Foresthill Seed Orchard Coordinator (CA Cone Corps)

In recent years, California forests have been devastated by historical mega-fires, and burned landscapes are at risk of a full-type conversion. The Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force Working Group has identified are forestation opportunity of ~1.5 million acres across the state. Currently, California state seed banks do not have enough seeds to meet this need. The pace and scale of cone collection across the state must rapidly increase to improve forest resilience. American Forests is working to do so on private and public lands through collaboration with the United States Forest Service Region 5 (USFS R5) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) through the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership (RPP) and the development of the California Cone Corps. 

The CA Cone Corps – USFS Foresthill Seed Orchard Coordinator (Coordinator) will directly contribute to an increase in cone monitoring and collection. The Technician will receive hands-on experience in the field of reforestation with guidance from industry experts. Additionally, they will contribute to American Forests and the USDA Forest Service Region 5’s efforts by supporting the seed orchard’s overall production and the health of the trees. They will increase the capacity at the seed orchard to monitor and collect viable cone crops – ultimately helping to fill gaps in the state seed banks. They will maintain and improve the orchard grounds, ensuring that the operation runs smoothly for the trees to have maximum productivity.

This position is a unique opportunity to be a part of a high-level reforestation project and contribute directly to the needs of California’s forest ecosystems, including post-fire recovery. It is a great chance to build a career in forestry and/or natural resources. The skills that will be gained through this position are in high demand.

Specific Responsibilities

Seed Orchard Management (80%)

• Compile and manage data of the seed orchard’s production and inventory, support with database upkeep.
• Develop standard processes and procedures for the seed orchard’s future production.
• Support orchard tree health through pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, trunk protection, and pest management practices.
• Complete cone crop forecasting, monitoring, collection, and sanitization.
• Facilitate crew workdays at the seed orchard.
• Maintain the seed orchard’s irrigation system.
• Identify and tag trees for record keeping purposes.
• Operate heavy machinery such as bulldozer, tractor, and man lift
• Host tours for people interested in the orchard
• Vermin control – trapping squirrels, gophers, and mice

Field Work (10%)

• Conduct cone monitoring on seed orchard property, collecting when ripe
• Orchard maintenance including weeding, mowing, pruning, brush hauling, fencing, vermin trapping, fertilizing, and survival surveys

Program Support (10%)

As needed, support the overall goals of American Forests and USFS forest management and reforestation projects.

Contract Timeline:

• Full Time (40 hrs/week)
• Starting in June-July for 26 weeks

Location:The CA Cone Corps – USFS Seed Orchard Coordinator position will be based in Foresthill, California at the USFS Foresthill Seed Orchard. They will be expected to work in person at the Seed Orchard, with shifts varying depending on the season. Some weekend shifts may be required.
Most days will be spent in the field where the Coordinator will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods. The work does require lifting materials which may weigh up to 40 lbs. Office work will also be expected including recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. At times, responsibilities may take place in a field setting. The field setting includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Varying terrain and dense vegetation (possible exposure to wildlife, ticks, poison oak, and mosquitos), hot, wet, and cold conditions

2. Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little/no shade coverage
Reforestation efforts in California have expanded in recent years, in part due to the efforts of American Forests. This rapid growth has led to an increase in job opportunities across the sector. While employment is not guaranteed upon completion of the term, skills gained will be of value to the reforestation industry and to American Forests as our organization continues to grow.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Wage: $25/hour
• Housing Stipend: $400.00/month
• Health Insurance: No-cost premium for medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time off: Personal leave and holidays

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agriculture or a related field.
• Ability to work independently and self-manage to maintain productivity within American Forests and US Forest Service expectations.
• Experience databasing and/or record keeping.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to commit to the full 6-month term.

Desired Qualifications:

• Attention to detail, specifically in regard to project planning and tree, seed, and cone identification.
• Project planning or management experience.
• Reforestation or agricultural project experience.
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve, with a willingness to find innovative solutions.
• Strong desire to work in a forest health-related career.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Repetitive tasks with few breaks.
• Work in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to high heat, rain, snow, smoke, dust, and cold temperatures (within reason).
• At times, walk, hike, or stand for extended periods with others and alone in steep, rugged, brushy, and/or remote terrain under adverse weather conditions.