Forest Regeneration Member – Sequoia National Forest

Summary 

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the Sequoia National Forest, is seeking THREE Forest Regeneration Members to work alongside Forest Service staff. 

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: May 5, 2025
Estimated End Date: August 27, 2025
*a 16-week minimum commitment is required*

Location Details/Description: Sequoia National Forest, Porterville, CA

The Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in California and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. The Forest offers 52 developed campgrounds, hiking on more than 1,147 miles of trails including 47 miles of the PCT, over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 33 giant sequoia groves, 2,617 rivers and streams, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding and more.

For more information about the Sequoia National Forest, please visit the USDA Forest Service website.

Position Overview: 

• Inspect tree release and site preparation contractors using herbicide (glyphosate) on up to 2,000 acres of planted stands and areas scheduled for planting. Report to Contracting Officer’s Representative and coordinate with other Forest Service staff on overseeing contract specifications and documenting compliance. Must be able to wear tyvek and other personal protective equipment while hiking in uneven terrain.
• Conduct grid surveys across approx. 2,000 acres of burned forest installing plots to count regenerating trees using Region 5 protocol for stand stocking and reforestation survival survey. Plot locations will be recorded and data collected using tablets or other field data recording devices. Species that would normally be encountered will be Jeffery and ponderosa pine, incense cedar, red and white fir, sugar pine and giant sequoia. 
• Additional work will be to identify and flag units for future reforestation, cone surveys, and other work associated with sequoia groves to assist the Forest Silviculturist.

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promotes exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Mon-Fri, between 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. depending on specific work assignment. When feasible, work four 10 hour days. 

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute ~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $800/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly.

Housing: Housing is the responsibility of the member and not provided by ACE or the Forest Service. 

Housing Assistance: ACE members will be eligible for reimbursable housing assistance up to $150/week. The ACE Member will only be reimbursed for approved and demonstrated housing expenses. 

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures, clear guidance on prohibited activities, and networks for support. Members will have the opportunity to be mentored by Forest Service permanent staff in a variety of disciplines related to this role. Members can expect training and mentorship in landscape level planning, forestry, data collection and reporting, among other things. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident, as required by U.S. government contracts
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request).
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations and for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• Member may not participate in any prohibited activities as listed in the Member Service Agreement
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website located on our Indeed homepage.

Preferred:

• Ability to identify western US conifer tree species, especially when they are small.
• Ability to hike over rough ground on a daily basis.
• Experience spraying herbicides or overseeing herbicide contracts.
• Ability to read maps and navigate using Avenza or a similar program, collect accurate data and keep it organized.
• Good reading, writing, and organization skills are important.
• Must be able to work as a team and drive a 4×4 vehicle.

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions: 

• Physical Demands: Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Ability to move/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently, working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards:  The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, potentially dangerous wildlife, working in burned forest conditions, in dense brush/trees, and loose footing and hazardous trees. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members or resources.