Technician - Trail Steward

About the opportunity

Are you looking for a career opportunity that allows you to use your love for outdoors, great organizational, communication and people skills to be an integral member of a team? Look no further.

 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a dynamic On-Call Environmental Technician to support the office in San Luis Obispo, California. Work hours may vary seasonally and depending on project needs and your skills.

 

This is an on-demand/on-call (averages less than 20 hours per week), hourly/non-exempt position based out of San Luis Obispo, California.

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted through November 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

 

 We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Assists with tasks to collect and/or manage data in the field, lab, or office. Technicians are expected to work efficiently to complete assigned tasks in a manner that ensures the data are accurate, complete, and verifiable. Assigned tasks have simple, narrow objectives that may be accomplished through implementation of standardized or routine actions.
• Communicates frequently and openly with team members and supervisors to ensure that task objectives and methods are clearly understood, task progress is shared, and questions or needs are promptly addressed. This includes initiating and/or responding to communication requests before, during, and after task implementation as part of a real-time, collaborative work effort.
• Follows directions, safety and quality protocols, and other established procedures to complete tasks successfully and with accountability.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities 

• Operates and patrols trail facilities, reporting openings, damage, critical updates, trespassing, and unauthorized activity to designated client, security, or law-enforcement contacts.
• Enforces trail rules and assists with visitor complaints or disputes, including property-loss or damage claims.
• Inspects trails and facilities for safety hazards, off-trail hikers, hazardous trees, and unsafe trail sections.
• Performs minor trail and facility maintenance, including clearing walkways, filling holes, and repairing barriers, fences, ropes, posts, and signs.
• Empties waste containers and removes litter throughout trails, roads, parking areas, and facilities.
• Provides basic first aid and CPR and assists emergency personnel in locating visitors.
• Maintains required trail records, equipment inventories, hiker counts, and incident data.
• Maintains signage and bulletin boards and posts approved regulatory, emergency, and safety information.
• Follows chemical-handling and storage requirements, including required safety documentation, and wears designated uniforms and PPE.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge normally obtained through post-secondary education or training; bachelor's degree preferred.
• One year of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.

Experience and qualifications for success

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or GED equivalent) required
• Computer skills with demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and other software applications such as Adobe Acrobat Professional preferred. Ability to learn and apply training on various computer applications, including training and timecard applications.
• Excellent communication, multi-tasking, and interpersonal skills with the ability to represent the company in a professional manner.
• Willingness to jump into various types of tasks and learn new things to support our team as needs arise.
• Strong customer service approach and problem-solving ability.
• Professional demeanor while working with visitors and colleagues.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license, with the ability to drive multiple types of vehicles, trucks, 4x4’s, and ATVs.
• Must be able to get to/from the job site.
• Must be able to move heavy objects up to 25 lbs. and operate all equipment necessary for maintenance of client’s recreation facilities.
• Must be able to operate GPS devices, including SPOT, Garmin, as well as 2-way radios.
• Must be First Aid/CPR certified.

Preferred Qualifications

• Up to one (1) years of current work experience as Trail Steward preferred. Two years of current work experience as a Trail Steward will be very helpful.

Other Job Conditions

When driving is required 

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements. 

 

Staff level: Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.   

  

Work Environment 

Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures. 

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this San Luis Obispo, CA-based position is $21.65 per hour to $28.67 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

 

This position offers flexibility, paid wellness time, and opportunities to build technical skills and gain experience across a variety of environmental projects. Learn more about our On-Demand Employee Benefits and Career Development Guide. 

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [email protected].

 

If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [email protected].

 

Use of Technology in Hiring 

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience. 

 

Candidate Use of AI 

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities. 

 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. 

 

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

 

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