Deadline: Fri, 05/20/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Sierra Institute for Community and Environment Job Field: Forestry Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: California Location Detail: Taylorsville Job Description: The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute, SI), in cooperation with the Lassen National Forest (LNF) Almanor Ranger District (ARD) is hiring one Forestry Field Technician to serve as a crew leader for a crew performing forestry work related to timber management and restoration treatment implementation. The Forestry Crew Leader will be responsible for coordinating with USFS timber management staff to implement timber sale and restoration treatment preparation work including unit boundary marking, marking of green and salvage (burned) timber, and collection of fire severity data. The Crew Leader will work within a cooperative leadership model utilizing the shared capacity of two crew leaders (one from the ARD and one from SI) to support training, planning, and implementation of multiple projects on the Forest. Work objectives and outcomes will be derived from treatment and management goals and will follow prescriptions developed for specific project areas. The Collaborative Forestry Crew may also assist as necessary with ARD/ SI priorities including youth engagement/ education, wildlife, and recreation. Daily work may include but is not limited to: timber sale unit boundary marking in fire-affected timber sales, timber marking and cruising, and burn severity assessment/ data collection - essential work for advancing restoration priorities of regional partners and preparing forested ecosystems to be resilient to future changes in climate and fire regime. The Forestry Crew Leader will grow their knowledge of Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest ecosystems, technical forestry, collaborative forest management processes, and crew management and leadership. The Crew Leader will help plan crew work and assess progress towards objectives, manage crew safety, and assist with training crew members and apprentices Crew Leaders and Crew Members will receive project-specific training on tree-species identification, marking methodology, standard cruising methods, and forest pathology/ demography. Depending on the availability of LNF staff, the crew may have the opportunity to test for the USFS Region 5 timber cruising certification. The majority of project work will occur within the boundary of the recent Dixie Fire (2021) and Crew objectives will support several projects in various stages of implementation. The Dixie Fire burned with mixed severity across much of the Almanor Ranger District and the Crew will experience a diverse and beautiful fire affected landscape while working in the field. The Crew Leader must be organized, open to learning, possess the ability to motivate and supervise a crew, and be willing to work hard in a physically demanding role. This position requires hiking while carrying a heavy pack and paint and mitigating known and unforeseen hazards that may include smoke, heat, and strong wind. This crew will utilize a 4-10 work schedule consisting of four 10-hour days followed by three days off. Qualifications: Experience with crew leadership,oversight/ safety management, and data collection methods. Experience working with or for the USFS and/or working with or for non-profit/ community based organizations. Experience with standard forestry field techniques, timber marking/ cruising, and ecology and natural systems of the Sierra Nevada. Familiarity with mixed conifer forests and the ability to identify common tree species in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades. Ability to use compasses, topographic maps, and handheld GPS units or tablets equipped with Avenza software to navigate and collect data in the field. Good physical conditioning to work and walk in the forest all day carrying day-packs with equipment during all types of weather. Adaptability and improvisation, critical thinking skills, and creativity. Punctuality, diligence, and thoroughness. Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license, with an ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle Full COVID-19 vaccination status (vaccine and booster) Miscellaneous: Work duties equivalent to GS-4/5/6 positions in: Timber Management, Timber Marking, Silviculture Pay is $19.50/ hr. Training opportunities include: R5 Timber Cruising certification, Wilderness First Aid, Basic 32 Wildland Firefighter training*, and S212 - Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification Salary: $16.00-$19.50/hr Benefits: Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not available for this position but may be obtained through Covered California (https://proxy.qualtrics.com/proxy/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coveredca.com%2…). Field staff will be provided monthly sick time, paid holidays, and a set number of paid wildfire mitigation leave. Paid wildfire mitigation leave is intended to mitigate work days impacted by wildfire or smoke. How to Apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references as one pdf to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Forestry Technician - Crew Leader” in the subject line.
