Ecosystem Restoration
Coordinator position
Work in the Ecosystem restoration department is very varied and challenging. Historically, the project has focused on the study of both native and naturalised plants.
Nowadays, the department's objectives are focused on drylands stewardship, environmental education, conservation and restoration of the biodiversity of the local ecosystem and its autochthonous plant communities. We research and apply techniques for the prevention of soil erosion, increase of water infiltration, enhance soil fertility and conservation and support of the local biodiversity.
The department’s priorities are to educate and raise awareness about: the decolonial approaches and actions of land stewardship; how to learn from and work with the semi-arid ecosystem of the “Paraje Natural Karst en Yesos de Sorbas”, its unique climate, geology, and all the life that animates it; and the objectives, strategies and activities of the department
Alongside these priorities the department also dedicates time to the traditional agronomic activities characteristic of the local lands, such as carob and olive harvests, tree pruning, path maintenance and composting. Technological limitations mean that adaptability and originality are necessary factors when designing experiments and projects of action. The department has basic facilities which include a library of past records, a seed bank and various herbariums.
Core Responsibilities
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Prevention of soil erosion and restoring vegetal cover of the land
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Maintain a low-tech plant nursery, ensuring the appropriate growth of shrubs, trees and herbs for transplanting within the 26 ha of drylands plots of Sunseed
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Welcome, guide and involve assistants, interns and co-learning residents in the work of the department and encourage them in the pro-active development of their own projects to satisfactory completion
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Write and supervise the production of reports/theses, document activities/projects of the department and their monitoring, prepare project proposals.
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Maintain tools, instruct on their proper use and apply safety rules
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Take care of the acequia between our gardens and our wastewater system, by sharing the responsibility with the other practical departments and by coordinating its maintenance actions with the neighbours
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Maintain and build walls, paths, fences and steps
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Honourably steward the land by seeding, planting, propagating from cuttings, tree pruning and mountain harvesting of seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruit
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Keep clear records of our various plots of land, of their geology, hydrology and plant cover, and of how they are changing over time
Requirements
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Experience and knowledge of dryland ecosystems, land restoration, water management and/or any related areas
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Tolerance of hard physical work in hot conditions.
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Ability to lead and motivate assistants, interns, ESC's and co-learning residents, who range from those with a wealth of experience to those with little or none
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Ability to work in cooperation with other departments
Application
Please fill out this form here. For any more questions send us an email to drylands.management@sunseed.org.uk