Introduction

Come spend the summer honing forestry skills in the Lassen National Forest (LNF) as a field technician for the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment! We are looking for highly motivated individuals to fill the positions of Collaborative Forestry Field Crew Members. The selected applicants will work as part of six-member crew to prepare stands for restoration thinning and hazardous fuels management. Project work will occur on the Lassen National Forest primarily within projects developed by the South Lassen Watersheds Group, a collaborative group planning for the future of forest management, climate resilience, and economic development in critical upper watersheds of northern California. Position is open until filled, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.

Job Duties

The selected applicants will have the opportunity to advance their knowledge of forest ecosystems, technical forestry, and collaborative forest management practices by contributing to the restoration of mixed-conifer forests on the Almanor Ranger District of the Lassen National Forest.

Crew members will be responsible for designating harvest/leave trees following provided marking guidelines (silvicultural prescriptions) and the guidance of the crew leader. Crew members will be expected to exercise sound judgement in designating trees. This is an entry-level position, crew members must be open to learning, and willing to work hard in a physically demanding position.

Training for this position will be provided during the first weeks of work under the
guidance of professional staff from the LNF.

Qualifications Required

• An ability to bring critical thinking skills, creativity, and laughter to the workplace;
• A willingness to work and live in a mountainous area, including camping for up to 1 week at a time;
• Willingness to work hard and apply tree marking lessons to in-field marking;
• Punctual and diligent in their work;
• Good physical conditioning to work and walk in the forest all day;
• A personal vehicle for transportation;
• Experience living and/or working in a rural setting and a strong desire to engage in forest management;
• Excellent ability to work with a group and get along with others;
• Sense of humor

Preferred

• Experience with field forestry techniques and/or commensurate education in forestry or related subject area;
• Familiarity with mixed conifer forests, including ability to identify common tree species in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades;
• Proficiency using a map and compass to navigate;
• College or professional experience or degree in forestry, biology, agriculture or similar.

About the Sierra Institute
The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work is grounded by the concept of triple bottom line values, supporting initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. Sierra Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within an
area referred to as “Indian Valley” that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community events and is surrounded by public lands including Plumas National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Compensation
Crew members will receive $16/hour. Health benefits through Sierra Institute are not available for this position but may be obtained through Covered California (http://www.coveredca.com/).

Field staff will be provided monthly sick time, paid holidays, and paid climate leave. Paid climate leave is intended to mitigate work days impacted by extreme weather conditions.