Department: Resilient Forests
Reports to: Reforestation Manager
Location: Oregon, Klamath/Lake Counties
FLSA Category: Non-Exempt
Post Date: November 20, 2023
Close Date: Until filled
About Us
American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for nearly 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
Position Summary
From 2018-2021, approximately 638,000 acres burned in wildfires on the Fremont-Winema National Forest and on adjacent private lands in Klamath and Lake Counties, Oregon. Following the 2021 fire season that saw over 500,000 acres burn intensely, the Fremont-Winema National Forest partnered with American Forests to develop an all lands post-fire reforestation and fuels management strategy to guide post-fire recovery in this landscape. The strategy includes implementing climate-smart reforestation practices. Starting in 2022, American Forests began partnering with the Fremont-Winema National Forest to help implement this strategy by providing field positions in Oregon to work directly with the national forest. We are hiring field crews to work directly with local land managers to facilitate post fire reforestation and restoration. For the 2023 field season we are hiring three to four reforestation coordinators.
The Reforestation Coordinator is a seasonal field position with the preferred field season spanning March through October/November. Based on performance, candidates may be invited back for subsequent field seasons. The crew will be supported on a day-to-day basis by the Fremont-Winema National Forest as well as local American Forests Managers with remote supervision by American Forests’ Pacific Northwest regional staff. Reforestation Coordinators will assist U.S. Forest Service staff in implementing their reforestation and fuels management program.
Training Opportunities: The Fremont-Winema National Forest, in partnership with American Forests, will provide mentorship and training associated with reforestation and seed collection, mapping and climate smart project implementation. This position is a great opportunity to build your career in forestry and natural resources, directly implementing an innovative post-fire recovery effort, and gain highly in-demand skills including tree climbing, seed collection, and reforestation project planning.
Specific Responsibilities
Reforestation Project Implementation (90%)
The Reforestation Coordinator(s) will work as a team in collaboration with Fremont-Winema National Forest staff to implement reforestation projects by planning and performing:
- Layout of units for planting, site prep, or fuels management.
- Inspection of planting, site prep, or fuels management contracts and maintenance of documentation of reforestation activities in appropriate formats and databases.
- Use of a tablet to record and interpret spatial data in Avenza Maps, ESRI Field Maps and other applications.
- Cone collection: cone surveys, preparation of collection projects, tree climbing, and inspection of cone collection contractors.
- Perform all tasks in accordance with safety policies including use of company equipment safely and respectfully.
Project Monitoring (10%)
- Coordinate with research scientists whose studies are being implemented as part of the post-recovery project area.
- Coordinate and/or participate in project-level multi-party monitoring.
Qualifications
- Ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years completed towards an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Conservation Biology or related field, but not limited to wildlife management, range management, soil science or conservation of natural resources.
- Must be familiar with central and southern Oregon ecosystems and environmental issues, sustainable forestry, and natural resource conservation practices and principles.
- Must have the ability to navigate using a directional compass and topographical maps.
- Self-starter with high dependability, keen attention to detail, willingness to learn and excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, and Word.
- Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in written form, sufficient to convey information and instructions to the public and colleagues. Ability to speak Spanish is highly desired.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license, and a reasonably clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in forestry from a program accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
- Two years’ experience in natural resource management, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
- Proficiency with ArcGIS preferred.
- Ability to operate a chainsaw.
- Fluent in Spanish.
Location & Working Conditions
The position will be based in central and southern Oregon and will require local travel to engage with partners and assess projects. The Reforestation Coordinator(s) will work four (4) 10-hour days each week using Lakeview, OR as a home base during those four workdays. The field season is expected to run for 7-8 months from March until the snow falls. If successful in the position, crew members will be invited back for up to four additional field seasons without going through another application process.
American Forests will provide a house in Lakeview, OR for crew members to live in (at no cost) should they choose to be based in Lakeview full time and/or for use during the work week. An American Forests’ truck will be provided in Lakeview, OR for work-related travel and transport of the crew to work sites. Necessary safety gear including hard hats, vests, boots, etc. will be provided by American Forests.
Most work will be performed in a field setting, which includes: 1) Varied terrains, dense vegetation (with possible exposure to poison oak, ticks, snakes, and mosquitos), and hot, cold, and wet conditions; 2) Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little to no shade; and 3) Most sites will be accessible within a short distance from a road.
Travel Requirements
Up to 15% of travel may be required as funding permits.
Physical Requirements
The majority of activities will be field forestry, which includes the following:
- Ability to lift 50 lbs. and carry the load in a pack or vest
- Repetitive tasks with few breaks
- Work in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to high heat, rain, snow, smoke, dust, and cold temperatures (within reason)
- Walk, hike, or stand for extended periods of time with others and alone in steep, rugged, brushy, and/or remote terrain under adverse weather conditions.
Supervisory Requirements
This position has no supervisory requirements.
To Apply
To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@americanforests.org.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
If you are unable to submit your resume due to a disability, contact American Forests to request an accommodation or alternative application process.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQIA+
