POSITION: Forestry Technician

Primary roles – Perform day-to-day project work including fuels and forest health, ecosystem restoration, wildlife surveys, monitoring, and watershed health projects.

Type – Seasonal Full Time

Location – Chico, CA

Travel – Occasional overnight travel may be required

This position will conduct field work on various conservation projects that meet the Butte County Resource Conservation District’s (BCRCD) mission. The position is an estimated 32-40 hours per week and is grant funded. The Forestry Technician will report to and receive guidance from the Forestry Program Manager as well as other program and project managers and will work with other staff as needed to ensure the successful implementation of projects. The position is expected to start around Monday, April 20th and go through October 31, 2026. Possibility for extension depending on work availability and funding.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with forestry-related tasks such as conducting forest stand inventory, cruising timber sale units, collecting GPS data, and flagging unit boundaries using flagging, paint, and GPS tablets on both public and private land.
• Assist BCRCD staff with conducting nighttime owl surveys, analyzing collected survey data, and other wildlife survey activities as needed.
• Conduct post-fire regeneration surveys on USFS and private land with the goal of assessing planting success and forest stand health.
• Inspect contract work (e.g., planting, fuels reduction, seeding, site preparation, planting release, roads work, watershed health activities) for compliance with contract. Ensure all provisions are enforced and proper measures are taken to protect or enhance values in accordance with contract objectives.
• Participate on prescribed burns through the Butte PBA as needed.
• This position may also require working on wetland and riparian projects performing duties related to riparian enhancement and invasive weed control. Duties include planting, plant protection, assisting with botanical surveys, and hand pulling invasive weeds.
• Use software such as ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGis Online (AGOL) to make maps for field work, Forest Management Plans, contracts, or other documents as needed.
• Other duties and projects as assigned.

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

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource sciences, biology, or related field preferred. Related work experience may substitute for educational qualification.
• Ability to work with a team and take direction from crew lead and supervisors.
• A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record. (4-wheel drive experience preferred.) Access to a reliable vehicle in case BCRCD vehicles are unavailable for use (mileage reimbursed at federal rate).
• Ability and willingness to be away from home for overnight stays, camp in remote areas, work in inclement weather, and work on holidays and weekends.
• Ability to effectively communicate with crew members, partnering organizations, and the public.
• Physical capability and endurance to conduct fieldwork in remote settings under strenuous conditions, including the ability to carry up to 50 lbs. over rough and steep terrain and hike for an extended length of time in extreme heat and cold.
• Ability to be well-organized and handle occasionally challenging field logistics.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of natural resource management, forestry, CA foothills ecology, and general concepts involved in the assignment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Ideally, the successful applicant will possess the following skills:

• Knowledge of, and work experience with, natural resource management, particularly forestry, silviculture, wildlife, and resource conservation. Knowledge of foothill ecosystems is a plus.
• Experience with wildlife surveys, specifically bird surveys such as California Spotted Owl and Goshawks, and ability to differentiate between species by photo, recorded sounds, or both.
• Experience hiking in the Sierra Nevada or areas of similar elevation and climate.
• Experience and aptitude operating handheld electronic equipment such as smart phones, GPS units, radios, tablets, etc.
• Experience with computer applications to input and manage data, including MS Office, Avenza Maps, Survey123, FieldMaps, ArcPro, ArcGIS Online, and Adobe programs.
• Ability to follow detailed field protocols and thoroughly collect data.
• Experience with the use and maintenance of handheld tools and equipment.
• Current Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish.
This position requires long hours on uneven terrain, confidence in following project specifications, and knowledge of various environmental practices.

COMPENSATION
Financial compensation will be commensurate with applicable experience, with a range of $25-30 an hour DOE. Seasonal employees receive paid sick time and a cell phone stipend as well as a flexible work schedule in a fast-paced, positive work environment.