Southern California Forest Ecology Crew Leader
About The Position
The pay rate for this position is $25.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. The Soil Ecology and Restoration Group (SERG) is a non-profit organization under the umbrella of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, committed to the preservation and restoration of southern California’s sensitive plant communities--fostering our unique natural environment and maintaining critical ecosystem services. The crew lead will supervise two field technicians and will be responsible for the safety and performance of the team. In addition to working outdoors in remote and physically challenging settings, the work will include collecting data on plant species composition, community structure, and wildfire risk in montane forests of Southern California to monitor and inform vegetation management activities by the US Forest Service (USFS). This is a full-time, hourly position with full benefits. Relocation benefits will not be offered. The work schedule will include five consecutive ten-hour days followed by two days off. The Crew Lead position will start on June 15, 2026, and end on August 15, 2026. Most of the season will involve car camping, either in designated campsites or in unofficial dispersed campsites adjacent to roads. A field vehicle will be provided to drive to field sites, but crew members are responsible for their own transportation to and from the USFS duty station (Alpine, CA) at the beginning and end of the work period.
Requirements
- MINIMUM EDUCATION Completion of sufficient lower division coursework
- MINIMUM EXPERIENCE OR - Equivalent of two years of related experience in lieu of coursework.
- Knowledge of research-grade conifer forest vegetation data collection methods
- Familiarity with Southern California montane plant species and the use of a dichotomous key
- Experience using maps, compasses, and GPS units for navigation off-trail
- Previous experience working safely in remote settings
- Ability to maintain a positive attitude in physically demanding conditions
- Familiarity of Excel for data entry
- Ability to understand, follow, and enforce work rules and procedures
- Demonstrate leadership skills and contribute to positive dynamics in small crews
- Ability to motivate others in a kind but effective way
- Capacity for strenuous labor under a variety of weather and work conditions
- Ability to hike five or more miles per day with a heavy pack through difficult and steep terrain, frequently off-trail
- Must have California address at the time of hire
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in biology, forestry, ecology, botany, environmental science or a related field
- Experience leading field crews in remote field sites
- Wilderness First Aid/Responder certification
- Familiarity with GIS and R
- Understanding of experimental design and statistics
Responsibilities
- Organize logistics and scheduling of the field crew, with assistance from SERG and USFS personnel
- Ensure the physical safety of crew members in the field
- Mediate interpersonal conflicts if necessary
- Identify plant taxa to species
- Carry out measurements of forest stand structure, including characterizing vegetation, forest structure, f uel loads, and landscape condition
- Accurately record data in the field, with daily error checking
- Navigate off-trail using maps and a compass to various plot locations in National Forests
- Report progress and team status to supervisors on a regular basis
- Office work, including data entry quality control
- Care and organization of field gear
- Other Duties as assigned
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
