Forest Resource Assistant

Multiple openings: Forest Resource Assistants

Berkeley Forests manages multiple forest research stations throughout the state. Assignments may be at any one of these sites, but most will be at Blodgett Forest in El Dorado County, CA with trips of varying lengths to other properties. Potential for significant portions of the season to be spent at Flatwoods Research Forest in Shasta County, Grouse Ridge Research Forest in Nevada County, or Whitaker’s Forest in Tulare County (with work locations throughout the Southern Sierra). Forestry-related research in areas of forest ecology, fire ecology, ecosystem processes, silviculture, and forest management are conducted throughout the Berkeley Forests’ properties. These positions provide broad support for achieving the mission of facilitating research, demonstration, and education. A wide variety of work experience conducting both research and management activities is provided under the supervision of multiple registered professional foresters. Additional information on these properties and their function is available at forests.berkeley.edu/forests.

EMPLOYMENT DATES:

11 to 15 consecutive weeks, between April 2025 and November 2025. Start and end date are negotiable, but applicant must be available May/early-June through early/mid-August at minimum. Term not to exceed 900 hours total.

QUALIFICATIONS:   

Work experience or coursework including field exercises covering the following:

REQUIRED:

• Vegetation measurement techniques, including use of tree measurement tools.
• Identification of common Sierra Nevada plants.
• Field orientation/surveying including use of a compass and maps.

PREFERRED:

• Safe use and maintenance of chainsaws, brush cutters or pruners, and forestry hand tools.

• Operation of automatic four-wheel drive vehicles and valid Calif. Driver’s license.
• Use of field data loggers and computers to collect research-grade precision data.

These positions are full-time, temporary. Applicants must be physically fit, situationally aware, and capable of sustained physical work during summer forest weather conditions. More than 90% of work is outdoors and may include camping and travel between properties.

DUTIES: 

This position may include assisting with a range of forestry, fuels, and research operations including:

• Resource monitoring program, including measurement of permanent vegetation plots, riparian plots, and post-fire areas.
• Various silviculture and ecology research studies with potential for student research opportunities.
• Aiding with preparation and implementation of pile and broadcast burns.
• Mechanical manipulation/removal of fuel including: chainsaw thinning and hand pile construction, pre-commercial thinning, herbicide application, roadside clearing, etc.
• Reforestation and stand improvement practices, including site prep, planting, thinning and pruning.
• Surveying of forest feature locations, including use of Avenza, GPS devices, and ArcGIS software.
• Work with low impact logging techniques and maintenance of roads, facilities, and equipment.
• Varying degrees of infrastructure maintenance

SALARY:  $20.12/hour to $24.02/hour dependent on experience.

[On-site housing provided with an expectation to help with chores (cleanliness, firewood splitting, dump runs, etc.). Work schedule is normally 40 hours/week M-F but may be adjusted.] 

CLOSING DATE: Accepting applications until they are filled.