Northern California Reforestation Technician

The Great Basin Institute is hiring a Northern California Reforestation Technician for a 6-month position in Placerville, CA, to support climate-smart reforestation efforts in the Eldorado National Forest. The role includes monitoring post-fire restoration, conducting regeneration surveys, and coordinating community volunteer programs. This entry-level position offers mentorship and career development opportunities in forestry and natural resources, with potential for extension based on funding.
The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with American Forests at The El Dorado National Forest, is recruiting 1 Northern California Reforestation Technician to participate in work on a cutting-edge climate-smart reforestation project in the Eldorado National Forest. This position will support the work of American Forests’ Northern California Reforestation Manager and Senior Manager on their post-fire restoration efforts across the over the 2014 King Fire, the 2021 Caldor Fire and the 2004 Power Fire. They will collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 on Eldorado National Forest. This position will directly impact reforestation efforts in California, where mega-fires, ongoing drought, and disease have devastated critical forest ecosystems.

The restoration efforts will include working on the scars of the King, Caldor, and Power fires to:
• Inspect and monitor post-fire restoration treatments
• Conduct natural regeneration surveys to assess future reforestation need
• Conduct community-science volunteer coordination and training
• Support ongoing reforestation projects on the King Fire, Caldor Fire and Mosquito Fire scars

The Technician will join a team of individuals dedicated to climate-smart 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. This position is advertised as 6- months, but American Forests has a strong desire to retain this role from an additional 5-months, once funds become available in early 2025.

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.

Primary Responsibilities:

Implementation, monitoring, and planning support (75%)
• Site preparation activities, which will include overseeing pesticide application or manual shrub control projects (March- June)
• Planting prep including unit layout and ground truthing
• Reforestation monitoring (may include flying drone) (June-November)
• Cone monitoring and seed collection (June-October)
• GIS planning and data organization and analysis

Volunteer Coordination (15%)
• Supporting a community science volunteer program with an active volunteer base. (June – November)
• Coordinate 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
• Opportunity to attend forestry trainings in the region as identified

Timeline:
• March – September, 38 wks;
• Full time (40 hours/week);
• Schedule: Monday – Thursday, 10 hours daily;

Location:

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 scar, near Placerville, CA. Long hours and some Saturday shifts may be required. 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 Reforestation Manager and Senior Manager. 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:
• Varying terrain and dense vegetation (possible exposure to wildlife, ticks, poison oak, and mosquitos), hot, wet, and cold conditions
• Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little/no shade coverage

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $25 hourly;

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

Housing:
• Housing Stipend: $400/month
• 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.

Qualifications

Required:
• 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.
• Experience with forest monitoring and assessment including establishing monitoring plots.
• 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

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.

How to Apply:

Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.

EEO Statement:

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit Retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.