Public Access Assistant

Job description

Position Snapshot Department: Land Stewardship Reports To: Public Access Manager Status: Full-Time | Non-Exempt Location: Downtown Santa Cruz Office Compensation: $40.63 per hour Overview The Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, a nonprofit organization that has made substantial headway in environmental conservation by helping to protect more than 19,000 acres of important habitat and farmland over the last 45 years, is seeking a Public Access Assistant who helps to create safe, welcoming, and meaningful outdoor experiences across the Land Trust’s public access properties. This primarily field-based position serves as a consistent on-the-ground presence, engaging with visitors, maintaining trails and facilities, monitoring site conditions, and supporting public programs and stewardship projects. Working closely with the Public Access Manager, Public Access Coordinator and Land Stewardship team, the Public Access Assistant helps balance recreational access with natural resource protection. The position plays an important role in connecting the community to conserved lands while ensuring public access aligns with the Land Trust’s conservation mission. Work Schedule & Location Work hours total approximately 40 hours per week, typically between 7am-5pm , Sunday through Thursday, with occasional early, late, or weekend work as needed. This position is primarily field-based and requires regular travel to Land Trust properties throughout Santa Cruz County. Fieldwork includes hiking and working on steep or uneven terrain, engaging with visitors, monitoring property conditions, maintaining trails and facilities, and supporting stewardship projects and public programs. The position is based out of the Land Trust’s office in downtown Santa Cruz. Compensation and Benefits This is a full-time, non-exempt position with compensation of $40.63 per hour. The Land Trust offers excellent benefits and a supportive work environment, including: High-quality health, dental, and vision insurance, with 100% of employee premiums covered by the Land Trust 403(b) retirement plan with employer match Generous paid time off and holidays A green commute stipend to encourage sustainable transportation Ongoing professional development support An annual wellness benefit Inclusive and fun staff events A dog-friendly office And more Responsibilities Engage with Visitors Provide friendly, informative communication on trail etiquette, property rules, natural resource protection, and general property questions. Monitor trail and visitor use; educate visitors about unallowed activities and report illegal activities to the supervisor. Create and lead interpretive walks of your choosing to a diverse audience. Assist with public programs, volunteer days, and community events, occasionally on evenings or weekends. Monitor & Maintain Trails & Facilities “Patrol with Purpose” by hiking trails, maintaining trail corridors, and documenting hazards or needed maintenance. Remediate signs of off-trail use to discourage trespass and protect sensitive habitat. Perform routine trail maintenance projects independently and assist with larger projects, remaining safe, efficient, and effective including clearing drains, cutting back poison oak, and removing trail blockages with power tools and hand tools. Assist with habitat management and restoration, such as weed control and erosion mitigation. Clean and restock bathrooms. Collect and remove trash. Replenish dog waste bags, brochures, and other visitor materials. Support Creation & Implementation of Public Access Projects & Systems Update and distribute brochures and informational materials. Install, maintain, and update signage and public announcements. Assist in the development of additional public access systems and projects as needed. Coordinate & Report Maintain clear and accurate records of site conditions, visitor interactions, incidents, and completed work utilizing online platforms. Communicate regularly with the Public Access Manager and Coordinator to report needs, prioritize tasks, and inform planning. Collaborate and work with Public Access Coordinator and Stewardship teammates to collectively achieve stewardship goals. Contribute field insights to support planning, communications, and stewardship storytelling. Other duties as assigned Required Knowledge, Skills, Ability & Experience Experience engaging with visitors using respectful and inclusive communication. Physically able to walk long distances on steep, uneven terrain and perform manual labor (digging, lifting up to 40 lbs., squatting, pulling). Basic knowledge of outdoor safety practices, including first aid or emergency preparedness (Land Trust will provide additional training as needed). Experience comfortably managing risk in outdoor environments with natural hazards (poison oak, wasps, wildlife, hazard trees, tickborne illness, etc.). Ability to work independently and stay productive. Experience safely using and maintaining power tools (mowers, chainsaws, and drills, etc.) and hand tools (handsaws, shovels, mcleods, loppers, etc.) Collaborative mindset, especially when balancing recreation with natural resource protection. Clear, accurate record-keeping and communication skills. Fluency in English and basic conversational Spanish. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Ability & Experience Fluency in Spanish is strongly preferred. Experience in land stewardship, public access, outdoor recreation, or related fields. Experience with trail maintenance, erosion control, or weed management. Experience enforcing rules and communicating expectations with visitors in a tactful, respectful manner. Understanding of natural, agricultural, cultural, and open-space resource conservation activities in Santa Cruz County. Knowledge of local ecosystems and land management issues. Ability to identify California native plants (especially in Santa Cruz County). Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Asana, and Avenza Maps. Closing Date: 9/11/2026 Applicants are encouraged to apply early About Land Trust Of Santa Cruz County Founded in 1978, the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County brings diverse communities and organizations together to protect and connect people to the lands that define this special place. We protect and steward farmland, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and land for public access in and around Santa Cruz County to support the environment, economy, and quality of life for future generations of people and wildlife. We understand the critical role land plays in addressing climate change and calibrate our preservation efforts through this lens. At the same time, we know that land is cherished when people connect to it directly. From that perspective, we partner with groups and individuals to preserve and steward land that people can access, enjoy, and fall in love with. We engage the entire county in our efforts to get bikers, hikers, birders, farmers, ranchers, and everyone who cares about the local environment and our uniquely beautiful vistas to become active stewards of the land. The Land Trust aspires to be an organization that is representative of the communities we serve. We are looking for people with a passion for nature, land protection, and teamwork. We encourage everyone to apply for our available positions even if they don’t meet all the hiring criteria listed in the job description.