https://www.tuolumne.org/forest-operations-specialist-i-or-ii

Summary 

This is a posting for three Forest Operations Specialist positions for the Tuolumne River Trust, functioning out of TRT’s Sonora office. The Specialist will help TRT implement forest health and restoration projects within the Stanislaus National Forest. This position is seasonal through the remaining 2025 season which will end around October 2025. In addition, this position will not be benefitted. This position is grant-funded and will include an average of 40 hours of work a week, with an anticipated 80% field work and 20% office work on average. The Forest Operations Specialist will be subject to a hybrid work schedule requiring one day in the office each week. Training for this position will be provided.  In addition, the position will be subject to a 4/10 schedule during the peak season (roughly March – October) and a 5/8 schedule during the off-season.   

Information 

Working under the guidance and supervision of TRT’s Project Managers, the Forest Operations Specialist will conduct activities such as site inspections, assisting in project implementation, documentation, GIS data entry, unit layout and flagging, and forest inventory tasks.  The chosen candidate will work on a variety of projects related to the Trust’s programs in wildfire recovery and forest health. Working in close partnership with the Stanislaus National Forest, members will participate in restoration efforts and project management in the SERAL Landscape and areas impacted by the 2013 Rim Fire as well as other forest health project sites in the National Forest. This will include taking a lead role on a variety of tasks related to fuel breaks, forest project monitoring, reforestation, meadow restoration, wildlife surveys, GIS technical assistance, invasive weed removal, native seed collection, trail rehabilitation, and laying out units for forest health treatments.  

The ideal Forest Operations II candidate is an experienced field technician with a background in forest health and fire resiliency and a solid history of relevant project implementation and management. In addition, they should have experience leading field crews in a supervisory capacity. They must have working knowledge of forest ecology and related resource concerns, ideally with experience relevant to Sierra Nevada forests and plant communities. A demonstrated ability to be self-directed is essential. 

The ideal Forest Operations I candidate has experience with field work with a background in forest health and fire resiliency. They must have working knowledge of forest ecology and related resource concerns, ideally with experience relevant to Sierra Nevada forests and plant communities. A demonstrated ability to be self-directed is ideal. 

Equity at TRT 

TRT holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. As we add new members across all levels of the organization, we seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, innovation, and equity. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Field work related to forest health treatments, including 
• Site inspections 
• Quality control and quality assurance 
• Project design and layout 
• Field inventory 
• Flagging 
• Using field GIS tools, including Esri Field Maps and ArcGIS Online 
• Assisting the TRT Headwaters staff with the implementation of reforestation work, monitoring, and inspections on public land 
• The Forest Operations Specialist II will be asked to: 
• Direct and lead crews in the field. 
• Act as a subject matter expert on assigned projects 
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes: 

• Forest Operations Specialist II 

• • 1-3 field seasons of relevant experience in natural resource-related and/or trail maintenance/restoration work 

• • College background in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, natural resources management, or a closely- related field 

• Forest Operations Specialist I 

• • 1 field season of relevant experience in natural resource-related, trail maintenance, restoration, forestry, or similarly rigorous outdoor work 

• Both positions: 

• • Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public  

• • Knowledge of forestry, vegetation management, wildfire behavior, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or forest ecology 

• • A person is team player and able to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences 

• • Has a commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 

• • Has computer skills, including Word and Excel  

• • Is physically able to work in the field (hiking off-trail through heavy brush, lifting at least 25 pounds, carrying supplies and equipment, using hand tools for digging, etc.) during all seasons  

• • Must have a valid US driver’s license to be eligible for employment and be able to secure a CA driver’s license within the first week of employment at TRT. 

Travel 

The Forest Operations Specialist can expect field work to occur on various terrain, including steep, uneven ground, vegetated with thick brush, poison oak, and other challenging field conditions. In addition, project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. TRT has multiple offroad capable work vehicles available to staff; however, the Program Director may be required to provide their own transportation due to resource constraints. They will be compensated for travel according to the current IRS rate. The employees' private vehicle may sometimes be necessary over roads in various conditions, from paved to rough national forest roads. Proof of a valid CA driver's license and auto insurance will be requested at the time of employment.   

Additional Details 

This position is expected to spend between 80-95% of their time in the field, depending on seasonal variability. This position will be based out of our Sonora office and report to a Project Manager II. This hourly, grant-funded position will pay $24 – 28 per hour and does not include benefits. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications for Forest Operations Specialist I will be at or near the lower end of the range. A candidate will land higher on the range according to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications.  

The Forest Operations Specialist will be subject to a hybrid work schedule requiring one day in the office each week. In addition, the position will be subject to a 4/10 schedule during the peak season (roughly March – October) and a 5/8 schedule during the off-season. 

TRT is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the initiative. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our workforce across a range of dimensions.  

To Apply 

Please send an email with cover letter and resume as pdf attachments with subject heading “Forest Operations Specialist I/II” to jobs@tuolumne.org. To be considered for the first round of applications, submit your materials by June 11th. We will continue to receive applications after this date. If a suitable candidate is not found in the first round of applications, we will pull from this pool of applicants. Anticipated start date is mid-July. 

Tuolumne River Trust Background  

The Tuolumne River Trust promotes the stewardship of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries to ensure a healthy watershed for present and future generations, from Yosemite National Park to the San Joaquin River and the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Founded in 1981, the Trust is the only organization working throughout the watershed, linking Sierra and Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain and valley regions and Bay Area urban communities.   

Not only does the Tuolumne River provide ample recreational opportunities such as whitewater rafting, but it also supplies the drinking water for 2.6 million people in the San Francisco Bay Area, hydroelectric power for much of Northern California, and irrigation for 200,000 acres of Central Valley farmland. This watershed was severely impacted by the 257,000-acre Rim Fire in 2013, and a subsequent widespread tree mortality epidemic. The Tuolumne River Trust is managing more than $12 million in funding from agencies such as the California Wildlife Conservation Board, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, and CalFIRE to help restore watersheds and increase resiliency within the Sierra Nevada. We work closely with Tuolumne County, the Stanislaus National Forest, volunteer groups, schools, and various community stakeholders to help ensure an engaged and collaborative approach to landscape restoration is undertaken.