Reforestation Coordinator-Northern California

Our Mission in Action 

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Coordinator, Northern CA Reforestation, to join our Forest Restoration team and help increase the pace and scale of reforestation projects on the Eldorado National Forest. 

What You’ll Do 

The Northern California Reforestation Coordinator(s) will support American Forests’ post-fire restoration efforts on the Eldorado National Forest (ENF), and specifically within the 2021 Caldor Fire footprint. We anticipate hiring two Coordinator positions for 2026, who will collaborate with other American Forests staff, affiliates, and ENF staff to implement reforestation-related treatments on priority acres. Restoration activities will include: 

• Inspecting and monitoring post-fire restoration treatments, including planting and herbicide
• Conducting natural regeneration surveys to assess future reforestation needs
• Supporting volunteer events
• Supporting ongoing reforestation projects in the Caldor Fire footprint
• Collecting seed from native conifers across Eldorado National Forest

This position is a unique entry-level opportunity to be 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.  

Site-Specific Training Provided 

The Northern California Reforestation Coordinator(s) will receive various professional development opportunities that align with their goals and support their success with American Forests. Additionally, the Coordinator will receive hands-on experience and training in post-fire reforestation best practices, contract administration, site evaluation, conifer seed collection, post-planting monitoring and field safety. 

Specific Responsibilities Include: 

Implementation, monitoring, and planning support (80%) 

• Support contract administration and conduct inspections for various reforestation treatments such as planting and chemical release and site preparation (~March-June, with the potential of a brief contract in ~October)
• Preparing for outyear planting activities, including unit recon and layout
• Reforestation monitoring (may include flying drone) (~June-November)
• Cone surveying, monitoring, and collection(~June-September)
• GIS-based planning, and related data organization and analysis

Volunteer coordination (10%) 

• Support a community science volunteer program with an active volunteer base (~October-November)
• Coordinate one-time volunteer events such as volunteer plantings, cone surveying training, and/or educational/tabling events

Other/Professional development (10%) 

• Support management of programmatic budgets in coordination with other AF staff
• May include collaboration with American Forests’ Reforestation Pipeline Partnership, including event attendance
• Opportunity to attend relevant and approved trainings in the region as available

What We’re Looking For 

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives. 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or other related field with at least one (1) year of experience in forest health monitoring and assessment, conservation planning, project management, natural resource-based fieldwork, and environmental analysis and research.
• Ability to work both independently and in small teams to complete assigned tasks.
• Clean driving record and Standard Class C California Driver’s License.
• Confidence driving 4-WD or AWD vehicles on variably maintained Forest Service roads, in remote places.
• Reforestation project experience including planting, herbicide use or experience working with contractors.
• 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.
• Ability to speak Spanish desired.

Reporting and Supervision 

The Coordinator reports to the Senior Manager, Northern CA Reforestation and will be co-supervised between this position and the Manager, Northern CA Reforestation. The Coordinator will often work in the field with staff and seasonal technicians from the Eldorado National Forest. 

Working Location and Conditions 

The Coordinator will be based within one (1) hour of Placerville, CA. This is a field-going position and most fieldwork will be located on the Caldor Fire footprint, near Placerville, CA. Early mornings, long hours, and some Saturday shifts may be required. Office work may be conducted remotely. The Coordinator 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 housing provided. Housing availability is not guaranteed. 

The Coordinator must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer keeping, supporting 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 Coordinator will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time. Field conditions may include, but are not limited to the following: 

• 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

Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.