Forester

Orange County Comptroller; Redlands (CA); On-site; USD 66,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District is hiring a Forester to support Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Programs. Responsibilities include leading fieldwork and technical assistance for landowners while managing data and grant reporting. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, emphasizing collaboration and effective communication.

Benefits

Health insurance stipend of $940/month

$50 monthly phone stipend

$300 monthly mileage stipend

13 paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation

Flexible work scheduling

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, or related field needed.
• 2+ years related experience in forestry/fire prevention or 5+ years overall experience in project management.
• Strong research and writing skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide forestry technical expertise and develop project details.
• Prepare restoration plans based on research and site needs.
• Track grant deliverables and report for IERCD programs.

Skills

Forestry principles

Technical guidance

Project management

Data collection

Written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) is seeking a Forester position to support the goals and deliverables of the Community Conservation Team’s Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Programs. This position will use knowledge in forestry and natural resources management to ensure best management practices are applied to projects and provide technical assistance to landowners and land managers. Typical tasks include leading and planning field work, data collection and management, participating in meetings with project partners, outreach to landowners, developing forest management and restoration plans, and contributing to grant reporting and tracking. The Forester will focus approximately 40% of time on office-based work and 60% of time on field-based projects. This position will be based in Redlands, CA but will also support neighboring Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices and may require occasional overnight travel. This position reports to and serves under the supervision of the IERCD Conservation Programs Manager within the Community Conservation Department.

ABOUT THE IERCD:

The Inland Empire Resource Conservation District (IERCD) is a local public agency, headquartered in the City of Redlands and providing conservation, wildland restoration, sustainable agriculture, forestry and fire prevention, and education programming to residents in southwestern San Bernardino and northwestern Riverside counties. Governed by a seven-member board of directors appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors in coordination with the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the IERCD covers nearly 1,300 square miles of service area within which a range of biological features and cultural landmarks exist. Thirty biological, educational, project management, and administrative staff work to carry out the District’s vision, both through IERCD-focused projects and in collaborating with a variety of federal, state, and local partners and individuals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

IERCD Forestry Program Support:

• Prepare for and provide forestry technical expertise on a range of public and private projects including developing project details and treatment recommendations.
• Prepare post-fire restoration plans based on research, project and partner knowledge, site resource needs, and mapping, both alone and in collaboration with IERCD staff.
• Support reporting and project tracking for IERCD grant programs.
• Stay well-informed of emerging science and forest health trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor to support program success.

NRCS Program Support:

• In coordination with RCD and NRCS staff in Region 4, identify priority communities and programs for outreach, delivery of guidance and technical assistance, and support with seeking and securing funding under NRCS programs.
• Provide professional technical assistance and guidance to advance NRCS-funded contracts including field surveys and forest inventories; identification of best forestry practices; writing Forest Management Plans; and performing inspections of completed practices.
• Track grant deliverables including landowners reached, acres planned, outreach events held, and other information necessary for quarterly reporting.
• Attend, participate in, and facilitate meetings in support of program deliverables.

COMPENSATION:The position of Forester is a non-exempt full-time position. The position is funded for 24 months with full expectation to continue through acquisition of additional funding. The salary for this position will depend on experience, within an annual range of $66,560 to $85,280.

BENEFITS:Full time IERCD employees receive a health insurance stipend of $940/month to cover insurance expenses and are enrolled in the CalPERS State Retirement Program. The benefit package also includes a $50 monthly phone stipend, $300 monthly mileage stipend for eligible employees, 13 paid holidays, sick leave, and paid vacation after a 6-month probationary period. Field employees receive a personal protective equipment annual allowance. IERCD also offers flexible work scheduling and remote work options within limits of job needs and requirements.

LOCATION: The IERCD is headquartered in Redlands, CA. Work hours are generally Monday-Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm for a 4/10 schedule, but other schedules can be accommodated.

KEY CAPACITIES:

• Highly motivated, organized, and self-directing with the ability to prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate on the planning and approach to a complex project, then execute tasks independently with minimal direction.
• Good listener and clear communicator with ability to maintain positive relationships with supervisors, peers, and partners.
• Must maintain a professional approach to project work characterized by flexibility, positivity, and openness to feedback.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively about forestry programs with community members and partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge of forestry principles and forest management and ability to provide technical guidance on forest management practices.
• Experience completing pre-field planning, fieldwork, and post-field data management as needed for the multiple areas of forest health/fire resilience associated with IERCD grant programs or willingness to rapidly skill-build in this area of work.
• Experience contributing to or developing forest management plans, post-fire restoration plans, or overall strong research and writing skills.
• Ability to prepare detailed and accurate records, reports, and written correspondence.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS programs or willingness to rapidly skill-build in this area of work.
• Ability to walk on rugged terrain and work in inclement weather conditions.
• Possession of a valid CA Driver’s License and auto insurance, as well as reliable transportation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field AND >2 years of related job experience in forestry/fire prevention project management OR >5 years of experience in forestry/fire prevention project management
• Candidates should demonstrate experience in the field and in data collection, provision of technical assistance, and report development

If you do not meet the above qualifications but believe you are well suited to this position, we encourage you to apply and include your reasoning in your cover letter.