Conservation Technician

POSITION – Conservation Technician
TYPE – Seasonal Full Time
LOCATION – Quincy, CA

INTRODUCTION

This opportunity is for a Seasonal Conservation Technician position to work primarily on post-fire restoration projects and on private and National Forest System lands on the Plumas National Forest (PNF), Mt. Hough Ranger District. Major projects include the Emergency Forest Restoration Team (EFRT), which aids Plumas County private landowners in restoring their property post fire, The Moonlight Fire Area Restoration Project, and the North Quincy Wildfire Resiliency Project. This Position is based out of Quincy, CA.
Conservation technicians will perform a variety of technical duties including, but not limited to, reforestation contract inspection and monitoring, habitat and landscape restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, and site prepping for prescribed fire implementation with the possibility to volunteer at such burns. The RCD is looking to fill two (2) to four (4) seasonal positions from April/May to late October 2025. Start and end dates may change due to snowpack and weather conditions. Compensation is $25-27/hour DOE.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Conduct post-fire regeneration surveys on USFS and private land with the goal of assessing planting success and forest stand health.
• Utilize chainsaws for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire site prep, and aspen stand restoration. Work includes hand thinning with chainsaws and building and wrapping slash piles.
• Perform forestry-related monitoring while serving as an inspector on specific contracts as assigned. Inspect silviculture contract work (e.g., planting, thinning, herbicide release, site preparation) for compliance with contract. Directs contractor in the steps necessary for contract compliance and reports violations to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Ensure 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.
• Work on wetland and riparian mitigation projects performing duties related to riparian enhancement and invasive weed control. Major duties include planting native species, plant protection, irrigation operation and maintenance, assisting with botanical surveys, hand pulling invasive weeds, biological surveys, and monitoring.
• Potentially conduct wildlife surveys as a part of NEPA and CEQA compliance prior to fuels reduction projects.
• Conduct layout for pre-commercial thinning and fuels reduction projects using flagging, paint, and GPS tablets.
• Work alongside college students to help improve their field skills and professional development.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: The successful applicant for the position must possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural resource management, forestry, ecology and general concepts involved in the district assignment.
• A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. (4-wheel drive experience preferred.)
• 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 extended periods of time in extreme heat.
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, and work on holidays and weekends.
• Ability to follow detailed field protocols and thoroughly collect data.
• Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field logistics.
• Ability to adhere to workplace safety protocols.
• Ability to effectively communicate with field crew members and the public.

Desired Qualifications: Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

• Working towards or have already obtained a 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, forest management and/or field surveys.
• Experience with natural resource management.
• Experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada or similar high elevation areas.
• Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment, such as smartphones, GPS units, radios, tablets, etc.
• Experience and/or training with chainsaw usage and maintenance.
• Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data, including MS Office programs.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish.
• Experience in wildland or prescribed fire and an active Red Card, or the desire to obtain one
• Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Possession of a red card, or prior red card certification.

This position requires long hours working in mountainous terrain and inclement weather, confidence in project design, and knowledge of natural resource management practices. During inspection of planting release, inspectors will be in proximity to herbicide spot-treatments, with proper PPE provided.

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

If participating in prescribed fire 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, at $25-27 per hour. Benefits include paid sick time, a cell phone stipend, a boot stipend, and vacation time accrual after six months of employment, as well as a flexible work schedule in a fast-paced, positive work environment.