Natural Resources Reforestation Aide (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 a reforestation opportunity of ~1.5 million acres across the state. Currently, California public seed banks do not have enough seeds to meet this need. To restore forest resilience in these areas cone collection must rapidly increase. 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 (CAL FIRE) through the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership (RPP) and the California Cone Corps. 

The Natural Resources Reforestation Aide (NR Reforestation Aide) will directly contribute to a wide array of reforestation activities, with a large emphasis on cone monitoring and collection. The NR Reforestation Aide will receive hands-on experience in the field of reforestation with guidance from industry experts while contributing to American Forests and USFS National Forest efforts through assistance in evaluating cone crops and inspecting seed collection contracts, monitoring, and inspecting site preparation and release treatments, laying out unit boundaries, and surveying prior reforestation projects and existing vegetation. Additional work may include scouting and writing up unit descriptions and other NR-related work – which may include if interested some cross-training with wildlife and botany work. They may also assist American Forests and USFS National Forest team members’ project management by providing feedback on their project’s successes and challenges. Further, they will have opportunities for their professional development as a part of the California Cone Corps program.

This position is a unique opportunity to 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.

Site-Specific Training Provided
The NR Reforestation Aide will have opportunities to explore professional development opportunities with the support of American Forests’ California Cone Corps manager.

The NR Reforestation Aide will receive hands-on experience and training in cone survey, monitoring, and collection (determining seed maturity, seed/cone recordkeeping, contract administration, and safety and inventory procedures), monitoring various site preparation and release methods and contracts, laying out project boundaries, and surveying past reforestation projects to determine planting success rates.  

Specific responsibilities
Monitoring and Inspection (45%)

• Support the statewide initiative to fill the state banks to ensure enough seeds are collected to fulfill climate-smart reforestation goals. The NR Reforestation Aide will do so through monitoring and reporting viable cone crops on USFS land. Fulfilling the role includes the following:
• Driving, often off-road, to reach cone crops.
• Submitting reports through Survey 1-2-3 to state seed banks.
• Continually visiting viable cone crops to ensure correct collection timing.
• Using arborist tools such as a slingshot or cone gun, shoot cones down off trees to check viability and note any insect or other signs of damage.
• Record and produce products showing the state of cone crops, their locations, and access to areas with current and developing cone crops.
• At times, communicate with USFS seed bank staff.
• Organize monitoring routes to monitor crop viability throughout the summer.
• Support vegetation release inspections in preparation for survival surveys.
• Assist with planting efforts on USFS National Forest land via site layout and project management support.
• Help with reforestation contract oversight on-site preparation and release treatment contracts.

Project Implementation (35%)

• Facilitate cone collections in alignment with collection contracts.
• Ensure viable crops are received by the appropriate public seed bank.
• Supporting USFS Placerville Nursery with cone processing efforts may be required in the fall.
• Utilizing ArcGIS for map-making.

Project Administration (10%)

• In addition, the NR Reforestation Aide may be responsible for managing programmatic budgets, engaging with other colleagues, and supporting American Forests’ mission as needed.
• Engage in and participate in record-keeping related to cone crops, procurement, and collection.
• Assist with reforestation database entry and collecting and curating GIS data.

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

Location:
One NR Reforestation Aide position is available in each of the following National Forests: Lassen, Mendocino, Plumas, Shasta-Trinity, Cleveland, and Stanislaus. The NR Reforestation Aide will be expected to work in person at the associated Ranger District offices for each forest, with shifts varying depending on the season. Some weekend shifts may be required.
Office work will be expected of the NR Reforestation Aide including recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. Most days will be spent in the field where the NR Reforestation Aide will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods. The work does require lifting materials which may weigh up to 40 lbs. 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: $22/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:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, a related field or relevant experience. Enrolled college students are welcome to apply as a part-time schedule during the school year may be negotiated.
• Ability to work independently and self-manage to maintain productivity within American Forests and USFS expectations.
• Experience with database management and/or record keeping.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and a reasonably clean driving record to operate a work vehicle.
• Ability to operate a 4×4 vehicle on rough forest roads and paved roads.
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight, including multiple days of self-supported vehicle-based camping when lodging is not feasible (a camping per diem will be provided).
• Ability to commit to the full 6-month term.
• Ability to work well within a team and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Preferred:

• Attention to detail, specifically regarding project planning; and tree, seed, and cone identification.
• Project planning or management experience.
• Reforestation project experience including site preparation.
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve, with a willingness to find innovative solutions.
• Strong desire to work in a forestry or natural resources career.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Repetitive tasks.
• 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 of time with others and alone in steep, rugged, brushy, and/or remote terrain under adverse weather conditions.