Assistant Conservation Forester – California

MDF Assistant Conservation Forester – Plumas National Forest

Title:                                       Assistant Forester – Plumas National Forest

Location:                                Quincy, California

Anticipated Start Date:        April 2026

Classification:                        Full-time, Salary/Exempt

Salary:   $72,000 – $76,000 DOE plus MDF benefits package (healthcare, PTO, 401k).

Application Deadline: Open until filled – Preference will be given to applications received by March 31st, 2026.

Position Description: The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is seeking applicants for one Assistant Conservation Forester to assist with habitat and forestry projects on the USFS lands on the Plumas National Forest (PNF) in California. This position is a two (2) year, term position that will help deliver the mission of MDF on USFS lands. The expected term is late April 2026 through September 2028. and may be extended based on funding availability.

The Assistant Forester will be supervised by MDF’s Conservation Forester and duties will include project layout and development, timber sale administration, and quality control of contract implementation. The job will focus on projects within PNF’s Claremont Forest Resiliency Project and Community Protect Initiative primarily located to the south and southwest of Quincy, California. The overall project objectives aim at protecting our communities from wildfire through active forest management, while providing for enhanced habitat, watershed, and soil conditions. Appropriate field and office equipment will be provided. Transportation will be provided through mileage reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle. The position is based out of Quincy, California, serving the Plumas County area.

Specific Considerations

• The position may be located in a USFS office, but remote work from a home office will be required if USFS office space is not available.
• There is a possibility of rental housing at USFS
• Preference will be given to local candidates or those willing to relocate to identified Relocation assistance is not provided.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle are required, reimbursement for personal vehicle use is provided. There is the possibility of access to a Forest Service vehicle for the successful applicant.
• Must be able to traverse rough terrain, function well in inclement weather, be familiar with backcountry travel & safety, and able to operate federal on/off-road vehicles.

Responsibilities:

• Forestry or habitat project planning, design, and layout.
• Timber marking, timber cruising, boundary marking, and other timber sale duties.
• Reforestation planning and project design.
• Quality control inspection, monitoring, administration, contractor oversight, and documentation.
• Create project and contract maps utilizing ESRI ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, and other mapping software.
• Collaborate with other MDF employees and USFS staff.
• Identify and secure funding to expand MDF’s program of work on the Plumas National Forest.
• Represent MDF and attend/participate in appropriate meetings with the community and USFS staff.
• Build partnerships and connections to support MDF’s program of conservation work in the area with a focus on the Plumas National Forest.
• Maintain official records, assist in compiling reports, invoices, and other business-related tasks associated with projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Wildlife, Ecology, Wildfire Science, or closely related fields.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of wildlife management, forestry techniques, wildfire/fuels and/or project
• Familiar with USFS, NEPA, stewardship agreements and other policies associated with project management, and working with contractors.
• Experience or working knowledge of forestry and habitat issues in northern California.
• GIS, Field Maps, remote sensing, Avenza and OnX maps, Microsoft Office software, and social media platform familiarity preferred.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated and the ability to multitask with minimal
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting
• Integrity and proficiency with budgeting, invoicing, and partnership
• Ability to represent MDF in a clear and professional manner through written and oral
• Ability and comfort working independently and in remote
• Ability and willingness to work within the team mission, work in outdoor conditions, telework when necessary, and maintain a flexible work schedule if needed.
• Some weekend work and travel outside of duty location may be required.