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 four (4) Collaborative Forestry Field Technicians to serve as crew members performing forestry work related to timber management and restoration treatment implementation. Crew members will work in cooperation with SI and ARD 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. Crew Members will follow the direction of two crew leaders and administrative staff from the ARD and SI. Work objectives 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. Crew members will advance their knowledge of Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest ecosystems, technical forestry, and collaborative forest management processes as well as standard procedures and practices employed by the USFS. Crew Members will help the Crew Leader assess progress towards objectives, monitor/ mitigate concerns to safety in the field, and create a collaborative work environment that encourages professionalism, learning, and efficiency. 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. Crew Members must be organized, open to learning, possess the ability to motivate and support their fellow Crew Members and Crew Leader, 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 such as 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 towards a degree or certificate in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Ecological Restoration or related field(s), OR equivalent work experience in forestry or conservation (e.g. trail maintenance, wildland firefighting, botany, wildlife, or hydrology). Experience with standard forestry field techniques, timber marking/ cruising, and ecology and natural systems of the Sierra Nevada. Ability to use compasses, topographic maps, and handheld GPS units or tablets 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. An ability to bring adaptability and improvisation, critical thinking skills, and creativity to the field. Ability to be punctual, diligent, and thorough in their work and support a similarly strong work ethic amongst crew members. Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license, with an ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle Miscellaneous: We invite all interested parties to apply including those belonging to Tribal communities, women, POC, and LGBTQ+ persons. Skills or experiences that can fill in for qualifications will be considered. Work duties equivalent to GS-4/5/6 positions in: Timber Management, Timber Marking, Silviculture Pay is $18.50/ hr. Training opportunities include: R5 Timber Cruising certification, Wilderness First Aid, Basic 32 Wildland Firefighter training*, and S212 - Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification* Salary: $18.50/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 Member” in the subject line.
