Forester (Sequoia National Forest)
The Great Basin Institute, in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS), is recruiting a Forester to work cooperatively with USFS and GBI staff to determine, plan and arrange the resources necessary to complete the Eshom Ecological Restoration Project, Phase 1. The project seeks to improve forest health and wildlife habitat by reducing fuels from drought- and beetle-impacted trees on the Hume Lake Ranger District. Approximately 1,000 acres of forest will be treated over the next two years.
The project is funded by the California legislature through Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds. The program seeks to minimize the loss of forest carbon from large, intense wildfires while promoting carbon sequestration efforts through biomass utilization. The Mule Deer Foundation and the National Wild Turkey Federation will partner to convert tree material to mulch for use in the agricultural industry. As part of a larger silvicultural study, the forester will also assist with data collection that will provide the US Forest Service with baseline information to assess ecological restoration measures and changes in forest health over time.
The successful applicant will gain insight in to the operations of a federal land management agency, and develop marketable skills that can be applied towards future forestry projects. The scope of work will include the following activities:
- Identify and verify the land status and environmental constraints affecting layout of the proposed project on the ground.
- Review, compile and analyze field data.
- Monitor and oversee cruising and marking of timber, prepare general logging plans, and verifies logging system settings.
- Utilize appropriate documents, determine sale boundaries, proper location of logging roads, acceptable marking and cutting methods, stumpage prices, and the requirements for brush disposal, erosion control, and stand improvement.
- Prepare and ensure quality of documentation such as detailed maps, timber sale appraisals, and timber sales write up.
- Coordinate contracts with mastication and biomass removal contractors, monitor contractor compliance, and conduct quality control of implementation projects.
- Assist with monitoring, tracking, and reporting on project efforts and progress
Location:
The Forester will be based out of the Hume Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest (SNF), which is one of nineteen National Forests in California and takes its name from the giant sequoia, the world's largest tree. The SNF's landscape includes soaring granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, roaring whitewater, and more than 30 groves of sequoia trees in the forest's lower elevation slopes. Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west. For additional details about the forest, please visit the forest’s official website. Off season may include location at the Great Basin Institute HQ on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno or at other related project sites in the West, pending applicant interest and performance.
Compensation:
- Starting wages: $24.25/hour
- Housing provided at Hume Ranger District at $8.70 daily (for no less than one month at a time), depending on availability
- Fully paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, prescription); dependent coverage available out-of-pocket
- Paid holidays and personal leave
- Professional training and certifications may be provided as needed
Timeline:
- Anticipated start date: August 12, 2019
- 12-month appointment with additional 12 months available pending performance
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in Forestry, Resource Management, Botany or other related natural science field, with experience (2 years minimum) that demonstrate successful application of the principles of forestry;
- Knowledge of the mixed conifer forests typical of southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California, including common plants (woody and herbaceous), wildlife, and/or geology/topography;
- Experience (2 years minimum) in standard forestry mensuration, survey, and inventory protocols;
- Ability to monitor contactor compliance with contract and agreement stipulations;
- Experience with project management and coordination
- Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;
- Experience employing and training field personnel in safety practices, low impact principles, field methods, and data management;
- Experience leading forestry crews in the field, including oversight of safety, communication, fidelity to methods, and data quality;
- Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
- Experience using ArcGIS to create maps;
- Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units;
- Proficiency using a compass and topographic map to navigate;
- Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
- Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons;
- Willingness and ability to camp in remote, primitive sites for several consecutive days (if necessary);
- Familiarity with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles; and
- Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the USFS.