Position: Forestry Field Technician

Employer: MTM Environmental, LLC

Location: Varies by project

Report To: Amy Gaddy, Managing Director

Job Type: Seasonal or Term

We maintain ongoing recruitment for this role; applications are reviewed as they are received.

Please submit applications to: amy@mtmenvironmentalllc.com

About Us:

MTM Environmental, LLC (“MTM”) is a U.S. Small Business Administration Certified Woman-Owned Small Business (“WOSB”) established in 2021 that specializes in ecological consulting. Our core team includes a Certified Wildlife Biologist®, a Certified and Registered Forester (AL/GA), a Certified Financial Officer, and seasonal staff with extensive field expertise.

MTM provides services such as wildlife surveys, vegetation studies, stream and environmental DNA sampling, wetland delineations, conservation planning, mapping, and drone imagery. Since inception, we have supported conservation efforts across the Southeast, Northeast, Midwest, and Western United States—protecting more than 15,900 acres and conducting wildlife sampling on over 104,000 acres.

MTM Environmental, LLC conducts a variety of environmental assessments, generating accompanying reports and deliverables to the clients. The main task of the Forestry Field Technician will be to assist with the field sampling on protected lands. This includes common stand exams, regeneration surveys, timber cruising, stocking surveys, and other tasks.

Job Description:

We are seeking Forestry Field Technicians to conduct field examinations on National Forest lands across the continental United States. Technicians will use Common Stand Exam (“CSE”), Forest Inventory and Analysis, and other standardized protocols to collect data on site conditions, regeneration, stocking levels, and tree characteristics that support management decisions for natural resources. The purpose of this work is to obtain the site, setting, regeneration, stocking levels, and tree characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made. Compensation starts at $18/hour, based on experience, 40 hrs./week for the duration of the project. Some projects are paid on a production basis (per plot) following the stated training period. Weekly work schedules are flexible, largely determined by survey completion rate and weather. Work period (season or term) is also negotiable.

This position requires individuals who are comfortable working independently in remote environments, possess forest mensuration experience, possess tree identification skills, and have strong field navigation and data collection skills, physical and mental capabilities to hike off trail up to 10 miles/day often in extreme temperatures, and willingness to car camp often in remote areas with no cell service or facilities. All projects require dispersed camping. For safety purposes, some projects require that work be completed in teams of two or more, especially in areas that have apex predators (i.e. bears, mountain lions, wolves.) or hazardous terrain (i.e. snags, fallen timber, extreme slopes).

MTM will provide pertinent training, protocols, survey equipment (if needed), and safety gear (e.g., SPOT X satellite communication unit, bear spray, first-aid kit, etc.) to technicians at the beginning of the season, before beginning fieldwork. The required safety gear varies by project.

Responsibilities[1]:

• Locate, establish, measure, and record data using variable plot data (10/20/30 BAF) at designated sample locations using standardized CSE protocols (provided).
• In addition to Plot/Tree Data, other meaningful information will be captured when appropriate, including regeneration, non-native invasive species, raptor nests, stand inclusions, possible heritage/archeology sites, forest health concerns, and others.
• Conduct thorough stocking examinations for fire scarred stands.
• Hike long distances off trail in rugged terrain on a regular basis, often in hot temperatures.
• Car camp or dispersed camping daily, often without cell service or facilities.
• Evaluate and characterize forest conditions, noting tree information, snag decay, and other environmental conditions.
• Accurately record and document field data, ensuring precision and attention to detail, following survey protocols.
• Utilize GPS and other technology for navigating to specific survey sites, surveying plots, and recording field data.
• Organize and enter data, update timesheets and worklogs, and research stand access.
• Maintain and troubleshoot field equipment, including optics, GPS devices, cameras, personal computer/tablet, cell phones, and Spot X devices.
• Work collaboratively with other technicians and project leads.
• Obtain permission from private landowners, when needed, to gain access to stand locations.
• Communicate effectively and timely with other field staff and project leads to provide updates on fieldwork progress.
• Submit data (datasheets, photos, GPS, and GIS data, etc.) and timesheets to project lead on a timely basis, as requested.
• Prioritize safety in all field activities.
• Check in frequently with your project lead and be available and responsive by email/phone.
• Must be capable of significant travel. Ability to drive a vehicle with a trailer, operation of off-road vehicles and kayaks for field work, or the ability to learn these skills, in order to include a complete ecological and photographical inventory of each property.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field. (Internships are also available for those working toward a degree in these fields.)
• Forest mensuration experience.
• Have great attention to detail and can accurately collect and enter data in the field and on a computer.
• Willingness to work and temporarily live in remote locations, independently, and/or with a team.
• Ability to work independently in remote locations, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection and reporting.
• Proficient in using GPS devices and other field equipment.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work well in a team and collaborate with other professionals.
• Field skills for navigating, surveying, and mapping landscapes and features, including an understanding of basic map-reading, compass use, and a basic knowledge and understanding of GIS, GPS, and hand-held devices.
• Practical problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail for record keeping.
• Ability to work independently, manage time efficiently, and multiple activities while delivering quality results.
• Ability to hike and perform physical activities such as kneeling, bending, prolonged standing, and carrying a pack up to 40 lbs.
• Physical and mental capability of hiking off trail in rugged terrain up to 10 miles a day, often in hot temperatures, while carrying essential gear and water.
• Comfortable working in inclement weather, extreme temperatures, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants, stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards.
• Comfortable working in remote locations with limited cellular or internet access.
• Ability to travel, often requires extended stays of weeks or months. Position requires occasional weekend work. Projects generally require car camp or dispersed camping daily, often without cell service or facilities.
• Ability to hike on and off trail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience conducting forest inventory, sampling, and/or research.
• Knowledge of plant species and plant communities, or the ability to learn.
• Affinity for vehicle-based and backcountry camping, at developed and primitive sites.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Flexibility working in and out of cell signal while maintaining electronics, technological capability, and professional-level communication, coordination, and research etiquette.
• Competency following instructions, and adaptability resolving challenging situations.
• Proven adherence to field safety protocols and use of good judgment in the field.
• Willingness and eagerness to learn, maintain a good attitude and overcome challenges.
• Wilderness First Aid or similar certification.
• Experience using a GPS and navigation apps (such as Avenza, GAIA GPS, OnX Maps, etc.)

Applicants must possess the following items:

• Hiking, camping, and backpacking gear (including gear for rain, cold, potable water etc.).
• Working laptop/tablet for data entry.
• A 4WD/AWD personal vehicle is required. Personal vehicles must be able to handle variable road conditions characteristic of the region, e.g., muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain.
• Personal field gear (diameter tape, clinometer, prism, etc.) may be used or MTM can provide this equipment for use on this project.

Benefits:

• Starting at $18+ per hour, based on experience.
• All work-related mileage incurred in execution of responsibilities using a personal vehicle will be reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate.
• In-person training will be provided for each project.

Responsibilities vary by project.