Forest Restoration Technician

Position Title: Forest Restoration Technician

Application and Job Start Timeline: Rolling applications until position filled. Hiring 1 position. 6/23 or 7/7 Preferred start date.

Work Location: Based out of Asheville, NC (mostly work in Western North Carolina)

Starting Wage: $20.35/hour (Federal PTO), 30-40 hours per week. Largely weather dependent work. 52 weeks a year. 10 Federal holidays paid time off, no further employee benefits. 

Mission Statement: EcoForesters is a non-profit professional forestry organization dedicated to conserving and restoring our Appalachian forests through education and stewardship.

Position Description: The aim of the Forest Restoration crew is to assist landowners and partners with the stewardship practices of their forests primarily through the control of nonnative invasive plants and through forest stand improvement methods, often with the use of herbicides and hand tools. Other crew projects include occasional trail work, riparian/wetland habitat improvement and native planting work. The technician will be supervised directly by the Restoration Crew Leader(s) and the EF Stewardship Director. The technician will work with other staff, strategically controlling invasive plants and conducting other forest restoration work on private, public, and conserved lands. This is challenging but rewarding outdoor work. Your work will be contributing to the ecological health of the forests of western North Carolina. We are willing to train any motivated individuals who like hard, rewarding outdoor work improving forests.

Requirements:

1. Must be proficient in (or able to quickly learn) identification of invasive plant species and native look-a-likes.
2. Must be capable of physically strenuous field work in remote locations (usually within several miles of road), on difficult terrain (steep, mountainous, thick understory vegetation) in adverse conditions (hot, cold, or rain).
3. Must be capable to carry heavy loads (up to 40lbs) on ones back. 
4. Must be comfortable with mixing and applying herbicides and insecticides safely and correctly for non-native invasive species control when/where appropriate.
5. Must be able to maintain a high standard of safety and professionalism, in the field and in administration.
6. Must be able to follow strategic and specific instructions delegated by the Forest Restoration Crew Leader.
7. Must be able to work well with others, maintain a positive attitude, and be flexible with changing circumstances.
8. Must be proficient at (or want to quickly learn) using a compass, GPS, and reading maps.
9. Has their own cell phone and reliable transportation.
10. Must be able to anticipate crew needs and aid their crew in restoration work.

Preferences:
1. Working towards, or has, a degree in forestry, natural resources, or a related field. 
2. Experience in forestry, farming, conservation, ecological restoration, landscaping, or equivalent outdoor job.
3. Experience in the identification of Southern Appalachian tree, shrub, and herb layer species.
4. Experience using herbicides and other pesticides.
5. Experience and knowledge of southern Appalachian forest ecosystems and their management.