The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with CA Cone Corps through American Forests at Mendocino National Forests, is recruiting one (1) reforestation technician to contribute to an increase in cone surveying, monitoring, and collection. The technician will receive experience in reforestation with guidance from industry experts. Additionally, they will contribute to American Forests and USFS Mendocino National Forests efforts through assistance in administering seed collection contracts and evaluating cone crops. They may also assist American Forests and USFS Mendocino National Forest team member is by providing feedback on their project’s challenges and successes. They will also have opportunities for their own professional development while helping to build the California Cone Corps program.

This position is a unique opportunity to be a part of a high-level reforestation project and contribute directly to California’s forest ecosystems, including post-fire recovery. This position is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in forestry and/or natural resources and gain skills in high demand. This position will work under direct supervision of the USFS Mendocino National Forest silviculturist, with supervisory support from the Great Basin Institute and American Forests’ Reforestation Pipeline Partnership Team including the CA California Cone Corps Senior Manager.

Primary Responsibilities:

Monitoring and Inspection (45%)

• Support vegetation release inspections and conduct post-planning survival monitoring studies in reforested areas;
• Assist in landscape-level planting efforts on the Mendocino National forest via inspections, management, and contract administration support;
• Conduct fieldwork in remote forest areas to survey and monitor viable cone crops throughout the Mendocino National Forest to support USFS seed security, which may include overnights, long working days, and frequent long-distance driving; and
• Report cone crop data through ArcGIS, Survey123 or Field Maps applications.

Project Implementation (30%)

• Support the preparation of cone collection contracts and oversee cone collections, ensuring viable crops are received by the appropriate public seed bank;
• Support USFS Placerville nursery with processing efforts may be required in the fall; and
• Utilizing ArcGIS for map making.

Project Administration and Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• Support managing programmatic budgets in coordination with American Forests staff;
• Attend and support the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership / American Forests events as appropriate;
• Engage in and participate in record keeping related to cone crops, procurement, and collection; and
• Assist with reforestation database entry and collecting and curating GIS data.

Community Engagement/Outreach (5%)

• Participate in community outreach and education; and
• Create engaging materials to present to community members about the program.

Timeline:

• April 1st, 2026 – September 30th, 2026, 26 week term;
• Full time 40 hours/week; and
• Some weekend shifts may be required. Frequent travel (including overnight) will be required during the cone collection season, June – September.

Location:

The technician will be based on the USFS Mendocino National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Willows, California. They will be expected to work in person at the Grindstone Ranger District office, with shifts varying depending on the season.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $27.50 hourly.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
• Personal leave and holidays; and
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own, will receive a $400/ month housing stipend.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Plant Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or a related field desired; Additional experience accepted that is equivalent to obtaining a degree;
• Ability to work independently and self-manage to maintain productivity within American Forests, Great Basin Institute, and USFS Mendocino National Forest;
• Experience with field surveys, record keeping, and databases;
• Ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere;
• Ability to commit to the full 6-month term;
• Attention to detail, specifically regarding project planning and tree, seed, and cone identification;
• Project planning or management experience;
• Ability to think creatively and problem-solve, with a willingness to find innovative solutions;
• Strong desire to work in a forest health-related career;
• Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record; and
• Successful applicants must complete a Great Basin Institute Background Investigation (BI) completed prior to beginning position.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Office work is expected including recordkeeping, mapping, supporting contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. Most days will be spent in the field in remote forest areas where the Technician will be expected to stand, walk, hike, or sit for extended periods of time. The work requires lifting materials which may weigh up to 50 lbs. Responsibilities may take place in a field setting, which includes, but is not limited to varying terrain and dense vegetation; possible exposure to wildlife, ticks, poison oak, and mosquitos; hot, rainy, and cold conditions; severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little/no shade coverage.