Forestry Aide

Under the supervision of the Community Forestry Supervisor, employee reports and works under the direction of the Conservancy Environmental Scientists. The incumbent will be responsible for assisting a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) and other Community Forestry program staff in a broad range of forest management activities, including: field preparation & layout of Conservancy fuels reduction & forest health projects; hazard tree & encroachment detection; forest monitoring and resource protection, among other responsibilities.

The Forestry Aide position works full-time during the season May through early-November. The 2026 field season dates are currently projected to be: May 4- November 5, 2026. The reporting location for this position is 1690 Shop Street, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. The weekly schedule is Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Candidate applications with less than a full season of availability are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated based on agency needs.

This position requires a Class C Driver's License. Proof of eligibility is required prior to appointment

State housing is not available.

Working Conditions

Working outdoors, often in remote locations, in various types of weather. Work in office environment.

Job Duties

Essential: 45% Forestry project layout & preparation

• Use hand-held global positioning system (GPS) receiver, GPS antennae, assessor parcel maps, subdivision maps, other maps, magnetic locator, digital tools and additional resources to identify and flag project boundaries;

• Identify and flag sensitive resources (e.g., stream environment zones, cultural areas, nesting bird sites, protected status flora) and flag for exclusion from treatment within project boundaries;

• Apply knowledge of desired conditions related to fire hazard reduction, forest stand structure and composition in accordance with the Conservancy’s Forestry Guidelines and RPF prescription;

• Identify and mark trees for removal consistent with Forestry Guidelines and project-specific forestry prescriptions, including assessing tree health & hazard trees;

• Apply knowledge of California and Lake Tahoe Basin rules and regulations (e.g., California Environmental Quality Act, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency code, California Forest Practice Rules).

Essential: 40% Assist with Forest Monitoring

• Perform implementation of forestry monitoring, applying survey protocol with a high degree of accuracy

• Establish and measure, or remeasure established vegetation-monitoring plots to assess natural resource response to fuel modification projects, management activities and other disturbances

• Utilize specialized forestry equipment, and maintain in good working order tools, including: increment borer, clinometer, densitometer, DBH tape, compass, and other tools consistently, as demonstrated, for accurate resource data collection knowledge of local flora and application of survey protocol upon training

• Identify and quantify native California vegetation, as well as exotic vegetation

• Make accurate elementary mathematical calculations to quantify forest variables

Essential: 10% Assist with on-going forestry program activities and public outreach

• Address public inquires in the field regarding Conservancy’s mission, objectives and forest practices, as well as providing additional resources;

• Inspect state parcels and active projects, reporting issues observed to relevant staff & project manager;

• Assist Conservancy biologist with wildlife and habitat assessment surveys;

• Assist program staff with citizen calls regarding hazardous vegetation;

• Record occurrence data of exotic plant species for resource monitoring and restoration activities

• Assist Conservancy field crews with time sensitive erosion control, fuel hazard reduction or other resource protection projects, as needed

Non-Essential: 5% Special Projects

Implement special projects or other duties depending on skill set and agency need.

Supervision Received

The Forestry Aide reports directly to the Community Forestry Supervisor. The RPF, Forestry Field Preparation Specialist and program staff will provide project specific direction, training, and assignments.

Supervision Exercised

None

Required Skills

The incumbent requires computer skills (Word and Excel); writing and analytical skills; the ability to work independently and to communicate (verbal/written) clearly, concisely and accurately; to reason logically and creatively in resolving problems; skill in dealing effectively with others; willingness and ability to accept increasing responsibility and meet deadlines; the ability to use GPS, maps and a compass; apply basic principles of forestry and fire protection; identify tree, shrub, forb & grass species; apply laws, rules, and regulations applicable to scope of duties and responsibilities (e.g., Public Resources Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, California Administrative Code) to ensure compliance for public safety and environmental protection; and the ability to foster and succeed in a work environment that celebrates diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences.

Special Personal Characteristics

The incumbent should also possess a willingness and ability to maintain sufficient physical condition to perform tasks in support of the Conservancy's mission including regular physically strenuous field work; willingness as a learner to do routine and detailed work; and an aptitude and liking for forestry work.

Attendance

Must maintain regular and acceptable attendance at such level as is determined at the Conservancy’s sole discretion. Must be regularly available and willing to work the posted hours or as the Conservancy determines are necessary or desirable to meet its business needs.

Other Information

The duties of this position are performed inside and outside. The employee’s workstation is located at 1061 3rd Street building and is equipped with standard or ergonomic office equipment, as appropriate. Travel is required to attend meetings, training and project sites. Requires use of telephone, personal computer, GPS, and other specialized forestry tools. Incumbent must work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.

Outdoor Work may include:

• Inclement weather, which can mean rain, ice, snow, flood events, extreme heat, fire

• Adverse conditions, such as working in active waterways or near prescribed fire operations

• Traversing steep and uneven terrain

• Use of specialized outdoor and technical equipment

• Visiting active forestry project & remote work sites

Physical conditions of the work may require the need to:

• Be outdoors for up to 8-10 hours a day

• Stand/walk for up to 8-10 hours a day

• Sit for up to 8-10 hours a day

• Work on a computer for up to 8 hours a day

• May have to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Using stairs

Use of Field Equipment, including power tools, may be necessary for:

• Due to a critical and time sensitive need

• Demonstration purposes

• Critical health and safety need

• Annual staff work days

Miscellaneous:

• May require the need to work holidays, nights or weekends

• Drive safely in adverse conditions

• Wear appropriate safety gear

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: From $3,744.00 per month

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person