About Berkeley & Rausser College

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. As the bearer of UC’s historical land-grant mission, the Rausser College of Natural Resources generates and disseminates knowledge to protect Earth’s natural resources and ensure economic and ecological sustainability for future generations.

Berkeley Forests facilitates research, extension, and education across seven field stations in California (Contra Costa, El Dorado, Tulare, Plumas, Trinity, Shasta, and Nevada Counties). This role provides essential leadership, operational management, and research support primarily based at Blodgett Forest in El Dorado County.

Position Summary

This position involves daily on-site administration, research support, facilities management, and cultivation functions involved in establishing and maintaining the research forest.

The supervisor develops and carries out long-term forest management objectives reflecting diverse resource values—including fire restoration, water quality/quantity, wildlife habitat, timber production, diversity, forest health, and carbon sequestration—while ensuring full compliance with state, federal, and campus policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervision & Team Leadership (20%)
• Provide daily supervision, operational direction, and performance evaluations for seasonal workers, volunteers, student staff, and support personnel.
• Assist management with hiring, team development, and general operational planning.
• Silviculture and Field Operations (25%)
• Coordinate and oversee forestry activities, silvicultural treatments, and timber harvest procedures to support campus research goals.
• Solicit, evaluate, and select bids for contract work; administer approved vendor contracts.
• Regulatory Compliance, Plans & Grants (15%)
• Prepare regulatory reports, Timber Harvest Plans (THPs), CEQA documentation, and grant proposals.
• Ensure operational alignment with California Forest Practice Rules and university protocols.
• Fire & Fuels Management (10%)
• Participate in and support the prescribed burn program as experience allows.
• Train subordinates to take on primary responsibility over prescribed fire operations.
• Domain Expertise & Research Support (10%)
• Provide technical expertise in at least one key area: Wildlife Management, Fuels/Fire Management, GIS/Database Management, or Public Outreach/Education.
• Facilities,  Safety Management, and Administration (20%)
• Supervise maintenance, modifications, and infrastructure improvements across field stations.
• Implement field safety protocols, adhere to regulatory standards, and train staff on safety procedures.
• Keep precise records of labor, equipment, materials, and production.
• Assist with annual budget preparation and operational planning.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Forestry, Natural Resource Management) or equivalent experience/training.
• Licensure: Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license, or the capacity to earn the license within two years.
• Driver's License: Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record (enrollment in the CA Employer Pull Notice Program required).
• Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of safety, legal, cultural, and regulatory forestry requirements (including CA Forest Practice Rules, CEQA, and grant writing).
• Skills: Demonstrated field station/facility management experience, solid analytical problem-solving skills, and computer competency.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a related discipline.
• California Certified Burn Boss (or capacity to earn within two years).