Forest Operations Specialist (I)

Website Announcement

Summary 

This is a posting for one or more Forest Operations Specialist positions for the Tuolumne River Trust, functioning out of TRT’s Sonora office. This position is grant-funded and will include an average of 40 hours of work a week, with an anticipated 80% field work and 20% office work. Field schedules will at times include 10-12 hr days on projects including reforestation. The Specialist will help TRT implement forest health and restoration projects within the Stanislaus National Forest.  

Information 

Working under the guidance and supervision of TRT’s Project Managers, the Forest Operations Specialist will conduct activities such as site inspections, assisting in project implementation, documentation, GIS management, unit layout and flagging, and forest inventory tasks.  The chosen candidate will work on a variety of projects related to the Trust’s programs in wildfire recovery and forest health. Working in close partnership with the Stanislaus National Forest, members will participate in restoration efforts and project management in the SERAL Landscape and areas impacted by the 2013 Rim Fire as well as other forest health project sites in the National Forest. This will include taking a lead role on a variety of tasks related to fuel breaks, forest project monitoring, reforestation, meadow restoration, wildlife surveys, GIS technical assistance, invasive weed removal, native seed collection, trail rehabilitation, and laying out units for forest health treatments.  

Equity at TRT 

TRT holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. As we add new members across all levels of the organization, we seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, innovation, and equity. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Primary duties include: 

• Field work related to forest health treatments, including 
• Site inspections 
• Quality control and quality assurance 
• Project design and layout 
• Field inventory 
• GIS management 
• Flagging 
• Updating GIS databases, including Esri Field Maps and ArcGIS Online 
• Creating narrative content (Story Maps, social media posts) for TRT and the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions forest collaborative (YSS) 
• Assisting the TRT Headwaters staff with the implementation of reforestation work, monitoring, and inspections on public land 
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor 

Suggested Qualifications 

Strong candidates will have a background and track record that includes: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public  
• 1-3 field seasons of relevant experience in natural resource-related and/or trail maintenance/restoration work 
• Knowledge of forestry, vegetation management, wildfire behavior, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or forest ecology 
• Preferably some college background in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, natural resources management, or a closely- related field 
• A person is team player and able to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences 
• Has a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
• Has computer skills, including Word and Excel  
• Is physically able to work in the field (hiking off-trail through heavy brush, lifting at least 25 pounds, carrying supplies and equipment, using hand tools for digging, etc.) during all seasons  

• Must have a valid California driver’s license 

Travel 

Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. Field technicians will be compensated for travel, but are often responsible for transportation to and from project locations. Proof of a valid CA Driver’s license and insurance will be requested at the time of employment. 

Additional Details 

This position will be based from our Sonora, CA office and report to the Restoration Manager. During COVID restrictions, staff may begin their day at home and travel to the job site from there. As an hourly position, an hourly rate between $21-24 / hour will be paid DOE. Overtime will be provided, as will medical, dental, and retirement at no cost to the employee per TRT’s employee policy. 

TRT is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the initiative.  

Tuolumne River Trust Background 

The Tuolumne River Trust promotes the stewardship of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries to ensure a healthy watershed, from Yosemite National Park to the San Joaquin River and the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Founded in 1981, the Trust is the only organization working throughout the watershed, linking Sierra and Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain and valley regions and Bay Area urban communities.  

The Tuolumne River Trust is located in the Sierra Nevada, and has a core mission of protecting and restoring the Tuolumne River and its watershed for future and present generations. Not only does the Tuolumne River provide ample recreational opportunities such as whitewater rafting, but it also supplies the drinking water for 2.6 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, hydroelectric power for much of Northern California, and irrigation for 200,000 acres of Central Valley farmland. This watershed was severely impacted by the 257,000-acre Rim Fire in 2013, and a subsequent widespread tree mortality epidemic. The Tuolumne River Trust has more than $12 million in funding from agencies such as the Wildlife Conservation Board, the California Department of Conservation, and Cal FIRE to help restore watersheds and increase resiliency within the Sierra Nevada. We work closely with the Stanislaus National Forest, volunteer groups, schools, and various community stakeholders to help ensure an engaged and collaborative approach to landscape restoration is undertaken.