Forestry Crew (CA National Forests)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Reno, NV

6d • $21 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service is recruiting Forestry Crew positions to support the study and review of proposed actions in National Forests in the Western U.S. This general posting is designed to establish a talent pool for upcoming roles typically active from early spring to fall each year (typically April - November). These projects all serve the Basin & Range Forestry program’s greater mission of helping the USFS in their critical goal of improving forest resilience in the face of worsening climate conditions and increased wildfire threats. Forestry Crews will serve vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, supporting initiatives for healthy, productive, and resilient forest landscapes and resources. Project work may include post fire recovery efforts with assignments varying by forest location and project needs.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience leading forestry field crews, including responsibility for crew safety, communication, and quality control
• Strong understanding of forestry field methods, including timber cruising, marking, stand exams, and silviculture data collection
• Ability to implement, oversee, and ensure adherence to established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
• Proficiency in GPS navigation, topographic map reading, and compass use
• Ability to coordinate field logistics and adapt work plans in response to site conditions and project needs
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and agency partners
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings, including overnight camping when required
• Physical ability to perform sustained fieldwork, including carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment in varied terrain and weather conditions
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field with relevant coursework and field experience OR three seasons of progressively responsible forestry fieldwork experience.
• Experience or coursework supporting forestry fieldwork and data collection
• Familiarity with standard forestry field methods and willingness to learn additional techniques
• Ability to accurately follow established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols
• Proficiency or developing skills in GPS navigation, map reading, and compass use
• Ability to work effectively as part of a field crew and take direction from crew leads
• Clear communication skills for working with crew members, contractors, and agency staff
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings, including overnight camping when required
• Physical ability to perform outdoor fieldwork, including carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment in varied terrain and seasonal conditions
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field with relevant coursework and field experience OR one season of professional forestry fieldwork experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee forestry field crews in support of USFS forest management projects, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality field operations
• Execute and oversee forestry activities, including: Timber sale unit boundary delineation and layout (GPSing, flagging, painting);
• Tree species identification
• Green and salvage timber marking and cruising
• Timber and biomass plot cruising
• Collection of stand examination and silviculture data
• Identify and document resource considerations related to hydrology, heritage resources, wildlife, and recreation
• Maintain organized field data and support quality assurance and reporting needs
• Administrative duties such as meeting with GBI staff, leading report writing, receipt management, managing crew members and team dynamics.
• Support forestry field projects by conducting assigned field tasks under the direction of a crew lead
• Forestry activities, including: Timber sale unit boundary delineation and layout using GPS, flagging, and painting
• Tree species identification
• Green and salvage timber marking and cruising
• Timber and biomass plot cruising
• Collection of stand examination and silviculture data
• General silviculture and stand data collection
• Navigate to plots and work sites using GPS units and topographic maps
• Accurately record, maintain, and organize field data
• Maintain field supplies and equipment
• Follow established protocols, safety procedures, and project guidance

Benefits

• Housing provided for most positions.
• company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance, as well as $25,000 Life/AD&D policy
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members.
• Mental health support resources are employer provided, competitive PTO accrual, and paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees