Regional Job Board

Harvest Inspector – Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Taylorsville, California

Position Overview:

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking one (1) Harvest Inspector (HI) to contribute to timber resource management projects alongside Lassen National Forest (LNF) staff. The Harvest Inspector serves as a critical field lead in supporting the Lassen National Forest’s timber management program. Working within a collaborative partnership, the Harvest Inspector is responsible for overseeing timber sale contracts to ensure operator compliance with environmental regulations, silvicultural prescriptions, and safety standards. Daily tasks include monitoring logging activities, conducting technical inspections of harvest boundaries and transportation routes, and documenting volume removals to maintain rigorous resource protection. This role requires a blend of technical forestry expertise and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between federal objectives and on-the-ground implementation, ultimately fostering forest health and local economic resilience across the Lassen landscape.

This is a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative partnership between a non-profit organization and USFS, with on-the-job training from both Sierra Institute and LNF staff.

Term: Seasonally May 26, 2026 – November 25, 2026

Schedule: Monday – Thursday (4 -10-hour shifts).

Location: Lassen National Forest based out of Chester, CA. Forest resources assisting in all districts where active timber sales are occurring on the Lassen National Forest.

Supervision and Authority:

• Employed and supervised by Sierra Institute Partnership Prep Forester and Director of Stewardship with day-to-day work under the instructions and delegated authorities of the Forest Service Representative (FSR) and Sale Administrators (SA’s).
• Harvest Inspector (HI) has very limited authority and functions as the eyes and ears of the SA.
• The HI’s primary role is to relate information to the FSR for the SA.
• The SA is responsible for taking action or explaining why action is not necessary based on the HI’s reports, providing the HI with valuable experience.

Objectives:

• General understanding of how timber sale operations function.
• Reading and understanding of timber sale contracts.
• Actively engaging with logging contractors and operators.
• Communicating with district sale admin staff and reporting on the ground information through daily reports.
• Identifying work that does not align with contract objectives. For example, resource damage.
• Traveling safely through active operations areas.

Training:

• Accompanying and observing a certified Sale Administrator conducting inspections of ongoing timber sales.
• Formal basic sale administration training includes timber theft prevention training.
• Professional or academic training on logging systems, resource protection, logging safety, and Forest Plan components related to sale administration.
• Wilderness First Aid.
• USFS Region 5 Timber Cruising if needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sale Administration Support:
  • Carry out the instructions of the Sale Administrator (SA) or Forest Service Representative (FSR) on inspections of the Purchaser's/Operator’s activities.
  • Help with sale administration duties, including layout, flagging units, and designating trees for removal, following Lassen National Forest standards and guidelines.
  • Maintain open and frequent communication with FSR and SA’s.
• Inspection and Reporting:
  • Check for compliance with provisions of the timber sale contract.
  • Inspect work and report back to the SA on compliance with expectations.
  • Serve, if authorized by the SA, as daily contact with the Purchaser's Field Supervisor.
  • Refer problems and contractual issues to the SA or FSR.
  • Ensure timely installation of water bars and that they meet guidelines (slope, height, free of foreign material, properly drain, etc.). Flag non-compliant water bars for correction.
  • Prepare a written report summarizing each inspection. Form FS-2400-0181 Timber Sale & Stewardship IRTC Inspection Report is the preferred form for documenting inspections.
• Signage:
  • Post Landing Signs and No Wood Cutting Signs for each sale and ensure they are removed upon completion of the sale.
  • Remove adjacent unit and sale area boundary signs.
• Landing Management:
  • Ensure Landing Limits are painted with an “L” facing the landing.
  • Keep landings as small as practicable (approximately one-half acre, with consideration for volume and equipment like a Stroke De-limber). Landings must be numbered on the ground using white cards.
  • Designate landing trees with a cut tree color or agree they are within clearing limits.
  • Walk skid trail layout and designate / record additional trees for Skid trail locations.
  • Record rough skid trail locations on a map.
• Equipment Security:
  • Ensure Timber Marking Tracer Paint (accountable property) is always kept in a locked toolbox or a locked truck cab.
  • All efforts must be made to locate lost paint cans, with law enforcement notified to file a report if a can cannot be found.
• Safety:
  • Prioritize safety. Communicate immediately if any task feels unsafe.
• Reporting and Supervision:
  • As a Sierra Institute employee, the HI will be under the direct supervision of the Partnership Prep Forester and Director of Stewardship.
  • This position will rely largely on FS staff, including the SA/FSR, for day-to-day duties and on the job training.

Qualifiications & Requirements:

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license, with an ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle, and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory DMV driving record pull.
• Ability to use compasses, topographic maps, and handheld GPS units or tablets to navigate and collect data in the field.
• An ability to bring adaptability and improvisation, critical thinking skills, creativity, and humor to the workplace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing any degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, etc., and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, etc.
• Working knowledge of forest practices and techniques, including application of silvicultural prescriptions, timber sale/contract administration, GPS, maps, environmental analysis reports.
• Familiarity with mixed conifer forests and the ability to identify common tree species in the northern Sierra Nevada and Southern Cascades.
• Knowledge of other resource areas, such as wildlife, archaeology, or botany, in order to recognize situations which, require specific protection measures.
• Previous experience as a Harvest Inspector or Contracting Officer Representative.
• USFS Region 5 Timber Cruising Certification.
• Current first aid or wilderness medical training certification (e.g., WFA, WFR, or WEMT).
• Skills or experiences that can fill in for qualifications will be considered.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

Field work often requires moderate to strenuous physical exertion, including walking, bending, and climbing under adverse conditions for long periods of time. Potential risk of falls due to uneven terrain, risk of insect bites, contact with poisonous plants, etc. Duties will be conducted during conditions such as rain, snow, wind, dust, extreme heat and cold. Hardhat, gloves, and other safety equipment are provided.

Salary & Benefits:

Compensation is $23 – $27 per hour commensurate with experience. Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not available for this position but may be obtained through Covered California (http://www.coveredca.com/). Field staff will be provided with monthly sick time, paid holidays, and a set number of hours for paid wildfire mitigation leave. Paid wildfire mitigation leave is intended to mitigate workdays impacted by wildfire and smoke.

Necessary training will be provided (and paid): Timber Sale Administration, Wilderness First Aid, and USFS Region 5 timber cruising certification (pending USFS availability).

Application Process:

• Send cover letter, resume, and three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us. Use “Harvest Inspector” as the subject line.
• Mention where you heard about the job (be specific).
• Position open until filled; applications reviewed on a rolling basis starting April 3, 2026.
• Questions? Call 530.284.1022 or email jobs@sierrainstitute.us.

About Sierra Institute:

The Sierra Institute supports rural communities by promoting healthy forests, watersheds, and natural resource management. Located in Taylorsville, CA, within Indian Valley, the organization focuses on initiatives that benefit the environment, economy, and equity. Surrounded by public lands like Plumas and Lassen National Forests, the area offers a uniquely rural lifestyle.

About Taylorsville:

Taylorsville, CA, is a small historic town in the scenic Indian Valley, known for its cultural richness and outdoor recreation opportunities. With a population of 154, it features landmarks like the Taylorsville Tavern and Young’s Market, as well as unique community events like the Silver Buckle Rodeo and Holiday Light Parade. Surrounded by Lake Almanor, national forests, and Lassen Volcanic National Park, Taylorsville offers year-round adventure despite the impacts of the 2021 Dixie Fire. It is a blended community of ranchers, loggers, and outdoor enthusiasts drawn to its charm and natural beauty.

Apply here.