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 hazardous fuels reduction projects on lands within and surrounding the Plumas National Forest (PNF), Mt. Hough Ranger District. Major projects include seedling success monitoring and post-fire reforestation for the Emergency Forest Restoration Team (EFRT), a program that aids Plumas County private landowners in reforesting their property post Dixie fire. This position is based out of Quincy, CA.

Conservation technicians will perform a variety of technical duties. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, reforestation and monitoring, wildlife surveys of the American Goshawk and special status amphibian species, habitat and landscape restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, and site prepping for prescribed fire implementation. The RCD is looking to fill two (2) to three (3) seasonal technician positions from April/May to late October 2026. Start and end dates may change due to snowpack and weather conditions. Compensation is $23-25/hour DOE, ~40 hours per week, on a 4/10’s schedule.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Conduct wildlife surveys for the American Goshawk and special status amphibians as a part of NEPA and CEQA compliance prior to fuels reduction projects.
• Conduct post-fire reforestation surveys 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 conifers up to 24” DBH with chainsaws and building slash piles.
• Work on wetland, riparian, and meadow restoration 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.
• Perform forestry-related monitoring as an inspector on specific contracts as assigned. Inspect silviculture contract work (e.g., planting, thinning, herbicide release, site preparation) for compliance with contract. Direct contractor in the steps necessary for contract compliance and reports violations to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). 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.
• Conduct layout for site preparation and fuels reduction projects using flagging, paint, and GPS tablets.
• Work alongside college students to develop their field skills and professionalism.
• 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 and mental capability and endurance to conduct difficult 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 weather.
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, and occasionally work 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 all workplace safety protocols.
• Ability to effectively communicate with field crew members and the public.
• Maintains a good attitude and contributes positively to team dynamics.

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: The 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 is $23-25 per hour DOE and work performance. Benefits include paid sick time, a monthly medical stipend and 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.