Reforestation Field Technician (American Forests, Southern Sierra)

The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with American Forests at the Southern Sierra site, is recruiting two Reforestation Technicians who will directly increase the pace and scale of post-fire reforestation and restoration efforts across the Southern Sierra landscape. The Reforestation Technicians report to American Forests’ Southern Sierra Reforestation Manager. This position will work closely with the Southern Sierra team.

The southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains has experienced numerous large fires that have increased the likelihood of a full ecosystem conversion across the landscape. American Forests is working with federal, state, tribal, private and non-profit partners in the region to address these impacts through cross-boundary, climate-informed reforestation projects.

Primary Responsibilities include:

Reforestation Project Support (35%)  

• Independently conduct and document inspections for reforestation treatments (including tree planting, chemical or manual release, and/or site prep) to determine quality of work and treatment progress;
• Assist with reforestation contract management such as: receiving seedlings from the nursery, tracking seedlings planted, implementing planting plans, documenting, and other reforestation-related field work as appropriate;
• Use topographic maps on Avenza or Field Maps on a tablet to navigate as well as track spatial information; and
• Delineate and map treatment boundaries for future forest health treatments based on site conditions and objectives for future desired conditions.  

Cone Surveying, Monitoring and Collection (30%)

• Plan surveying routes and strategize initial cone scouting plans across the region using maps and species prioritization guidelines;
• Use Survey123 and maps to report and track cone crops during initial surveys;
•  Assess cone and seed viability using an Air Powered Tree Access launcher to retrieve cones and perform cone face cuts;
• Document and communicate cone surveying and monitoring results regularly to identify and inform the collection of cones; and
• Facilitate the collection of cones through working with professional tree climbers, evaluating collected cone crops, and tracking data on bushels collected.

Surveying and Monitoring (15%)

• Navigate through steep, rugged terrain to collect data using a tablet;
• Follow protocols to collect data on seedling survival, site conditions and stocking before and following planting; and
• Document and communicate survey findings and results. 

Project Administration (20%)

•  Participate in meetings with the Southern Sierra team;
• Coordinate and communicate professionally with American Forests’ team members to ensure successful project implementation;
•  Support or conduct outreach and presentations;
• Attend trainings and stay up to date with relevant research; and
• Manage a field and office-based schedule.

Required overnight travel is estimated to be up to 50% of annual responsibilities.

Timeline:

• Early March- end of October 2026, approximately 35 project weeks; and
• Full time (40 hours/week).

Location:

The Southern Sierra team is required to be within commuting distance of Exeter, CA for the length of their term. A work vehicle will be available to the team to share for work-related travel. This position requires travel to a variety of field sites across the region, and at times will require overnight lodging or