Natural Resources Technician

Pala Band of Mission Indians•Pala, CA

11h•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports Tribal environmental goals and objectives on the Pala Indian Reservation under the direction of the Pala Environmental Department. This position is responsible for working on a variety of projects including, but not limited to, fuels management, natural resources, wildlife, water, air, and solid waste. You will be responsible for clearing hazardous vegetative fuels on the Pala Reservation. This is an essential crew-level position with the fuels crew, which works alongside two other crew members and a crew leader. All work will be conducted on the Pala Indian Reservation with the goal of supporting the Pala Band’s goals of wildfire resiliency, fire prevention, habitat restoration, and forest health.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED
Experience with environmental and natural resources programs such as forestry, fuels, water, air, and waste.
Valid Class C California Driver License
Experience working in Native American tribal communities preferred
Must be able to perform moderate to heavy physical work with prolonged standing and walking for extended periods, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, stretching, bending, and pushing, stooping, climbing, crouching, crawling, moving, lifting, and carrying loads weighing 100 pounds
Must be able to pass a background check
Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free workplace (including marijuana) as a condition of employment with the Pala Band of Mission Indians.
Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing during employment
Indian preference will apply.
The Pala Band of Mission Indians will give hiring preference to fully qualified applicants that are Pala Tribal Members.
Ability to work out problems with crew members in a mature fashion
Ability to communicate effectively (orally and in writing).
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain effective working relationship with people in a varied economic, educational and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to work in team/crew with chain of command environment
Ability to implement directives
Knowledge of driving a 4x4 work truck in varied and extreme terrain
Proficient in chainsaw operations (sawyer)
Mechanical aptitude and experience with engines (vehicle, chippers, chainsaws, etc.)
Physical and emotional condition adequate to meet the demands of the assigned work station and duties

Nice To Haves

Completion of NWCG courses (ICS-100, L-180, S-130, S-190, IS-700).
Red Card preferred
Willing to perform annual physical and pack test if needed

Responsibilities

Running a chainsaw on a four-person crew
“Pulling” or “Swamping” brush
Applying herbicide
Safely operating a chipper
Performs pile burning or controlled burns
Planting trees, shrubs and seedlings
Assist with technical tasks such as fuels work, invasive species removal, replanting, and some forestry type operations.
Keep all equipment and vehicles clean and maintained
Perform vegetative clearances around homes, road systems, fuel breaks, tribal buildings and structures, off-site properties, power poles and hydrants, and sensitive cultural areas and landscapes
Use iPad with mapping/GIS software
Work with PED staff to provide support and backup for natural resources, wildlife, water, air, solid waste, and other programs
Inspect, maintain, and repair tools and equipment while following all mandated safety protocols
Interface between various tribal departments when needed (law, fire, tribal services, etc.)
Attend trainings (local, overnight and out-of-state)
Performs other related duties as assigned.