Regional Job Board

Backcountry Point Count Technician – The Institute for Bird Populations

Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Project Dates:

Late April – early August (Exact dates TBD)

Training:

The field season will begin with an intensive 3 week training session in visual and acoustic bird identification skills, point count techniques, tree and plant identification, backcountry orienteering and safety, and wilderness camping skills. These skills will be honed further throughout the field season. Field technicians will acquire substantial expertise in western bird identification, general natural history, and backcountry living, while exploring one or more of the beautiful, rugged national parks in the Sierra Nevada.

Applicants should have a good knowledge of the songs and calls of western montane birds before the training period begins and will participate in biweekly online review sessions of bird songs prior to the in-person training period. A Wilderness First Aid course will be available for those without a current WFA certificate.

Responsibilities:

Working in teams of two, field technicians will hike into the backcountry for up to seven days at a time. On a typical day, they will wake up before dawn and spend the morning conducting point counts and brief vegetation surveys at each point count site.

The afternoon will then be spent breaking camp, backpacking to the beginning of the next day’s point count transect, and setting up camp once again. Work will be extremely physically demanding, sometimes involving backpacking 15 miles or more per day with a heavy pack, and requiring substantial off-trail travel.

A 3-day break will usually follow each backcountry session. Later in the season, longer backcountry trips using cached resupplies may also be possible (ranging from 10 to up to 20 days). Some computer data entry will also be required.

Schedule will vary to accommodate accessibility concerns; snowpack, runoff, weather conditions, and fire and smoke conditions may affect work schedule.

Required Skills and Experience:

We are looking for candidates with prior birding experience and familiarity with (or ability to quickly learn) the songs and calls of western montane birds. Even more important than prior birding experience, however, is a strong desire to learn more about western montane birds and natural history, and a willingness to face the rigors of fieldwork with good humor.

These rigors include (but are not limited to!) physically demanding work, long work days that may begin well before dawn, wet, cold weather, mosquitoes, occasional contact with bears, and less-than-glamorous housing with possibly no cell service.

Successful candidates must be in excellent physical condition, must have backpacking experience, and must be comfortable with off trail hiking and orienteering with map, compass, and GPS (training provided), and must be able and willing to put a substantial amount of time into studying bird songs before arriving to training.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Sierra Meadow Project Manager – Point Blue Conservation Science

Sierra Nevada/Hybrid, California

Position Description:

Point Blue Conservation Science is seeking a Project Manager to be the primary point of contact for partners on the WCB Sierra Meadows Partnership Block Grant. They are responsible for the administration and reporting for 30+ project subawards totaling $20 million. The position facilitates sharing of information between Point Blue and WCB, provides project updates and reports, and identifies and resolves issues. This position is also a liaison to the Sierra Meadows Partnership, providing high-level administrative support.

Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Participates in shared decision-making for the growth, sustainability, and direction of the Sierra WCB block grant program.
• Leads the development and administration of quarterly reports to the WCB. This includes tracking 30+ projects and reporting on deliverables.
• Coordinates the funding decision process and grant making process including outreach to grant applicants, coordinating review and scoring of proposals, and awarding of funds through the SMP Management Board.
• Supervises the preparation and administration of awarded grants, tracking and reporting on all phases of projects funded by the Block Grant. Coordinates activities with project partners, Point Blue finance staff, and is the liaison between subcontractors and Sierra group staff.
• Manages subcontracts with outside partners including determining work to be completed, negotiating budgets, reviewing progress reports, and resolving issues to ensure Block Grant goals are met. Resolves operational and contractual issues that may arise during the project.
• Develops and manages project budgets; completes the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing equipment, materials, and supplies; approves and directs the monitoring of expenditures.
• Manages relationships with members of the Sierra Meadows Partnership (SMP).
• Work as part of Sierra team to raise funds from multiple sources – foundations, government grants/contracts, individuals

Compensation and Benefits: $72,245-$88,000 Annually, depending on experience. Point Blue provides a comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents. Other benefits include life insurance, long-term care, long- and short-term disability, flexible spending accounts, and retirement plans as well as time off benefits.

Work Environment:

• This position operates in a hybrid environment between a home office and professional office setting. This position may also work from remote field locations with uneven terrain, limited vehicles access, limited cell phone reception, and sometimes in a solitary capacity.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural resources management, environmental education, or related field; and 3 years of project management experience.
• Basic knowledge of CEQA/NEPA planning administrative requirements.
• Knowledge of restoration ecology principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of project design, planning, implementation, and management principles and practices.
• Ability to work outdoors under variable weather. Requires mobility over various terrains.
• May require the ability to operate an all-terrain vehicle, motor vehicle, boat, or uncrewed aircraft and to travel to different sites and locations.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as job duties demand.
• Ability to travel within the full Sierra geography, at minimum overnight and up to one week per month.
• Possession of valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance. Point Blue will conduct a motor vehicle check for purposes of hiring

Click here for more information and to apply.

Bird Monitoring Technician – Point Blue Conservation Science

Truckee, California

Point Blue Conservation Science is a growing and internationally renowned non-profit with over 160 staff and scientists based in Petaluma, California. Founded in 1965 as Point Reyes Bird Observatory, our mission and programs have evolved over time to include a broad range of conservation activity, from restoration to environmental education to innovative work in the field of regenerative agriculture. We have a proven track record of scientific excellence.

One Seasonal Technician is needed to conduct nest searching, nest monitoring, territory mapping, banding, point counts, and vegetation and habitat surveys for breeding birds in meadows of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This position offers a unique opportunity to do field work with a clear purpose: guide the application of restoration and stewardship of mountain meadows of the Sierra Nevada.

We recognize that increasing racial, gender, cultural, and other diversity, equity, and inclusion factors at Point Blue and in our partnerships is essential for the success of our mission, vision, and strategy. We are actively engaging in a process to create lasting organizational change. We seek applicants from all backgrounds to join our teams. We strongly encourage applications from people with backgrounds that are under-represented in the conservation community.

Duration: 1 June through 11 August 2023 (Truckee; start date flexible between 1 and 15 June, depending on experience)

Location: Truckee, CA. Based out of Truckee with work primarily in Van Norden Meadow. May require occasional travel to other meadows in the northern Sierra Nevada region.

Job type: Full-time, seasonal

Compensation: This position is posted at $21.00 per hour depending on experience, with overtime pay according to California State law. Shared housing and utilities are provided at a cost of $58.22 per week. Benefits limited to 24 hours of sick pay.

Primary duties include but are not limited to: Territory mapping, nest searching, and nest monitoring for 8 passerine species; multi-species point count surveys; vegetation and habitat surveys; data entry and proofing; navigating cross-country in complex wetland habitats. Work weeks vary from 5-6 days and are typically 40-45 hours but vary from 35-50 hours.

Qualifications:

• Experience nest searching and territory mapping for passerine species, preferably in the Western US.
• All candidates must feel confident in their ability to hike and navigate cross-country in complex wetland habitats with uneven ground and dense shrub cover.
• All candidates must be able to identify 10 bird species by sight and sound following 1 week of training. We will provide species lists, audio recordings and links to learning resources before positions begin.
• We require self-motivation, enthusiasm, good sense of direction, the ability to cope with inclement weather, willingness to spend long hours in the field observing birds and their habitat with additional time in the office, and the ability to work well independently and in a group living situation.
• Successful applicants will need a valid U.S. driver’s license, at least two years of driving experience, and will be asked to provide information to verify their good driving record with one or fewer moving violations in the last three years.
• Position may require the use of a personal vehicle. If a personal vehicle is used, you must have proof of insurance. We reimburse for mileage at the Federal IRS rate for using a personal vehicle for work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds and hike up to 6 miles.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Marketing & Communications Coordinator – Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Education Association

Tahoe City, California

The Marketing & Communications Coordinator supports Tahoe XC and TCCSEA by sharing mission-related information and resources with Tahoe XC community members. While this role primarily focuses on communication activities, it also supports our fundraising efforts. In the nonprofit world, marketing, and fundraising go hand in hand. This person should be a creative self-starter who pays close attention to detail, especially as it pertains to communication and word choice.

This is a 32 hours/week position, typically 9:00am to 5:00pm with flexibility. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required. Applicants should reside in the North Lake Tahoe or Truckee area. We are open to discussing a hybrid home/office model, as approximately 40% of the work can be done remotely. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates regularly with lead staff. This position manages contractors on occasion.

Salary: $25.00 – $30.00 hourly, depending on experience

To Apply: Include Resume/CV, Email all assets to ben@tahoexc.org

Cover Letter indicating how your experience has prepared you for this job

Diversity Statement, indicating how your work and/or life philosophy and practices promote diversity, equal opportunity and inclusion in sports and in the broader community

Names and contact information of 3 professional references

Click here for more information and to apply.

Director of Development – Tahoe Cross-Country Ski Education Association

Tahoe City, California

The Director of Development is responsible for directing all major gift functions, including capital campaign implementation, donor research and cultivation, and leading annual projects. The position will develop, manage, and implement plans and strategies toward securing the financial sustainability of the organization.

The Director of Development is a key leader in motivating and coordinating staff and volunteer leaders toward the highest return fundraising efforts, including major gift donor strategy development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  The position leverages constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including management, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors.

The Director of Development joins an organization with an inclusive, collaborative, professional, and dynamic culture. Tahoe XC is dedicated to the North Lake Tahoe community and to a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable future for residents and visitors.

Salary: $80,000-$90,000 DOE

To Apply: Email Resume, Cover Letter, Diversity Statement, & 3 Referrals

Tahoe XC is committed to equal employment opportunities. We make our employment decisions based on organizational needs and individual qualifications; not on race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, or physical/mental disabilities.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Environmental Technician – Land Steward/Lot Inspector – Tahoe Resource Conservation District

South Lake Tahoe, California

Tahoe Resource Conservation District (Tahoe RCD) partners with the California Tahoe Conservancy to manage Tahoe RCD and state-owned lands through the Tahoe Conservation Partnership. Under the Tahoe Conservation Partnership, Tahoe RCD hires and manages field crews and natural resource specialists to perform natural resource management activities on public lands, owned by California Tahoe Conservancy and Tahoe RCD. This 25+ year relationship of restoration and land management allows Tahoe RCD and the Tahoe Conservancy to collaborate and manage approximately 4,700 parcels, totaling nearly 6,500 acres on the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This tremendous responsibility includes forest habitat enhancement and hazardous fuel reduction, resource protection and restoration, streambank stabilization, property inspection and maintenance, and aquatic invasive species management.

Tahoe RCD follows local and state guidelines and protocols regarding Covid-19. Daily operations and scheduling may be affected.

This position requires working in various adverse conditions, including wildfire smoke, snow, rain, and extreme heat. Length of field season may be modified due to inclement weather, adverse field conditions and/or workload demands and funding constraints.

Primary Duties:

The primary duties of this position include inspection of Conservancy properties and stewardship of the Conservancy’s Upper Truckee Marsh (UTM) and Trout Creek Meadow, and Tahoe RCD’s Johnson Meadow.

Stewardship Duties– The primary responsibilities of the land steward are to promote awareness and stewardship of the UTM, Trout Creek Meadow, and Johnson Meadow and the issues related to Tahoe RCD’s and the Conservancy’s property management efforts. Other duties include educating the public on rules and local ordinances associated with the UTM and assisting with the implementation of interpretive and educational programs. This position will also assist with the UTM Restoration Project by conducting monitoring, public outreach, and data management.

Inspection Duties – The selected candidate will assist with routine maintenance and inspection of the Conservancy’s 4,700 parcels on the California side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. This includes project identification, resource evaluation, litter and trash abatement, trespass/encroachment verification and resolution, and interaction with landowners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Land Steward:

• Educate marsh visitors on appropriate use of the property and importance of wildlife protection
• Coordinate with law enforcement as needed to address various UTM user issues
• Ensure property protection and identify management issues
• Identify, monitor, and treat invasive species populations
• Monitor usage patterns and onsite natural resources
• Assist with outreach events
• Monitor and protect Tahoe Yellow Cress populations
• Conduct restoration monitoring tasks, including basic data collections, photo documentation, and field inspection
• Support the UTM Project construction, including compliance monitoring and public outreach
• Perform administrative and office support activities, including data entry and spreadsheet management, document scanning, file organization, and weekly report preparation.
• Litter removal

Lot Inspector:

• Evaluate resources on-site including identification of erosion control issues, invasive species, hazardous trees, project monitoring, and general management concerns
• Use GPS enabled tablet devices to document property inspections
• Input and manage field data through Conservancy’s Property Data Management System
• Identify property lines
• Identify and plan maintenance and restoration projects
• Conduct litter abatement
• Communicate with Conservancy neighbors to resolve encroachments and other resource issues
• Attend routine check-in meetings in an office setting

Click here for more information and to apply.

Tahoe Basin Youth Conservation Team Crew Member – Great Basin Institute

South Lake Tahoe, California

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), is recruiting (6) crew member to serve as part of the Tahoe Basin Generation Green program. The job is physically arduous, with work being done outdoors every day. Crews may be assigned to a variety of projects throughout the season. Project Activities may include historic site maintenance, trail restoration, noxious weed removal, recreation site maintenance, and engaging with the public. There will be two backpacking trips. While on tour, you will camp at the project site, sharing in campsite responsibilities, cooking meals with fellow crew members, and participating in group discussions and learning activities. This shared responsibility and crew bonding is an important part of crew member development strategy and has contributed not only to the success of the program, but also to the formation of friendships and a passion for conservation that lasts long after members finish their service.

Crew members will be responsible for self-transport to and from their assigned base station, but once there, Crew Leaders will provide transportation to project sites in program vehicles. Worksites are often in remote places that do not have running water or toilet facilities. Members may be engaged in some or all of the following duties:

• Utilize hand tools or other necessary equipment to perform trail construction and maintenance on identified project sites;
• Utilize handsaws and loppers to perform hazardous fuels reduction & habitat restoration.
• Perform tasks associated with Exotic & invasive species removal, native plantings, and riparian restoration
• Using hand tools to perform tasks associated with illegal road decommissioning, fence/barrier construction or decommissioning
• Adhere to all AmeriCorps, GBI, and agency sponsor policies while on project sites or at camp locations
• Maintaining a positive and professional attitude at all times while providing service.
• Communicating effectively with crew members, GBI staff and agency project staff.
• Complying with both production and quality standards established by GBI administration, crew supervisors and project partners.
• Contributing to basic duties at the campsite including cooking, cleaning and organizing crew equipment.
• Show respect when interacting with other members, leaders, staff, project sponsors and community members.
• Participating in in-field education sessions.

Contract Timeline:

• 8-week appointment [starting June 26th, 2023]
• Full time, 40 hr/week: Monday-Friday 8 am – 430 pm (some weekends may be required)

Click here for more information and to apply.

Healthy Rivers and Streams Project Associate, Northern California – The Nature Conservancy

Remote, California

Want to help save California’s rivers and salmon? The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Project Associate to support water policy initiatives and lead implementation of river restoration projects on coastal rivers in Northern California.

The Project Associate will provide high-level project management and support working closely with Water Program staff and will report to the Healthy Rivers Project Director. The Project Associate will support development and implementation of streamflow and salmon habitat restoration projects. They will lead outreach and communications efforts related to our California Environmental Water Network. The Project Associate will conduct issue research and efforts to advance policy reforms and legislation and support grant writing and administration of reporting requirements.

The Project Associate manages projects independently, as well as tracks the progress of projects led by others. They will excel at project management, and organization, with strong written and verbal communication skills. They will manage specific projects, conduct research, synthesize, and organize material accordingly. They will administer contracts, manage an internet-based file sharing system and program calendars. The Project Associate aides with the scheduling and facilitation of meetings, budgeting processes, and other strategic program activities. The Project Associate will take the initiative to solve problems as they arise, seeking input and equitable solutions from their supervisor and team.

What You’ll Bring:

• Minimum of BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Experience managing and tracking multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of conservation science, riverine ecosystems, fisheries restoration, land management conservation practices
• Experience working with local landowners, agencies, and conservation groups to develop and implement restoration plans.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with contract management and review.
• Experience writing and reporting on private and/or public grants.
• Experience building and managing relationships with diverse partner organizations/entities.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Forester – Tuolumne River Trust

Sonora, California

The incoming Forester will operate out of TRT’s Sonora office. This position is grant-funded and will include project management, budget control, coordinating implementation of fieldwork, leading field staff, CEQA/NEPA compliance, forest treatment planning, unit delineation, resource protection, and inspections. The Forester will help TRT implement forest health projects across the landscape, focusing public land management within the Stanislaus National Forest and on nearby private lands.

The Forester will help implement the Tuolumne River Trust’s (TRT) forest restoration program on the Stanislaus National Forest and nearby private lands. The Forester will play a central program role by working closely with TRT’s Forest Health Program Manager to manage grants, supervise contractors, as well as plan and implement projects. The Forester will help implement projects designed to increase the health and resilience of the Sierra Nevada forests, protecting and advocating for the ecological, social, and economic values that these forests provide. Finally, the Forester will frequently collaborate with TRT’s education and natural resource policy staff.

The ideal candidate is a Forester with experience running fuels treatment contracts in the Sierra Nevada. They must possess a valid license as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) issued by the California State Board of Forestry. In addition, they must have working knowledge of forest ecology and related resource concerns, ideally with experience relevant to Sierra Nevada forests and plant communities. Experience with project management, project layout, overseeing project implementation, conservation planning, and managing contracts and subcontractors is ideal, as is a demonstrated ability to be self-directed while working collaboratively with other staff members and partners. This position is currently funded through grants from state and federal agencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Forester will advance TRT’s forest restoration program through project planning and project implementation. In addition, the Forester will liaise with private contractors, the Stanislaus National Forest, and staff from Tuolumne County. The Forester will be responsible for implementing contracts, project design and layout, marking boundaries, and project monitoring. The Forester will spend a significant portion of their time (50%) on project operations, managing fuels management activities to ensure projects achieve targets and objectives. In addition, they will ensure that mitigation measures are appropriate. They will monitor fuels treatments, evaluate effects, identify potential problems, and take action to solve them. This work will include designing and implementing fuels management treatments, supervising survey contractors, evaluating treatments and effectiveness, and serving as the point of contact for contracted crews. The Forester will dedicate approximately 40% of their time to planning and coordinating, including designing, reviewing, and implementing land management plans, instructing field staff, writing and reviewing contracts, and tracking projects. The Forester will spend approximately 10% of their time on program management, including soliciting grant funding, reporting project updates to grantors, and coordinating work between multiple partners and agencies.

Primary duties include:

• Plan and design fuels treatment projects on public and private land.
• Manage contractors, including:

  • Contractor selection for fuel breaks, understory fuels reduction, timber harvest, weed control, reforestation, and other project work, including developing Requests for Proposals and reviewing submitted proposals.

  • Development of contracts for the implementation of grant-funded work.

  • Establish pre-project flagging to mark work site boundaries, riparian buffers, etc.

• Schedule and oversee contractor work, including:

  • Site visits.

  • Contractor training for wildlife and cultural resources awareness.

  • Daily or weekly site visits to ensure adherence to project scope and required mitigations.

• Complete project documentation and monitoring, including:

  • Quarterly or semi-annual grant progress reports to project funders.

  • Project photo-monitoring, including establishment and documentation of photo points.

  • Documentation of invasive plant occurrences, treated area extents, and other field data using mobile phone/tablet-based GIS software.

• Fieldwork including (but not limited to)

  • Project design, layout, and oversight.

  • Timber stand exams and Common Stand Exams.

  • Survival exams

  • Managing and leading field staff.

• Ensure compliance with CEQA and NEPA environmental regulations.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures, train staff, and contribute to improving processes.
• Contribute professional advice, analysis, and guidance on forest management strategies, principles, and approaches based on the best available science to ensure forest management plans achieve ecological, social, and economic goals.
• The Forester may be asked to assist in grant writing efforts necessary to solicit funding for new projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Fire Management Specialist (Fire Planner) – Department of the Interior

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

This position is located in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the Branch of Wildland Fire and Aviation Management and provides wildland fire management services for the National Park Service. One position is available.

This is a term position (more than 1 year) with an initial appointment expecting to last at least 13 months but may be extended up to a total of four years. Term positions do not convey permanent status in the Federal service.

Duties:

• Coordinates with the park compliance coordinator(s) to ensure these plans are consistent with land and resource management plans (L/RMPs), laws, policies, regulations, and environmental mandates (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Air Act, National Historic Preservation Act, etc.).
• Presents technical information and complex issues coherently and concisely that is understandable to a variety of audiences.
• Provides technical advice in the implementation of fire management plans and supporting plans (e.g., prescribed fire, fire danger or prevention plans) and applications (e.g., decision support tools, wildland fire reporting,).
• Coordinates the collection, review, retention, and appropriate record-keeping for documents related to fire management plans.
• Coordinates fire planning-related agreements between park fire programs and cooperating agencies and organizations.
• Reviews fire management data for adequacy, appropriateness, and accuracy.
• Ensures fire management plan updates are timely, accurate, and defensible within established standards.
• Provides guidance to field units on data collection and evaluation of fire hazard, fuels, historic fire occurrence, fire effects, climatology, and weather conditions.
• Serves as the subject matter expert for wildland fire decision support tools and programs.
• Schedules and conducts formal and informal training and serves as instructor and/or coach at the unit or zone level.
• Provides unit technical advice for short- and long-term strategic fire management planning, assessments, and interagency and/or unit fire management plans.

Requirements:

Conditions of Employment:

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver’s license is required.
• You may be required to work on-call, evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime and shift work.
• Subject to frequent extended travel 10 particularly during fire season, and you must obtain a government charge card for travel.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Fire Management Specialist (Fire Planner) – Department of the Interior

Remote

These positions are located in the Pacific West Regional Office of the National Park Service in the Branch of Wildland Fire and Aviation Management which provides wildland fire management services for the National Park Service. Two remote positions are available.

Click here for more information and to apply.

Sierra Corps USFS Chico Seed Orchard Technician – Sierra Nevada Alliance

Chico, California

Background on Sierra Corps Forestry Fellowship Program:

Sierra Corps is a Forestry Fellowship program implemented by the Sierra Nevada Alliance that aims to increase workforce capacity for forest health, restoration, biomass utilization, and wildfire resilience projects in the Sierra Nevada. The Alliance places Fellows with partners throughout the region for forest-health-related employment. Fellows bring their education, skills, and expertise to engage in paid fellowships that provide assistance in assessment, planning, permitting, project management, and other essential forest restoration and wildfire resilience work. The Sierra Corp is a program that allows you to advance your career in environmental conservation and forest health by working as a forest project coordinator and contributing to the increase in pace and scale of forest restoration at a time when it is critically needed.

For this position, you will be a Fellow for Sierra Nevada Alliance, completing your fellowship and working under direct supervision by American Forests.

Location & Working Conditions:

The CA Cone Corps – USFS Orchard Technician position will be based in Chico, California at the USFS Chico Seed Orchard. They will be expected to work in person at the Seed Orchard, with shifts varying depending on the season. Some weekend shifts may be required. The Technician will be offered the option to live in USFS-provided housing and will be required to pay monthly rent for the provided housing.

Most days will be spent in the field, where the Technician will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time. The work does require lifting materials which may weigh up to 40 lbs. Office work will also be expected, including recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. At times, responsibilities may take place in a field setting. The field setting includes, but is 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
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.

Position Description:

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 state seed banks do not have enough seeds to meet this need. The pace and scale of cone collection across the state must rapidly increase to improve forest resilience. 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 (CAL FIRE) through the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership (RPP), and the development of the California Cone Corps.

The CA Cone Corps – USFS Chico Seed Orchard Technician (Technician) will directly contribute to an increase in cone monitoring and collection. The Technician will receive hands-on experience in the field of reforestation with guidance from industry experts. Additionally, they will contribute to American Forests and the USDA Forest Service Region 5’s efforts by supporting the seed orchard’s overall production and the health of the trees. They will increase the capacity at the seed orchard to monitor and collect viable cone crops – ultimately helping to fill gaps in the state seed banks. At times, they may support in wild cone monitoring and facilitating cone collections.

This position is a unique 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 skills that will be gained through this position are in high demand.

Specific Responsibilities:

Seed Orchard Management (70%)

• Support efforts to re-open the USFS Chico Nursery – which can support the growth of over 2 million seedlings.
• Compile and manage data of the seed orchard’s production, survival, and inventory, support with database upkeep.
• Support orchard tree health through culling, pruning, mowing, weeding, fertilizing, trunk protection, and pest management practices.
• Complete cone crop forecasting, monitoring, collection, and sanitization.
• Facilitate crew workdays at the seed orchard.
• Maintain the seed orchard’s irrigation system.
• Identify and tag trees for recordkeeping purposes.

Field Work (10%)

• Conduct cone monitoring on USFS forests for collections.
• Support in wild cone collection facilitation on USFS forestland.

Program Support (10%)

• As needed, support the overall goals of CA Cone Corps and USFS forest management and reforestation projects.

Fellowship Activities with Sierra Nevada Alliance (10%)

• Attend orientation and skills trainings, skills development trainings, and graduation trainings

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Agriculture or a related field.
• Ability to work independently and self-manage to maintain productivity within American Forests and USDA Forest Service expectations.
• Experience databasing and/or record keeping.
• Ability to work well within a team.
• Ability to commit to the full 11-month term.

Desired Qualifications:

• Attention to detail, specifically in regard to project planning and tree, seed, and cone identification.
• Project planning or management experience.
• Reforestation or agricultural project experience.
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve, with a willingness to find innovative solutions.
• Strong desire to work in a forest health-related career.

Physical Requirements:

• 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).
• 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.

Click here for more information and to apply.