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CURReNT OPENINGS:

Non-Commercial Forestry | Fire Prevention & Reforestation

Forest Health Program Manager (RPF)

  • Full-time | Open to all career stages
  • Salary Range: $94,000 – $118,000 annually, DOE

The Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) is an environmental non - profit organization based in Lake County, California. We serve as a steward for environmental and economic sustainability of Clear Lake, its neighboring lands and waters, local communities, and beyond. We manage a series of County - wide grant funded forestry projects that focus on fuel reduction, forest health, fire resilience, reforestation, defensible space, evacuation route readiness, workforce development, and community involvement.

CLERC does not engage in commercial timber harvest operations. This position is intended for foresters interested in public-benefit, non-commercial forestry, including fuels reduction, forest resilience, post-fire recovery, and watershed protection.

We welcome candidates at any stage of their career—from newly licensed RPFs to highly experienced foresters—provided they hold an active California RPF license and can independently perform the core professional functions of the role.

Position Overview

The Forest Health Program Manager serves as CLERC’s Registered Professional Forester (RPF) responsible for the technical design, prescription development, and associated regulatory compliance of all forestry projects. This position provides professional leadership on a variety of forestry projects including wildfire prevention, hazardous fuels reduction, post - fire recovery, reforestation, and forest health treatments implemented in partnership with CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, local fire agencies, private landowners, Tribes, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and other public and private partners.

The Forest Health Program Manager develops professional forestry prescriptions; produces required GIS maps and shapefiles; provides technical oversight of field implementation; and ensures that all forestry activities meet applicable state, federal, and grant - funded program requirements. The position supports grant development and reporting, interagency coordination, and private landowner technical assistance.

Application Instructions

Interested applicants must submit the following materials to hr@theclerc.org:

  • Updated resume
  • Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license number
  • One document for which the applicant was the primary author demonstrating professional forestry experience. Examples include:
    • Forest Management Plan (FMP)
    • Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan (NTMP)
    • Timber Harvest Plan (THP)
    • Planting or reforestation plan
    • CEQA document
    • Other comparable professional forestry document
  • One PDF map prepared by the applicant
    • May be included within the planning document above or submitted separately

Want to know more? Contact us at hr@theclerc.org or (707) 261-0008, ext. 3.

The CLERC Water Lab | ELAP-Accredited Testing

Laboratory Assistant

  • Part-time (10–15 hours/week) | Non-exempt
  • Based at the CLERC Lab (Carnegie Library), Lakeport, CA
  • Entry-level | Training provided
  • Pay Range: $20-$23 Per Hour

The Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC) operates an ELAP-accredited water quality testing laboratory in Lakeport. The Laboratory Assistant supports daily lab operations including sample handling, microbiology testing, data entry, and client reporting. This entry-level position plays an essential role in ensuring accurate testing of drinking water and wastewater samples while maintaining compliance with state regulations and laboratory quality standards.

Position Overview

This role assists with receiving and processing drinking water and wastewater samples, performing microbiology testing (including total coliform and E. coli), maintaining organized records, and supporting reporting and quality assurance activities. The position is based onsite at the CLERC Lab in Lakeport.

  • The Laboratory Assistant works closely with laboratory leadership to uphold CLERC’s commitment to scientific integrity, public health, and exceptional client service.
  • Valid driver’s license required; ability to lift/carry up to 25 lbs
  • May include occasional weekends/holidays depending on sampling needs
Essential Duties
  • Coordinate sample pickup/delivery with clients and ensure proper Chain of Custody documentation
  • Receive, verify, transport, and process water samples following lab procedures and regulatory requirements
  • Assist with microbiological analysis (total coliform and E. coli) following Standard Operating Procedures
  • Record analytical/operational data accurately and maintain organized laboratory records
  • Prepare and distribute lab reports to clients in a timely manner
  • Support submission of required drinking water data to the State Division of Drinking Water
  • Maintain lab cleanliness, equipment calibration, supply inventory, and general organization
Required & Preferred Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent (education + relevant experience considered)
  • Valid CA Class C Driver’s License and proof of insurance
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Comfort working with laboratory equipment and computers for data entry.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a laboratory environment
  • Commitment to quality assurance, ethical conduct, and continuous learning

Preferred

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field
  • Experience working in a laboratory setting
How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed (preferred). You can also review the full job description for additional details.

Questions? Contact us at hr@theclerc.org.

Environmental Research | Sample Cataloging & Archival Organization

Research Assistant

  • Part-time | Non-exempt | Temporary / Internship
  • Location: Lakeport, CA (storage facility + administrative office)
  • Entry-level | Hands-on research experience
  • Pay Range: $20-$23 Per Hour

The Research Assistant supports the Research Director with the cataloging, documentation, and organization of sediment core samples and related research materials. This position provides hands-on experience in environmental research methods, archival organization, and scientific data management. Work will take place primarily between CLERC’s core sample storage unit and the Carnegie Library in Lakeport.

Position Overview

This role is ideal for a community college student or early-career candidate seeking practical experience in environmental science, geology, natural resources, or a related field.

Essential Duties
  • Inventory, label, and document sediment core samples stored in CLERC’s storage facility
  • Record sample metadata (location, depth, collection date, condition)
  • Enter catalog information into digital tracking systems or spreadsheets
  • Assist with organizing research materials and archives at the Carnegie Library location
  • Support basic data entry, quality checks, and organization of digital files/records
  • Move and organize boxed materials; maintain clean, organized, secure storage areas
Required & Preferred Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled in, or recent coursework in, environmental science, geology, biology, natural resources, or related field
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Basic proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Ability to work independently with direction and maintain accurate records
  • Driver’s license and insurance valid in California

Preferred

  • Interest in lake science, sediment analysis, watershed research, or environmental history
  • Prior experience with data entry, archival organization, or research assistance (academic experience acceptable)
  • Ability to lift and move boxes up to 30 pounds.
How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed (preferred). You can also review the full job description for additional details.

Questions? Contact us at hr@theclerc.org.

Administration | Program Tracking, Purchasing & Coordination

Operations Assistant

  • Full-time | Non-exempt
  • Pay Range: $23-$27 Per Hour
  • Location: Administrative Office (currently 125 Park Street, Lakeport)
  • 3–5 years administrative experience preferred

The Operations Assistant is an administrative professional supporting complex, multi-program operational systems across CLERC. This role provides tracking and logistical support for program workflows, purchasing and bookkeeping support, meeting coordination, and limited social media scheduling in a fast-paced nonprofit environment.

Position Overview

You will help maintain organized systems, accurate records, and responsive internal and external communications to support smooth implementation of CLERC programs.

Essential Duties
  • Maintain electronic tracking systems for multiple programs (including chipping participation and rights-of-entry documentation)
  • Track communications, document status updates, deadlines, and summary metrics
  • Process purchase requests and track expenditures with program staff and Finance Director
  • Assist with invoice coding, expense tracking, and reconciliation support
  • Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, record meeting minutes, and track action items
  • Support onboarding logistics, records management, supply ordering, and general office operations
  • Post pre-developed content to social media and assist formatting newsletters/reports and outreach materials
Required & Preferred Qualifications

Required

  • High school diploma or equivalent required (associate or bachelor’s degree preferred)
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
  • Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion
  • Driver’s license and insurance valid in California

Preferred

  • Experience managing complex administrative systems or multi-program tracking
  • Experience with bookkeeping support or financial tracking systems (QuickBooks a plus)
  • Some experience using AI tools (or strong comfort learning evolving technology)

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to carry items weighing 25 lbs and participate in meetings at various community locations
How to Apply

Please apply through Indeed (preferred). You can also review the full job description for additional details.

Questions? Contact us at hr@theclerc.org.

In the meantime…

Stay informed about our latest news, events, and job openings by signing up for our newsletter (just enter your contact information below) and liking our Facebook Page. Thank you for your interest in contributing to our mission of protecting and restoring the lands and waters of Lake County.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to hr@theclerc.org.

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Contracting Opportunities

For Contractors

We will be soliciting bids for contract work soon. To be the first to know about these opportunities and to streamline the process, please complete the pre-qualification process as soon as possible. Thank you for your interest!