Forestry Technician- Six Rivers National Forest (Orleans, Ukonom, and Lower Trinity Ranger Districts)

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Klamath, CA

23d • $21 - $21 • Onsite

About The Position

The Great Basin Institute, in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service is seeking Forestry Technicians to assist with timber sale preparation, vegetation management, and forest restoration projects within Region 5 of the Six Rivers National Forest (Orleans, Ukonom, and Lower Trinity Ranger Districts) located in California's Klamath Mountains. These initiatives support the Basin & Range Forestry program’s mission of enhancing forest resilience in the face of changing climate conditions and increasing wildfire risks, contributing to healthier and more sustainable forest ecosystems. The Forestry Technician will support vegetation management and fuels reduction efforts, including wildland–urban interface (WUI) fuels reduction, protection of sensitive habitats for endangered species, and watershed conservation. This position provides valuable professional experience with U.S. Forest Service protocols, compliance standards, and applied field forestry practices. Essential Job Functions may include the following: The Forestry Technician will perform a wide variety of activities supporting all stages of project work. Forestry duties may include, but are not limited to: Assist with daily field tasks and project logistics under supervision. Support crew safety by following established safety protocols. Maintain communication with USFS and GBI staff. Participate in timber sale unit layout using GPS navigation, flagging, and paint. Identify tree species. Assist with timber and salvage marking, cruising, and inventory. Identify and mark hazard trees following established protocols. Observe and report resource concerns related to hydrology, heritage resources, wildlife habitat, and recreation. All procedures will be performed in compliance with silvicultural prescriptions based on forest conditions, treatment types, and land management objectives. Data will be collected using standard forestry instruments, direct measurements, general observations, and on-site inspections. Project-specific training will be provided in tree species identification, GPS data collection, tree marking, hydrology, entomology/pathology, heritage resource identification, fire/fuels assessments, and other related topics. Prior experience with basic GIS skills, GPS data collection, tree species identification, timber marking and cruising, hydrologic assessments, forest entomology/pathology observations, heritage site identification, and fire/fuels assessments is preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry (preferred), natural resource management, or related field with at least one year of forestry-related field experience; OR three years of professional forestry or natural resource fieldwork experience.
• Experience in field forestry tasks such as timber cruising, marking, and inventory.
• Proficiency in navigation using GPS, topographic maps, and compass.
• Possession of a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license and the ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads.
• Ability to work effectively in a team setting with USFS staff, GBI staff, interns, volunteers, and other partners.
• Ability to work safely and productively in remote field settings under adverse conditions, including occasional overnight camping.
• Ability to understand and follow established data collection, inventory, assessment, and monitoring protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work cooperatively and independently.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Physical ability to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal or field equipment, and operate in steep, rugged forest terrain and extreme temperatures.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with resource management issues in western states and the ecology of the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion.
• Familiarity with mixed conifer forests of northern California, including plant communities, wildlife, and regional geology/topography.
• ability to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner accessible to other resource professionals.
• Advanced skill using software such as Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS/ArcMap, and Google Earth.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily field tasks and project logistics under supervision.
• Support crew safety by following established safety protocols.
• Maintain communication with USFS and GBI staff.
• Participate in timber sale unit layout using GPS navigation, flagging, and paint.
• Identify tree species.
• Assist with timber and salvage marking, cruising, and inventory.
• Identify and mark hazard trees following established protocols.
• Observe and report resource concerns related to hydrology, heritage resources, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
• All procedures will be performed in compliance with silvicultural prescriptions based on forest conditions, treatment types, and land management objectives.
• Data will be collected using standard forestry instruments, direct measurements, general observations, and on-site inspections.

Benefits

• Wage: $21/hour with overtime paid at 1.5× the hourly rate
• Schedule: Full-time, averaging approximately 40 hours per week
• For assignments longer than one year, this full-time onsite position includes company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with optional upgraded coverage), and vision insurance, as well as a $25,000 Life/AD&D policy.
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, along with optional Life/AD&D coverage for family members.
• Employer-provided mental health support resources
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Paid holidays
• TSA employees who serve a term under 52 weeks in duration with a break of 30 days or less between terms, and then sign a second term that cumulatively exceeds 52 weeks of employment, will become eligible for the greater-than-one-year TSA benefits equivalent to regular full-time employees

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level