Regional Job Board

Forest Technician – American River Conservancy

Coloma, California

Overview:

The American River Conservancy (ARC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving rivers and land for life. The primary role of the Forest Technician is to work with the Forest Restoration Manager on the grant-funded American River Headwaters Restoration Project and the SOFAR Restoration Project.

Primary Responsibilities and skills:

• Assist with thinning unit layout and implementing timber harvest plans and forest thinning projects.
  
• Flagging boundaries, Watercourses and Lake protection zones (WLPZ), special treatment Areas, etc.
  
• Implement silvicultural prescriptions as written by RPF.
  
• Northern California tree species identification.
  
• Assist RPF and Project Manager with data collection and document preparation for various permits, licenses, and harvest documents for forestry operations.
• Assist with compliance under said documents/regulations.
  
• Collect forest treatment/monitoring data for various projects.
  
• Timber cruising and data collection.
  
• Experience using a compass, diameter tape, prism, rangefinder/laser, and other forestry measurement tools.
  
• Proficient use of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  
• Map Reading skills, ability to navigate alone in remote locations using a compass and map.
  
• Proficient with Avenza and GPS.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Maintenance of field equipment, use of chainsaw, weedeater etc.
  
• Ability to safely operate a truck with trailer and ATV.
  
• Perform various other duties as assigned.
  

Essential Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in the Biological Sciences, Environmental Studies, Forestry or similar fields OR 2 years of relevant work experience is essential.
  
• Ability to work effectively as a team member but also complete tasks independently without direct supervision.
  
• Working knowledge and experience with hand tools, chainsaws, weed eaters, chippers, and other equipment.
  
• Experience driving a truck and trailer combination and or ATV.
  
• Good situational awareness.
  
• Ability to work weekends if necessary, or flexible hours due to weather changes.
  
• Enthusiastic, strong work ethic, positive attitude, team player, attention to details, and problem-solving skills.
  
• Must be 18 years or older.
  
• Must possess a valid driver’s license that is free from suspension or revocation during term of employment.
  
• Must have reliable transportation.
  
• Willing to work long days in a remote setting and some overnight travel in the field without modern amenities.
  
• Must be able to hike up to 10 miles in the backcountry while carrying equipment.
  
• Must be able to work independently in remote locations in extreme weather conditions, and in rugged terrain.
  
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds, cut and pile brush and remove vegetation and trees as necessary. Requires physically demanding tasks at times.
  
• Ability to work alone and navigate using GPS, map and compass.
  
• Ability to learn and use GIS systems and mapping software.

Please Note this position will require some office work and long hours in the field. The field work portion will require hiking through remote areas on terrain in wet, slippery, uneven, heavily brushed, steep conditions. Exposure to noise, dust, wildlife, poison oak, rattlesnakes, stinging and biting insects, and all types of weather conditions is possible. Must possess a sense of humor while working in difficult conditions with tree nerds.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

ARC is open to candidates with diverse backgrounds, experience, and transferable skills. We are looking for candidates with the following experience OR the ability to develop skills in each of these categories:

• Wilderness First Aid/First Responder Certification
  
• Experience with habitat restoration and/or forestry work is desired.
  
• Experience working with forestry contractors and field crews.
  
• Working knowledge of forest/land management software and applications.
  
• Experience working or volunteering for a non-profit organization.

Schedule, Salary & Benefits: Position is exempt, 40 hours per week. Salary starts at $64,480 – $66,560 annually, commensurate with experience. Benefits include: Ten paid holidays (7 fixed, 3 floating); accrual of vacation time (10 days) and sick leave (10 days) begin on the first day of hire. ARC will pay at least 50% and up to 75% of the cost of ARC’s group health plan following the completion of a 60 day waiting period. ARC may offer a retirement contribution (currently 10% of annual wages; as funding allows) which begins to accrue following one full year of employment. While this position is based in the organization’s office in Coloma, CA, the organization allows for remote work as an option. Extensive fieldwork is required.

Please email your resume, cover letter and 3 professional references to Autumn Gronborg (autumn@arconservancy.org) on or before 5:00 pm on November 3, 2023. No calls please.

Click here for more information and to apply.