Forestry Technicians (Technologists & Technicians)

  The Redwood Forest Foundation Inc (RFFI)

  CA, California, United States

Announcement:   Two (2) positions – Forestry Technicians 

The Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. (RFFI) announces the recruitment of two Forest Technicians to assist this not-for-profit organization in managing its 49,636-acre Usal Redwood Forest. The new position(s) will report directly to the Usal Forest Management Company (UFRC) Resource Forester. 

RFFI Background

The Redwood Forest Foundation, Inc. (RFFI) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization currently located in Fort Bragg, CA. RFFI’s mission is to acquire, protect, restore and manage forestlands and other related resources in the Redwood Region for the long-term benefit of the communities located there. Our vision is to establish community-based forests that provide both critical habitat for increased biodiversity and improved regional economic vitality. We believe the first duty of a forester is to the forest and its future.

Since 2007, RFFI has owned and managed the 49,636 acre Usal Redwood Forest, which is located in the Coastal Redwood Region of Mendocino County, California. This 78 sq. mi. property includes portions of two regionally important watersheds: the majority of the Usal Creek drainage and significant tributaries of the South Fork of the Eel River.

The area was once a thriving redwood and Douglas fir forest. Within its borders are more than eighteen creeks and tributaries, many of them historically important and currently crucial spawning and rearing habitat for federally listed salmon and steelhead. The forest also contains many activity sites of the threatened Northern Spotted Owl.

Commercially logged for its valuable redwood resources from the early 1900’s up to the 1980s, the Usal Forest is now dominated by second and third-growth Douglas fir, redwood and tan oak.

The RFFI Board of Directors is seeking two forestry graduates or experienced technicians to assist with fieldwork associated with marking, harvest plan layout, stocking surveys, inventory, monitoring and other field related duties. One of the positions will be permanent and the other would be seasonal and, at a minimum, expected to work during the field season (until end of January this year, summer field season next year). 

Job Description

A successful candidate must possess both good oral and written communications skills to interact with RFFI’s supervising forester and as needed with contract Registered Professional Foresters, loggers, consultants, contract crews and other stakeholders.  He or she will provide support for contractors working on roads, fire prevention/protection, restoration projects and monitoring.  The candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours in variable weather conditions and be physically able to access difficult forest areas.  He or she must possess a strong desire to implement the mission and vision of the Usal Forest Redwood Company and RFFI.

The primary responsibilities of the RFFI Forest Technicians include:

·         Assistance with fieldwork associated with Timber Harvest Plans (THP’s) and related permits.

a.       Timber Marking, flagging of harvest unit boundaries, watercourse and lake protection zones, roads, special treatment areas, etc. at the direction of the supervising forester

b.      Support logging operations and harvest sales assistance (scale tickets and record progress)

c.       Follow-up monitoring and stocking reports and pre/post-project inventory with GIS

d.      Preparation of field notes, maps, GIS data and other records to document fieldwork

·         Field assistance with the RPFs on property management tasks including road patrols and maintenance, vegetation control, restoration and reforestation assistance, fuel breaks, and fire protection

·         Miscellaneous forestry-related project work requiring demanding physical activity

·         Ability to hike in extremely remote mountainous regions using maps, compass or GPS

·         Ability to work in all season outdoor environments, including inclement weather

·          Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and have a passion for the forest

·         Excellent communication skills, self-motivation, and strong work ethic

·         Ability to drive hazardous mountain roads

Qualifications

A successful candidate must possess both good oral and written communications skills to interact with a diverse Board of Directors and a wide array of key community stakeholders. The candidate must also be willing to work flexible hours in variable weather conditions.

Education and Experience

a.                Current enrollment in or graduate of an accredited Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Natural Resource Economics Conservation Biology, or related field

b.              Completion of undergraduate courses in field measurements, plant identification, GIS and mensuration

c.                Completion of 20 hours of forestry related units

d.              Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team

e.                Current California driver’s license and clean driving record

Additional Desirable Qualifications

a.                Residence in the Redwood Region, and/or coastal climate

b.              Experience working with redwood and Douglas fir forests

c.                Familiarity with FSC certification

d.              Familiarity with carbon registration projects

e.                Interest in working with community and conservation groups

f.                 Interest in working for and with a nonprofit

Compensation

$3,000 to $3,500 per month based on experience.

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