Deadline: Fri, 01/06/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: Feather River Resource Conservation District Job Field: Forestry Wildlife Other Job Type: Seasonal, Temporary, Internship Location: California Location Detail: Quincy, CA Job Description: INTRODUCTION This opportunity is for a Seasonal Conservation Technician position working primarily on the Moonlight Fire Area Restoration Project on the Plumas National Forest. Project will complete watershed and forest health restoration activities in areas where the high severity fire occurred on National Forest System lands on the Plumas National Forest (PNF), Mt. Hough Ranger District. Other major projects include the Emergency Forest Restoration Team, which aids Plumas County private landowners in restoring their property post fire, and the North Quincy Wildfire Resiliency Project. This Position is based out of Quincy, CA. Technical duties include, but are not limited to, reforestation contract inspection, hazardous fuels reduction, wildlife surveys, prescribed fire, timber stand improvement (TSI), and habitat and landscape restoration. Two (2) to four (4) seasonal positions from approximately early March to early November 2023. Start and end dates may change due to snowpack and weather conditions. Compensation is $21/hour. MAJOR DUTIES • Serves as inspector on specific contracts as assigned. Inspects silviculture contract work (e.g., planting, thinning, herbicide release, site preparation) for compliance with contract. Directs contractor in the steps necessary for contract compliance and reports violations to the Project Assistant (PA) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Ensures all provisions are enforced and proper measures are taken to protect or enhance values in accordance with contract objectives. This entails inspecting seedlings planted by a contract crew for proper planting specifications and proper application of herbicide around seedlings. FRRCD crew will not be planting seedlings or applying herbicide themselves. • Utilizing chainsaws for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction and aspen stand restoration. Work includes hand thinning with chainsaws and building and wrapping slash piles. • Conduct surveys for Northern goshawks and California spotted owls as a part of NEPA and CEQA compliance prior to fuels reduction projects. • Conduct timber stand improvement surveys for pre-commercial thinning and fuels reduction projects. • Working on wetland and riparian mitigation projects performing duties related to riparian enhancement and invasive weed control. Major duties include planting, plant protection, irrigation operation and maintenance, assisting with botanical surveys, hand pulling invasive weeds, biological surveys and monitoring. • Establish boundaries and exclusions for project areas using flagging, tablets, and GPS devices. • Conduct botany surveys. • Participation in prescribed fires and pile burning. • Working alongside college students to help improve their field skills and professional development. • Other duties as assigned. This position requires long hours working in mountainous terrain and inclement weather, confidence in project design, and knowledge of natural resource management practices. During inspection of planting release, inspectors will be in proximity to herbicide spot-treatments. Based on work availability and performance, this position has potential for extension. The Feather River Resource Conservation District has and is building other natural resource management programs including prescribed fire, watershed restoration, noxious weed control, and more. If participating in prescribed fire activities: technician must provide their own fire boots meeting these criteria: 8-inch high Vibram sole leather boots. This gear is not a requirement for the position, but it is a requirement for this potential job duty. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications: The successful applicant for the position must possess the following minimum qualifications: • Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural resource management, forestry, ecology and general concepts involved in the district assignment. • A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. (4-wheel drive experience preferred.) • Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in extreme heat. • Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, and work on holidays and weekends. • Ability to follow detailed field protocols and thoroughly collect data. • Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field logistics. • Ability to adhere to workplace safety protocols. Desired Qualifications: Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills: • Working towards or have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource sciences, biology, or related field preferred. Related work experience may substitute for education qualification. • Knowledge of, and work experience with, forest management and/or field surveys. • Experience with natural resource management. • Experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada or similar high elevation areas. • Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment, such as smartphones, GPS units, radios, tablets, etc. • Experience and/or training with chainsaw usage and maintenance. • Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data, including MS Office programs. • Ability to effectively communicate with field crew members and the public. • Ability to communicate in Spanish. • Experience in wildland or prescribed fire and an active Red Card, or the desire to obtain one • Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certification. • Possession of a red card, or prior red card certification. Miscellaneous: N/A Salary: $21/hr Benefits: Benefits include paid sick time, a cell phone stipend, and vacation time accrual after six months of employment, as well as a flexible work schedule in a fast-paced, positive work environment. How to Apply: TO APPLY To apply for this position please email a cover letter and a current resume including 3 references in PDF format to Mitch Poling at mpoling@frrcd.org. Applications must be submitted by the end of the day on January 6, 2023. FEATHER RIVER RCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO ALL REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, SEX, MARITAL STATUS, DISABILITY, RELIGIOUS OR POLITICAL AFFILIATION, AGE OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION. IT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE FEATHER RIVER RCD TO ACHIEVE A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE. ANY APPLICANT WILL BE EXPECTED TO BEHAVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS OBJECTIVE BECAUSE THE USE OF ILLEGAL DRUGS IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE LAW OF THE STATE, CIVIL SERVICE RULES, AND A SPECIAL TRUST PLACED IN PUBLIC SERVANTS.
