Forestry Technician

The Tuolumne County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD) is seeking a Forestry Technician. We are offering a salaried exempt, full-time position with benefits. The successful applicant will be an affiliate of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) time, and a TCRCD project technician of the time. The position will be based in the Sonora District office once all NRCS training is complete. The successful applicant will be working under a Registered Professional Forester (RPF).  

Essential Duties  

• Provide technical assistance to private landowners to conserve and/or enhance forests, woodlands and ranchland.
• Administer, implement and promote forestry and land improvements through Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) technical assistance programs.
• Development of conservation management plans focused on forestry and ranchland resources.
• Conducting outreach activities (workshops, field days, etc.).
• Assist TCRCD with the implementation of grant-funded environmental projects.
• Training and mentorship with a Registered Professional Forester with the intent to develop into professional forester.

Desired Qualifications  

• Possess a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry or closely related field or…
• A combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry
• Good physical condition with the ability to hike and navigate in mountainous terrain.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Proficient computer skills in programs such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook), ArcGIS, Avenza, Google Maps, and other computer mapping systems, to identify and delineate project boundaries.
• Experience with forestry and silvicultural, conservation implementation, habitat management and wildlife biology is desired.
• High degree of self-motivation, strong organizational and decision-making skills, ability to work independently with little direct supervision, strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as Federal & State agencies with working knowledge of cost-share programs such as Farm Bill programs.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Preferred candidates will possess experience in:
• Species identification
• Sierra Nevada Forest ecosystems and with associated techniques to manage those forests
• Knowledge of forest inventory, management, and planning for major silvicultural types of the region
• Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in written form, to convey clear and persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others and work with the general public, state, federal, non-governmental partners & other cooperators and peers is also required.
• Technician needs to possess knowledge and skills in the use and operation of forestry field equipment, as well as skills in preparing spreadsheets, and using basic computing applications.

Compensation 

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience, ranging from $57,000 – 74,000 annually.  Benefits include paid holidays, vacation and sick time, retirement with employer match of and a medical and cell phone stipend. The position also includes a flexible work schedule with the ability to work in a fun, fast-paced, positive work environment with excellent coworkers. 

 About the Tuolumne County Resource Conservation District  

The Tuolumne County Resource Conservation District is a non-regulatory Special District with the aim of promoting Natural Resource Conservation in Tuolumne County. We work with individuals, landowners, growers, ranchers, public agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations to accomplish our goals. Our mission is to identify and meet the natural resource conservation needs of all the people of Tuolumne County and its future generations by providing leadership through educational, technical, and financial support for valuable, voluntary services and programs that promote conservation and sustainable agriculture while maintaining our county’s rural heritage.