Seed Need and Inventory Specialist – Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership, American Forests

Host Site Description:

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restore urban forests and forested landscapes.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible (DEIA) workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

Position Description:

California has been devastated by historical mega-fires in recent years contributing to possible full-type conversion across the landscape. To restore forest resilience in these areas at a meaningful pace and scale, the reforestation community needs to rapidly increase seedling production. Successfully doing so includes cone surveying and collection, seed saving, seedling production, site preparation, out-planting, and monitoring. Current production levels are inadequate for the reforestation needs of private and public entities. American Forests is working to increase production 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 USFS Region 5 Cone Corps Nursery Technician position will be based in Placerville, California at the USFS Placerville Nursery in the El Dorado National Forest. They will be expected to serve in person at the nursery, Monday through Friday, with hours varying depending on the season. Some weekend shifts may be required. Most days will be spent at the nursery where the Technician will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods. This position does require lifting materials which may weigh up to 50 lbs. Office-based tasks will also be expected including record keeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. At times, responsibilities may take place in a field setting.

Responsibilities:

• Nursery Production: The Technician will contribute to USFS R5 and American Forests efforts through seed germination testing, propagation, cone processing, plant and pest identification, recordkeeping, irrigation and fertilizer management, herbicide application, seedling packing and shipment, sowing, and inventory. Excess time from other categories will be used for nursery production. (60% of time)
• Development and Outreach: The Technician will contribute to developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the USFS Placerville Nursery with close coordination from USFS Region 5 staff. They may support in outreach efforts around reforestation with American Forests at public events such as Cone Camp. Other responsibilities may include volunteer coordination, developing educational material, and more. (10% of time)
• Cone Surveying and Monitoring: The Technician will be responsible for cone crop surveying and monitoring from June – September. They will survey and monitor crops viable for collection, and will support reforestation efforts through reporting the crops they find via Survey 123. Additionally, they will coordinate with local cone surveyors and monitors as well as the nursery and seed bank managers who will help determine collections. They will support the facilitation of collections by being present during collections and ensuring cones are received by the nursery. (20% of time)
• Support American Forests and Cone Corps Program: The Fellow will provide regular verbal and written updates to American Forests supervisors, assist at Reforestation Pipeline Partnership events, support Cone Corps interview processes, and provide public outreach content. Additionally, they will support future seedling production goals by assisting with cone surveying and monitoring to determine ripeness. During cone season they will contribute a minimum of one week per month to cone surveying. The Fellow may assist in administering cone collection contracts and processing cones during cone collection. (10% of the time)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, or other natural resource field
• Excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
• 1-2 years of experience in natural resources management and assessment, post education

Desired Qualifications:

• 2 years combined experience in:
  • Forest health monitoring and assessment
  • Conservation planning
  • Project management
  • Environmental education/communications
  • Plant or tree nursery work experience including:
    • Fertilizers
    • Irrigation systems
    • Germination testing
    • Seed propagation
    • Sowing
• Previous experience working directly at a plant or tree nursery
• Passion for conservation of the Sierra Nevada

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50lbs
• Ability to operate equipment such as forklifts and 4×4 vehicles
• Ability to stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to serve in adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat or rain and snow
• Ability to serve in field conditions. The field setting includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • Varying terrain and dense vegetation (possible exposure to wildlife, ticks, poison oak and mosquitos), hot, wet and cold conditions
  • Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little/no shade coverage 

Qualifications:

• Must be 18+ years of age and high school graduates or GED recipients (or minimum of 17 and working toward a high school diploma or GED); members must agree to obtain either a diploma or GED before using an education award; meeting full list of member eligibility requirements in 45 CFR §2522.200(a)
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident
• Must participate in a national criminal history background check pursuant to 45 CFR §2540.200-206
• Organized, responsible, motivated, professional
• Demonstrates initiative, follow-through, and reliability
• Strong communication, collaboration, and public speaking skills
• Interest or education in marketing or communications a plus

Benefits:

• Monthly stipend of $2,500 per month
• Good health, vision, and dental insurance
• Up to 170 hours of technical, ecological, and skills-development training
• Professional experience and networking- $500 Individual Training Budget
• AmeriCorps members that successfully complete a 1700-hour service term will earn a $10,000 combined Segal Educational Award and Cal for All Education Award for use on existing qualified student loans or future higher education expenses
• Student loan forbearance during service term if Member qualifies