Seasonal Forestry Technician

Cramer Fish Sciences•Portland, OR

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Cramer Fish Sciences (CFS) is seeking a full-time Seasonal Forestry Technician to join their Portland-based team. This role will support forestry consulting and natural resource management projects, acting as the primary field lead for CFS's forestry program. The technician will work with a senior forester on tasks such as timber cruising, forest inventory, riparian assessments, and forest management plan fieldwork for various clients. While CFS is primarily a fisheries and aquatic ecology firm, this position bridges forest management and aquatic habitat science, involving collaboration with CFS's fisheries and restoration teams on projects like stream classification and log sourcing. The role is field-based, requiring extensive work in remote and outdoor environments across Washington and Oregon, with potential travel to Idaho and Northern California. This is a seasonal position expected to run from June to mid-November, with variable work schedules.

Requirements

Associate's degree or technical certificate in forestry, forest technology, natural resource management, or a closely related field AND a minimum of 2 years of relevant field experience in timber cruising or forest inventory; OR a Bachelor's degree in forestry or a related natural resource field AND a minimum of 1 year of relevant field experience
Demonstrated experience with timber cruising methods, including plot-based inventory and variable-radius sampling
Familiarity with Pacific Northwest tree species identification, log scaling, and forest mensuration
Ability to work independently and lead small field crews in remote settings with minimal supervision
Willingness to travel regularly for multi-day field assignments (typically 2–5 days), primarily in Washington and Oregon with occasional work in Idaho and Northern California
Valid driver's license and ability to operate company vehicles in varied terrain and weather conditions
Ability to work long hours in diverse outdoor conditions, including forests, steep terrain, and riparian areas, often in remote locations and in inclement weather
Ability to navigate off-trail through dense vegetation, steep slopes, and uneven terrain while carrying field equipment
Ability to climb, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl over uneven surfaces, rocky terrain, logs, and other natural obstacles
Ability to effectively and safely drive in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rainy, foggy, or smoky conditions
Ability to perform physical tasks including lifting up to 50 lbs., operating hand tools, and performing sustained fieldwork in challenging terrain
Ability to be flexible with work hours, including early starts, weekends, and occasional evening work, and to travel to remote field sites for multi-day assignments
Ability to perform computerized data management in an office environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with riparian forestry, riparian stand assessments, or buffer delineation under state forest practices rules (Oregon FPA or Washington Forest Practices)
Experience with USFS Common Stand Exam (CSE) or Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plot protocols or similar large-scale inventory programs
Familiarity with Washington Forest Practices rules and Oregon Private Forest Accord rules, stream classification protocols, or fish presence survey methods
Experience working with tribal forestry programs or on tribal trust lands
Certification or coursework toward Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester or Certified Forestry Technician designation
Experience with GIS or GPS data collection (Trimble, Garmin, or similar field units)
Chainsaw operation
Wilderness first aid or similar field safety certification

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct timber cruising and forest inventory using fixed-radius plot, variable-radius (prism), and point sampling methods
Support timber sale layout, boundary marking, and harvest unit delineation under the direction of a senior forester
Conduct riparian area assessments, including buffer delineation and riparian stand characterization, in compliance with Oregon and Washington forest practices rules
Perform stream classification and flow permanence surveys in support of Oregon Private Forest Accord compliance, including PFA-compliant fish presence and water typing assessments
Conduct regeneration surveys, reforestation monitoring, and stand exams
Provide reforestation and herbicide application crew oversight
Collect, organize, and ensure the quality of forest inventory and assessment data, including GPS/GIS field data collection
Support the development of forest management plans by collecting field data, documenting stand conditions, and assisting with silvicultural prescription fieldwork
Assist with log scaling, merchandizing, and timber sale administration as needed
Support CFS fisheries and habitat restoration projects as needed, including assistance with stream habitat surveys, electrofishing, and large wood placement projects
Maintain field equipment, vehicles, and supplies in safe working condition
Interact professionally and respectfully with private landowners, tribal contacts, agency staff, and other stakeholders in both office and field settings
Assist with additional tasks as needed to support the team and project success