Public Access Assistant

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.