Job Summary
The Forester will report to the Supervisory Operations Forester and is responsible for supporting implementation of forest restoration, fuels reduction, and related natural resource projects on public and private lands. Primary tasks include project and contract layout, implementation oversight, monitoring, and reporting.
Working collaboratively with WRTC’s forestry, fuels, botany, wildlife, watershed, and fire staff, the Forester helps translate landscape and project objectives into implementable field projects. Depending on qualifications and licensure, the position may independently perform or oversee professional forestry work requiring a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF), or work under appropriate professional supervision while developing experience toward RPF licensure.
The Forester also coordinates with landowners, agency partners, contractors, and WRTC field crews and contributes technical expertise to project development, proposals, budgets, schedules, and deliverables. The position requires a variable combination of office and field work depending on season and project needs and requires sound judgment, organization, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
Position Scope, Responsibilities and Core Duties
Project Implementation and Administration
● Support and, as assigned, lead forestry projects from planning and layout through implementation, monitoring, documentation, and closeout.
● Prepare project layouts, treatment boundaries, maps, specifications, marking or designation information, and other materials needed for implementation by WRTC crews or contractors.
● Coordinate with WRTC field crews, contractors, landowners, agency staff, and technical specialists during project implementation.
● Conduct field inspections and monitor implementation for consistency with project specifications, environmental requirements, resource protection measures, schedules, and intended outcomes.
● Identify field issues and changing conditions, recommend appropriate solutions, and communicate needed adjustments to project managers, contractors, crews, and partners.
● Maintain accurate project records, field data, maps, photographs, inspection documentation, and other records necessary to support project administration and reporting.
● As time allows, contribute to forestry project planning and development.
Coordination and Program Support
● Coordinate effectively with WRTC forestry, fuels, botany, wildlife, watershed, fire, and administrative staff to integrate multiple resource objectives into project planning and implementation.
● Assist with technical guidance and training of seasonal forestry staff in collaboration with Forestry Division leadership.
● Build and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, community members, agency partners, contractors, and other project collaborators.
● Contribute technical information, scopes of work, maps, cost estimates, GIS products, and other materials for grant proposals, agreements, project reports, and program planning.
● Manage assigned workload and project responsibilities to meet schedules, budgets, deliverables, and quality expectations.
● Participate in program planning and continuous improvement and perform other related forestry and natural resource duties consistent with the position.
Minimum Qualifications, Skills and Competencies
● Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional forestry experience.
● At least two years of progressively responsible forestry, forest management, fuels reduction, or closely related natural resource experience.
● Demonstrated experience with forest inventory, stand assessment, project layout, treatment development, forestry field measurements, and/or implementation of forest management or fuels reduction projects.
● Working knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, fuels management, and forest restoration principles applicable to forests of California or the western United States.
● Experience using GIS and mobile mapping/data collection applications such as ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, QGIS, Avenza, or similar systems.
● Ability to collect, manage, analyze, interpret, and communicate forestry and project data accurately.
● Ability to read and interpret maps, project specifications, environmental documents, treatment prescriptions, and other technical project materials.
● Ability to independently organize and prioritize multiple assignments, maintain accurate project documentation, meet deadlines, and communicate when project schedules or deliverables are at risk.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information effectively with field crews, contractors, landowners, agency personnel, partners, and other audiences.
● Demonstrated ability to exercise sound professional judgment, identify and solve field and project implementation problems, and know when an issue requires additional technical or supervisory review.
● Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of interdisciplinary and collaborative project teams.
● Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles on rural and unpaved roads.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Competencies
● Current California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license, or demonstrated progress toward meeting California RPF licensing requirements.
● Experience developing or implementing forest management, fuels reduction, ecological restoration, or wildfire resilience projects in California.
● Experience with NEPA, CEQA, California Forest Practice Rules, CAL FIRE permitting, or other environmental review and regulatory processes applicable to forestry projects.
● Experience developing treatment specifications or other forestry implementation documents.
● Experience administering or inspecting forestry, fuels reduction, logging, vegetation management, or natural resource contracts.
● Experience coordinating projects involving multiple landowners, agencies, funding sources, contractors, or resource disciplines.
● Experience with project budgeting, cost estimating, scopes of work, grant-funded project implementation, or technical proposal development.
● Experience providing technical direction, training, or mentorship to forestry technicians, seasonal staff, field crews, or contractors.
● Familiarity with forests, fire ecology, land management, and rural communities of Northern California.
RPF Licensure: A current California RPF license is preferred but is not required for appointment at the Program Associate III level. Candidates without an RPF must possess education and experience appropriate to the forestry responsibilities assigned to the position and should have an interest in professional development toward RPF licensure. Duties requiring an RPF license will be performed by or under the appropriate responsibility of a licensed RPF. Appointment at the Program Associate IV level requires a current California RPF license.
Work Environment and Additional Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: hike and navigate difficult terrain in inclement, hot, dry, cold, wet and/or smoky weather, use electronic devices such as computers, tablets, phones, GPS, or data collectors, and will occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Compensation and Benefits
● This position has a starting wage range of $36.80 to $46.80, with an RPF license. Candidates without an RPF license start at $32.80 to $42.80.
● The WRTC may provide paid study time, training and/or other support for the successful candidate in becoming a RPF.
● Flexible work environment with options for remote work
● Computer and other essential equipment provided
● Company vehicle provided for work use
● Benefits include employer paid health, vision and dental insurance, retirement plan, paid time off, 12 paid holidays, and cell phone stipend
To Apply
Interested parties should send an application package consisting of the following items:
● A cover letter describing your interest and experience (in pdf format with Your Name_Cover Letter as the file name)
● Resume (in pdf format with “Your Name _ Resume” as the file name)
● Three references
Send materials to fuels@thewatershedcenter.com. Include the job title you are applying for in the subject line of your email.
This position will remain open until filled.