Reforestation Field Technician (AF, Southern Sierra)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with American Forests at the Southern Sierra site, is recruiting two Reforestation Technicians who will directly increase the pace and scale of post-fire reforestation and restoration efforts across the Southern Sierra landscape. The Reforestation Technicians report to American Forests’ Southern Sierra Reforestation Manager. This position will work closely with the Southern Sierra team.

The southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains has experienced numerous large fires that have increased the likelihood of a full ecosystem conversion across the landscape. American Forests is working with federal, state, tribal, private and non-profit partners in the region to address these impacts through cross-boundary, climate-informed reforestation projects.

Primary Responsibilities include:

Reforestation Project Support (35%)  

• Independently conduct and document inspections for reforestation treatments (including tree planting, chemical or manual release, and/or site prep) to determine quality of work and treatment progress;
• Assist with reforestation contract management such as: receiving seedlings from the nursery, tracking seedlings planted, implementing planting plans, documenting, and other reforestation-related field work as appropriate;
• Use topographic maps on Avenza or Field Maps on a tablet to navigate as well as track spatial information; and
• Delineate and map treatment boundaries for future forest health treatments based on site conditions and objectives for future desired conditions.  

Cone Surveying, Monitoring and Collection (30%)

• Plan surveying routes and strategize initial cone scouting plans across the region using maps and species prioritization guidelines;
• Use Survey123 and maps to report and track cone crops during initial surveys;
•  Assess cone and seed viability using an Air Powered Tree Access launcher to retrieve cones and perform cone face cuts;
• Document and communicate cone surveying and monitoring results regularly to identify and inform the collection of cones; and
• Facilitate the collection of cones through working with professional tree climbers, evaluating collected cone crops, and tracking data on bushels collected.

Surveying and Monitoring (15%)

• Navigate through steep, rugged terrain to collect data using a tablet;
• Follow protocols to collect data on seedling survival, site conditions and stocking before and following planting; and
• Document and communicate survey findings and results. 

Project Administration (20%)

•  Participate in meetings with the Southern Sierra team;
• Coordinate and communicate professionally with American Forests’ team members to ensure successful project implementation;
•  Support or conduct outreach and presentations;
• Attend trainings and stay up to date with relevant research; and
• Manage a field and office-based schedule.

Required overnight travel is estimated to be up to 50% of annual responsibilities.

Timeline:

• Early March- end of October 2026, approximately 35 project weeks; and
• Full time (40 hours/week).

Location:

The Southern Sierra team is required to be within commuting distance of Exeter, CA for the length of their term. A work vehicle will be available to the team to share for work-related travel. This position requires travel to a variety of field sites across the region, and at times will require overnight lodging or camping for one or more nights. Lodging will be provided when camping is not feasible, or a camping perdiem will be provided by American Forests as necessary. Required overnight travel is estimated to be 50% of annual responsibilities.

 Work will be performed in a field setting, which includes: 1) Varied terrains, dense vegetation (with possible exposure to poison oak, ticks, and mosquitos), and hot, cold, and wet conditions; 2) Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little to no shade; and 3) Most sites will be accessible within a short distance from a road.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $25 to $27/hr with 100 Hours of OT available;

Benefits:

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

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Per diem:  Camping per diem will be provided by American Forests as necessary.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, other natural related field; or relevant experience;
•  Ability to work independently, self-manage and communicate effectively;
•  Strong desire to work in a forest health related career;
•  Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, and Word;
•  Must possess a valid driver’s license, and a reasonably clean driving record to operate a work vehicle;
•  Ability to operate a 4x4 vehicle on unpaved and paved roads;
•  Ability and willingness to travel overnight, including multiple days of self-supported vehicle-based camping when lodging is not feasible; and
•  Ability to work 10-hour days in the field or other irregular schedules pending project needs, including overnight travel.

Preferred: 

•  Experience in the field of natural resource management, conservation, and/or forest health monitoring and assessment;
•   Fluency in Spanish;
•   Familiarity with Southern Sierra Nevada ecology, tree and plant ID, and natural resource issues;
•   Experience with leave no trace vehicle-based camping; and
•   First aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification. 

Physical Demands:

• Lift 40 lbs. and carry the load in a pack or vest;
• Drive lengthy distances (up to 10 hours in a day);
• Work in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to high heat, rain, snow, smoke, dust, and cold temperatures (within reason);
• Walk, hike, or stand for extended periods of time with others and alone in steep, rugged, brushy, and/or remote terrain; and
• Prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

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.

Notes: 

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: 

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.