POSITION – Conservation Crew Lead

PRIMARY ROLES – Lead a crew of two (2) to four (4) conservation technicians in day-to-day project work including fuels and forest health, ecosystem  restoration, environmental compliance, and watershed health projects.

TYPE – Seasonal Full Time

LOCATION – Quincy, CA

INTRODUCTION

This opportunity is for a Seasonal Conservation Crew Lead position with the Feather River Resource Conservation District (FRRCD), to work primarily on post-fire restoration projects and hazardous fuels reduction projects on lands within and surrounding the Plumas National Forest (PNF), Mt. Hough Ranger District. Major projects include seedling success monitoring and post-fire reforestation for the Emergency Forest Restoration Team (EFRT), a program that aids Plumas County private landowners in reforesting their property post Dixie fire. This position is based out of Quincy, CA.

This position requires leading the conservation crew in training and day-to-day project work. Potential projects include, but are not limited to, reforestation contract inspection, hazardous fuels reduction, wildlife surveys of the American Goshawk and special status amphibian species, timber stand improvement (TSI), habitat and landscape restoration, prescribed fire prep work, and various other projects that meet the FRRCD mission. The position is full-time at ~40 hrs a week and typically will fall under a 4/10s schedule. The Conservation Crew Lead will report to, and co-lead with, the Field Operations Manager (FOM) and will work with other staff as needed to ensure the successful implementation of projects. It is expected a crew of 2 to 3 field technicians will be hired to work under the direction of the Conservation Crew Lead. This position is likely to start in April/May 2026 and go through October 2026.

Compensation is $26-28/hr DOE.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leading and organizing the conservation technicians in day-to-day activities, including getting them laid out for work in the morning and end of day tasks.
• Conduct wildlife surveys for the American Goshawk and special status amphibians as a part of NEPA and CEQA compliance prior to fuels reduction projects.
• Conduct post-fire reforestation surveys with the goal of assessing planting success and forest stand health.
• Utilize chainsaws for the purpose of hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire site prep, and aspen stand restoration. Work includes hand thinning conifers up to 24” DBH with chainsaws and building slash piles.
• Work on wetland, riparian, and meadow restoration projects performing duties related to riparian enhancement and invasive weed control. Major duties include planting native species, plant protection, irrigation operation and maintenance, assisting with botanical surveys, hand pulling invasive weeds, biological surveys, and monitoring.
• Perform forestry-related monitoring while serving as an inspector on specific contracts as assigned. Inspect silviculture contract work (e.g., planting, thinning, herbicide release, site preparation) for compliance with contract. Directs contractor in the steps necessary for contract compliance and reports violations to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Ensure all provisions are enforced and proper measures are taken to protect or enhance values in accordance with contract objectives. This entails inspecting seedlings planted by a contract crew for proper planting specifications and proper application of herbicide around seedlings. **FRRCD crew will not be planting seedlings or applying herbicide themselves.
• Conduct layout for site preparation and fuels reduction projects using flagging, paint, and GPS tablets.
• Work alongside college students to develop their field skills and professionalism.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The successful applicant for the position must possess the following minimum qualifications:

• 2 years of experience working on project work “on the ground” in conservation, forestry, or related field.
• A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. (4-wheel drive experience preferred.)
• Ability and willingness to work in inclement weather, and occasionally work holidays and weekends.
• Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough terrain and hike for an extended length of time in extreme heat.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural resource management, forestry, ecology and general concepts involved in the district assignment.
• Ability to take direction from the FOM as well as independently assess and prioritize project work and direct crew members effectively through daily task assignments.
• Ability to be well organized and handle occasionally challenging field logistics.
• Ability to follow detailed field protocols and thoroughly collect data.
• Ability to effectively communicate with crew members, partnering organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience or interest in a leadership and/or supervisory role.
• Ability to adhere to workplace safety protocols.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource sciences, biology, or related field preferred. Related work experience may substitute for education qualification.
• Knowledge of, and work experience with, natural resource management, particularly forestry, silviculture, and resource conservation.
• Experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada or areas of similar elevation and climate.
• Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment such as smart phones, digital cameras, GPS units, radios, tablets, etc.
• Sufficient experience with computer applications to input and manage data, including MS Office, G Suite, and Adobe programs.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of chainsaws, specifically for the purpose of tree felling.
• Experience in wildland or prescribed fire and an active Red Card, or the desire to obtain one.
• Current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish.

This position requires long hours on uneven terrain, confidence in project design, and knowledge of natural resource management practices. The ability to self-direct and multi-task is a must.

If participating in prescribed burn activities: technician must provide their own fire boots meeting these criteria: 8-inch high Vibram sole leather boots. This gear is not a requirement for the position, but it is a requirement for this potential job duty.

COMPENSATION

Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience, ranging from $26-28 an hour depending on experience. Benefits include paid sick time, a cell phone stipend, and vacation time accrual after six months of employment, as well as a flexible work schedule in a fast-paced, positive work environment.