The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) is seeking an experienced forestry professional to elevate forest health and increase fire resiliency on private lands in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and Kern Counties. Primary areas of focus include outreaching to private property owners on funding and assistance available for effective management of lands; assessing existing landscape function through forest health inventories; and advancing projects by contributing to forest management plan development and environmental review for corresponding projects. A range of skill sets are being sought for this role, with final work scope and training plan connected to level of knowledge and experience at time of hire.  

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who has experience working in forested landscapes and in outreach connected to property owner participation in natural resources management. Success will depend on this person’s ability to work collaboratively with other forestry professionals in assessing property needs and connecting owners to best sources of funding and field assistance to address resource concerns.  The final hire will focus approximately 40% of time on office-based work and 60% of time on field-based planning, data capture, and ongoing property owner assistance. This position will be based in Redlands, CA but will regularly support neighboring offices and may require occasional overnight travel. This position reports to the IERCD Conservation Programs Manager within the Community Conservation Department.

This posting is for a flexible position where a range of qualifications are being sought, with final position title, duties and responsibilities, and compensation connected to the successful candidate’s education and experience (further described in the remainder of the announcement.)  Foresters, forestry specialists and technicians are all encouraged to submit applications.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and facilitate effective outreach strategies to reach more landowners about NRCS programming, including virtual and hardcopy mailings, attending community meetings, and establishing relationships with community partners who can help reach new audiences.
• Provide professional technical assistance services to advance forested landowner contracts. At full performance, this position will complete the following with little assistance while less experienced positions will complete training to build the following skills and abilities:
• Administrative activities such as assessing landowner eligibility and gathering information needed for application and contract development.
• Field surveys including forest inventories and field documentation of natural resources
• Planning activities such as development of Forest Management Plans and identification of most applicable NRCS practices to address resource concerns.
• Coordination with forestry contractors hired to conduct forest management activities.
• Inspection, measurement, and certification of completed project work in accordance with design plans and NRCS Practice Standards, Specifications and Implementation Requirements.
• Input planning or certification information into NRCS software systems such as Conservation Desktop and Protracts.
• ArcGIS mapping of project area and completed forestry practices.
• Support additional IERCD forestry programs as requested including assisting with field work, community engagement, and conservation planning.
• Attend meetings and public events in support of program deliverables.

KEY CAPACITIES:

• Highly motivated, organized, and self-directing with the ability to prioritize workload
• Ability to collaborate on the planning and approach to a complex project, then execute tasks independently with minimal direction.
• Good listener and clear communicator with ability to maintain positive relationships with supervisors, peers, and partners
• Must maintain a professional approach to project work characterized by flexibility, positivity, and openness to feedback.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to collaborate and communicate about programs with community members and partners or willingness to train into this skill.
• Basic understanding of forestry principals and forest management and ability to provide technical guidance on forest management practices.
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate records, reports, and written correspondence.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS programs.
• Ability to walk on rugged terrain and work in inclement weather conditions.
• Ability to attend occasional evening meetings and planned weekend work.
• Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License and auto insurance, as well as reliable transportation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking qualified candidates for this position at various points in their career. Position title, duties, and compensation will be commensurate with experience and fall into the following general categories:

• Forestry Technician: 2+ years of experience working and applying forestry principals on forested landscapes
• Qualified Forester: A non-licensed forester with a Bachelor’s degree in forestry or similar field and 2+ years of experience in forestry practice
• Registered Professional Forester: A licensed forester with 4+ years of experience in forestry practice

If you do not meet the above qualifications but believe you are well suited to this position, we encourage you to apply and include your reasoning in your cover letter.

COMPENSATION: 

Compensation will be commensurate with experience, but will generally follow the compensation below:

• Forestry Technician: $26.00/hour $54,080 annually
• Qualified Forester: $33.00/hour $68,640 annually
• Registered Professional Forester: $40.00/hour $83,200 annually

BENEFITS: Full time IERCD employees receive a health insurance stipend of $887/month to cover insurance expenses and are enrolled in the CalPERS State Retirement Program. The benefit package also includes a $50 monthly phone stipend, 13 paid holidays, sick leave, and paid vacation after a 6-month probationary period.

LOCATION: The IERCD is headquartered in Redlands, CA. Work hours are generally Monday-Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm for a 4/10 schedule, but other schedules can be accommodated.