Natural Resources Reforestation Technician (American Forests, Plumas National Forest)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with American Forests (Plumas National Forest), is recruiting 1 Natural Resources Reforestation Technician to directly contribute to a wide array of reforestation activities, with a large emphasis on cone monitoring and collection. The NR Reforestation Technician 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.

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 (CALFIRE) through the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership (RPP) and the California Cone Corps.

Primary Responsibilities:

Monitoring and Inspection (40%)

• Survey and monitor for viable cone crops throughout the USFS National Forest land;
• Report cone crop data through Survey 1-2-3 or Field Maps applications;
• Organize monitoring routes to monitor crop viability throughout the summer;
• Support vegetation release inspections in preparation for survival surveys;
• If applicable, assist with planting on National Forest system managed lands via site layout and
• project management support; and
• Help with reforestation contract oversight on site preparation and release treatment contracts.

Project Implementation (35%)

• Facilitate cone collections in alignment with collection contracts (interface with cone collectors, filing out cone tags, providing logistical support through contract performance time, provide ground support to climbing and cone collections activities);
• Ensure viable crops are received by the appropriate public seed bank with attached paperwork filled out;
• Supporting USFS Placerville Nursery with cone processing efforts may be required in the fall; and
• Utilizing ArcGIS for map making.

Project Administration (15%)

• In addition, the Technician 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; and
• Assist with reforestation database entry and collecting and curating GIS data.

Timeline:

• May – October, 26 wks;
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10 hours daily.

Location:

Work completed in this position will take place in the Plumas National Forest, located near Beckwourth, CA. Placement will be expected to work in person at the associated Forest or Ranger District offices for this forest.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $25 hourly.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and paid holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing Stipend: $400/month Reimbursement

Site-Specific Training Provided:

The NR Reforestation Technician will have opportunities to explore professional development opportunities with the support of American Forests’ California Cone Corps manager. The NR Reforestation Technician 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.

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;
• Ability to work well within a team;
• Ability to work in the field;
• Ability to commit to the full 6-month term; and
• Have a Class C drivers license.

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; and
• Strong desire to work in a forestry or natural resources career.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for long periods of time;
• 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); and
• 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.