Restoration, Invasive Species, and Forestry Technician

Position Summary:

Redstart seeks candidates that have strong restoration, invasive species management, and forestry interests, and who wish to learn other skills and be part of a diverse, flexible team. We find that we are most fulfilled when the work varies, which happens naturally with each season as we engage in restoration, conservation, and forest management work in Vermont and New Hampshire.

In the spring, technicians will join a crew of 3-6 other members with a primary responsibility to implement habitat restoration and improvement projects, focusing on native tree plantings along rivers and streams. Technicians will be trained on proper tree and shrub care, planting, identification, and post-planting stewardship. During the summer, the restoration focus is on treating non-native, terrestrial invasive plants. Technicians must be able to successfully identify and treat common non-native, terrestrial invasive plants. Treatments commonly consist of selective herbicide application (including foliar backpack spraying and cut stump treatments), though some manual treatment methods (pulling, mowing) may also be used. In the fall, upland stream restoration becomes more prevalent, where woody material is added to the stream to create better aquatic habitat and to address flooding concerns, increase resiliency in the face of climate change, and improve water quality. Additional projects in the fall and winter months include timber inventory and forest management plan development, carbon inventory, harvest tree marking, boundary line painting, apple tree pruning, and timber stand improvement using a chainsaw. Throughout the seasons Redstart engages in traditional small landowner non-industrial forestry work including inventory, planning, and harvest oversight.

In each season, Redstart keeps the work diverse so that technicians are always learning and growing their capabilities and careers; the summer and fall season will include some elements of the winter and spring work to accomplish these goals. Technicians will be working on privately-owned properties, as well as lands owned and managed by state or federal agencies, towns, and non-profit organizations.

Desired Qualifications:

• A degree (completed or planned) and/or strong interest in the natural sciences including natural resources management, environmental science, forestry, or related area.
• Strong work ethic and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.
• Strong interest in outdoor physical labor.
• Prior knowledge/identification skills of non-native plants – some on site learning is expected.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation.
• Basic GIS and GPS skills.
• Willingness to become a certified pesticide applicator in the State of Vermont and New Hampshire.
• Chainsaw safety (Game of Logging levels 1-2 preferred) and/or prior experience using a chainsaw.

Terms of Employment:

• Full-time seasonal, approximately 40 hours/week, with an opportunity for some overtime.
• Positions typically start at the beginning of April. The duration of the positions is variable.
• Compensation commensurate with experience, with advancement based on performance.
  • Starting Rate: $15-17 per hour.
• Basic, affordable housing options may be available.