Forestry Technician (Technologists & Technicians)

POSITION PURPOSE

To provide high quality field assistance to Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) in the engineering of harvest units and associated roads for the development of Timber Harvest Plans. A progressive step as a Lead Forestry Technician is possible for those with qualifications please see below.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Under the guidance of an RPF, the incumbent supports a wide variety of field layout tasks associated with the design of specific harvest units and the location and design of associated roads. Specific duties include:
• Flags boundaries, stream protection zones, property lines, wildlife retention areas,  wildlife key habitat features (green trees, snags, ponds, seeps etc.), tree marking, and stream classification.
• Aids in the reconnaissance of new larger stands of timber for the eventual future development of roads and harvest areas.
• Performs field reconnaissance and then describe the conditions and potential constraints and problems to the responsible RPF who can provide further guidance and resolution to field layout design.
• Documents and records the technical information related to each THP in a concise and accurate manor.
• Interacts daily with RPFs as well as other Forestry Technicians. The incumbent will be working not only with these department representatives but also with other departments such as harvesting, contract administration, and Conservation Planning.
• Provides informational documentation and explanation of details of field layout.
• Represents the THP on Pre-harvest inspections and active inspections on an as needed basis.
• Assists the IFM department in miscellaneous forestry functions – burning etc., as needed.
• Participates actively in Company safety program.
• May be assigned to other forestry-associated tasks as needed; these tasks may include but are not limited to prescribed burning, wildlife or stream assessment projects, and contract logging administration under RPF guidance.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Successfully completed college forestry courses such as dendrology, surveying, forest road layout and design, and logging systems.
• Must have a valid Drivers’ License.
• Knowledge of how to apply road and harvesting design principles during field layout.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to take responsibility for the quality of his/hers work products as well as his/ hers own personal safe behaviors.
• Must be proficient in the use of forest engineering equipment.
• Must be an active and contributing participant in the Forestry Departments Safety program.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate with the aid of a map and compass.
• Ability to work overtime as necessary.
• Effective and professional relationships with co-workers within immediate work group, outside the immediate department, and with key contacts outside the company.
• Effective and productive communications skills; speaks well, communicates ideas clearly.  Writes well, clearly and concisely.  Is approachable and open to discussion.
• Conducts self in a professional manner at all times.  Treats others with respect at all times.  Does not tolerate discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ethnic background, or national origin.  Shares knowledge with others and participates in mentoring.
• Manages multiple priorities professionally with minimum disruption to others.  Organized and proactively manages environment.  Responds to unexpected challenges successfully without losing track of daily responsibilities.  Prioritizes workload in order of importance.  Reliably follows through with job assignments.
• Ability to learn and administer GDRCo’s conservation program, operational guidelines, and State Forest Practice Rules.
• Learns, applies and retains new methods and information.  Creative in solving problems.  Exhibits a “can do” attitude with a positive approach to challenges.  Views obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow.

Desired:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management or related field -- (or equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge skills and abilities).
• Previous field layout experience related to forestry.
• Knowledge of harvesting systems and road layout skills.
• Working knowledge of the California Forest Practice rules and the application.
• Advanced working knowledge of logging systems, equipment operation, and field layout experience.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• This position is located in Korbel, CA.
• Works primarily (90%+) of the time in the field under varying topography and climatic extremes.
• Ability to orient, climb, and traverse steep rugged, densely vegetated terrain on a consistent basis in in sometimes harsh weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Must have the ability to see distance and detail with accuracy.
• Must have ability to work independently and without immediate supervision in remote areas.
• Works in conditions that may expose employee wildlife encounters, poison oak and/or insect bites.
• Mandatory travel to remote company locations.
• Ability to tour logging operations, attend training and company functions.
• Must maintain punctual and regular attendance and present appropriate professional appearance at all times.
• Requires the use of standard safety equipment in regulation with GDRCo.
• This position may be exposed to nettles, pollen, dust and pesticides.
• This position is a Physical and Mental Requirement Classification 3.