Northern California Reforestation Technician (American Forests, Eldorado National Forest)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with American Forests throughout Eldorado National Forest, is recruiting 1 Reforestation Technician to support with post-fire restoration efforts from the 2021 Caldor Fire.

About American Forests:

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.

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.

The Northern California Reforestation Technician will support American Forests’ post-fire restoration efforts within the 2021 Caldor Fire.  They will collaborate with American Forests staff, affiliates, and the specialists on the Eldorado National Forest. This position will directly impact reforestation efforts in California, where mega-fires, ongoing drought, and disease have devastated critical forest ecosystems.

Restoration efforts will be focused primarily on the Caldor Fire. Activities will include:

• Inspecting and monitoring post-fire restoration treatments;
• Conducting natural regeneration surveys to assess future reforestation need;
• Conducting community-science volunteer coordination and training; and
• Supporting ongoing reforestation projects on the Caldor Fire, with the potential to support efforts on other regional fire footprints (King, Mosquito).

The Technician will join a team of individuals dedicated to climate-informed reforestation. This position is a unique entry-level opportunity to be a part of a high-level reforestation project and 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 Technician will receive guidance and mentorship with the intent of providing clarity around future career opportunities.

Site-Specific Training Provided:

The Northern California Reforestation Technician will receive various professional development opportunities that align with their goals and support their success with American Forests. Additionally, the Technician will receive hands-on experience and training in determining seed collection activities, post-fire reforestation best-practices, contract administration, site evaluation as well as safety and inventory procedures.

Specific Responsibilities:

Implementation, monitoring, and planning support (75%)

• Site preparation activities, which may include overseeing pesticide application or manual shrub control projects (May-June);
• Planting prep including recon and unit layout;
• Reforestation monitoring (may include flying drone) (June-November);
• Cone surveying and monitoring for seed collection (June-October); and
• GIS planning and data organization and analysis.

Volunteer Coordination (15%)

• Supporting a community science volunteer program with an active volunteer base (June-November); and
• Coordinating one-time volunteer events such as hosting volunteer plantings, potential hand thinning projects, and educational/tabling opportunities.

Other/Professional  Development (10%)

• Supporting management of programmatic budgets, engaging with other colleagues, and supporting American Forests’ mission as needed;
• May include collaborating with and attending events for American Forests’ Reforestation Pipeline Partnership Program; and
• Opportunity to attend relevant trainings in the region as identified.

Timeline:

• 7.5 Months (around 30 weeks); May-November (Flexible start date for the right candidate);
• Full time (40 hours/week); and
• Schedule: 5 / 8; M-F; Schedule may shift if necessary.

Location & Working Conditions:

The Technician position will be based within 1 hour of Eldorado National Forest. Office work may be conducted remotely, but office space is available at Georgetown Ranger Station. This is a field-going position and most fieldwork will be located on the Caldor Fire footprint, near Placerville, CA. Long hours and some Saturday shifts may be required. The Technician may be offered the option to live in USFS provided housing, based on availability at time of hire, and will be required to pay monthly rent for the provided housing. Housing availability is not guaranteed.

Office work will be expected of the Technician including recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. Occasional GIS assignments may be requested with support of American Forests staff. Most days will be spent in the field where the Technician will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time. Field conditions may include, but are 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; and
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:

Compensation: $25/hr;

Benefits:

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

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field or related experience;
• Ability to work both independently and in teams to gather the necessary information to complete assigned tasks;
• Clean driving record and Standard Class C California Driver’s License; and
• Confidence driving 4-WD or AWD vehicles on variably maintained Forest Service roads, in remote places.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-2 years of combined experience with the following:
  • Forest health monitoring and assessment;
  • jobshiringnearme.org planning;
  • Project management;
  • Natural resource-based fieldwork;
  • Environmental analysis and research;
  • Experience utilizing GIS mapping software;
• Reforestation project experience including site preparation or experience working with herbicide;
• Ability to think creatively and solve problems, with a willingness to find innovative solutions;
• Strong desire to work in a forest health-related career, ideally in the Sierra Nevada region;
• Current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certifications; and
• Ability to speak Spanish.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to stand for long periods;
• Ability to lift 40 lbs;
• Repetitive tasks with few breaks;
• 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.