Conservation Crew Lead

POSITION – Conservation Crew Lead
PRIMARY ROLES – Lead the conservation technicians in day-to-day project work including fuels and forest health, ecosystem restoration, environmental compliance, and watershed health projects.
TYPE – Seasonal Full Time
LOCATION – Quincy, CA

INTRODUCTION

This opportunity is for a Seasonal Conservation Technician Crew Lead position with the Feather River Resource Conservation District (FRRCD), working on various restoration project in the Plumas National Forest. Projects will complete watershed and forest health restoration activities in areas where high severity fire occurred on National Forest System lands on the Plumas National Forest (PNF), Mt. Hough Ranger District. Major projects include the Emergency Forest Restoration Team, which aids Plumas County private landowners in restoring their property post fire, and the North Quincy Wildfire Resiliency Project. This position is based out of Quincy, CA.

This position will require leading the conservation crew in training and day-to-day project work including reforestation contract inspection, hazardous fuels reduction, wildlife surveys, prescribed fire, timber stand improvement (TSI), habitat and landscape restoration, and various other projects that meet the FRRCD mission. The position is full-time at ~40 hrs a week and typically will fall under a 4/10s schedule. The Lead Technician will report to, and co-lead with, the Field Operations Manager (FOM) and will work with other staff as needed to ensure the successful implementation of projects. It is expected a crew of 2 to 4 field technicians will be hired to work under the direction of the Conservation Crew Lead and Field Operations Manager. Position is likely to start in May/June 2025 and go through October.
Compensation is $26-29/hr DOE.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading and organizing the conservation technicians in day-to-day activities, including getting them laid out for work in the morning and end of day tasks.
• Conduct post-fire regeneration surveys on USFS and private land with the goal of assessing planting success and forest stand health.
• Serve as inspector on specific contracts as assigned. Inspects silviculture contract work (e.g., planting, thinning, herbicide, site preparation) for compliance with contract. Assists in directing contractor in steps necessary for contract compliance and reports violations to the PA or the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Ensures all provisions are enforced and proper measures are taken to protect or enhance values in accordance with contract objectives. This entails inspecting seedlings planted by a contract crew for proper planting specifications and proper application of herbicide around seedlings. FRRCD crew will not be planting seedlings or applying herbicide themselves.
• Utilizing chainsaws for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction and aspen stand restoration. Work includes hand thinning with chainsaws and building and wrapping slash piles.
• Potentially conduct wildlife surveys as a part of NEPA and CEQA compliance prior to fuels reduction projects.
• Work on wetland and riparian mitigation projects performing duties related to riparian enhancement and invasive weed control. Major duties include planting, plant protection, irrigation operation and maintenance, assisting with botanical surveys, hand pulling invasive weeds, biological surveys and monitoring.
• Establish boundaries and exclusions for project areas using flagging, tablets, and GPS devices.
• Site prep for and potential to volunteer at prescribed fires and pile burning.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The successful applicant for the position must possess the following minimum qualifications:

• 2 years of experience working on project work “on the ground” in conservation, forestry, or related field.
• A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. (4-wheel drive experience preferred.)
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, and work on holidays and weekends.
• Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in extreme heat.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural resource management, forestry, ecology and general concepts involved in the district assignment.
• Ability to take direction from the FOM as well as independently assess and prioritize project work and direct crew members effectively through daily task assignments.
• Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field logistics.
• Ability to follow detailed field protocols and thoroughly collect data.
• Ability to effectively communicate with crew members, partnering organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in a leadership and/or supervisory role.
• Ability to adhere to workplace safety protocols.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource sciences, biology, or related field preferred. Related work experience may substitute for education qualification.
• Knowledge of, and work experience with, natural resource management, particularly forestry, silviculture, and resource conservation.
• Experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada or areas of similar elevation and climate.
• Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment such as smart phones, digital cameras, GPS units, radios, tablets, etc.
• Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data, including MS Office, G Suite, and Adobe programs.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of chainsaws, specifically for the purpose of tree felling.
• Experience in wildland or prescribed fire and an active Red Card, or the desire to obtain one.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish.

This position requires long hours on uneven terrain, confidence in project design, and knowledge of natural resource management practices. The ability to self-direct and multi-task is a must. During inspection of planting release, inspectors will be inspecting and in proximity to herbicide spot-treatments.

Based on work availability and performance, this position has potential for extension. The Feather River Resource Conservation District is building other natural resource management programs including prescribed fire, watershed restoration, noxious weed control, and more.

FRRCD is requiring all crew lead positions to have Wilderness First Responder Certification. If it is required that the applicant take the course prior to employment, reimbursement will be provided after three months of employment.
If participating in prescribed burn activities: technician must provide their own fire boots meeting these criteria: 8-inch high Vibram sole leather boots. This gear is not a requirement for the position, but it is a requirement for this potential job duty.

COMPENSATION
Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience, ranging from $26-29 an hour depending on experience. Benefits include paid sick time, a cell phone stipend, and vacation time accrual after six months of employment, as well as a flexible work schedule in a fast-paced, positive work environment.