TES Forest Management Assistant

Auburn University; Opelika (AL); Hybrid; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Auburn University in Alabama is seeking a Seasonal Forest Management Technician to support AU-owned lands in the Lee County area with timber cruising, data collection, road maintenance, weed control and related tasks.

The position emphasizes equipment maintenance of small engines and forestry tools, with occasional travel to MOT, North Auburn, and Crooked Oaks for events and tours; Temporary Employment Services (TES) coordinates staffing needs.

Qualifications

• Experience with small engine repair
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's License

Responsibilities

• Timber cruising and boundary line marking
• Field data collection and data entry
• Forest road and trail maintenance
• Weed control and invasive species management
• Assisting with prescribed fire operations
• Equipment maintenance and repair (primary emphasis)
• Operation of farm and forestry equipment (mowers, weed eaters, bush hogs, drip torches, etc.)
• Assisting with events and tours at MOT, North Auburn, and Crooked Oaks
• Cleaning and organizing AU forestry facilities and storage areas
• General maintenance of AU forest lands and associated infrastructure

Skills

Small engine repair

Education

High School Diploma

Valid Driver's License

Job description

Overview

The Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment (CFWE) is seeking a Seasonal Forest Management Technician to assist property managers with ongoing forest management and land stewardship projects on AU-owned lands in the Lee County area. Primary responsibilities include timber cruising, boundary line marking, field data collection, data entry, forest road maintenance, weed control, prescribed fire assistance, invasive species management, and general upkeep of AU forest properties.

This position will have a strong emphasis on equipment maintenance and repair, including small engines and commonly used forestry tools. The technician may also travel to properties such as Mary Olive Thomas (MOT), North Auburn, and Crooked Oaks to assist with events, tours, and property hosting. Additional duties include supporting the AU Forestry Manager with cleaning and organizing facilities such as the MOT pavilion, forestry tool shed, and forest products storage shed.

Temporary Employment Services (TES), a unit of the Auburn University Department of Human Resources, is an in-house support center established to meet the temporary employment needs of the university. TES provides qualified and dedicated temporary employees in a wide variety of occupations to meet the staffing needs throughout the campus. Temporary employees are hired for a variety of reasons with the most common being:

• Assistance in the place of a regular employee who is absent for a specified period of time
• Additional assistance during periods of abnormal or peak workloads
• Assistance with special projects
• Seasonal work
• Emergencies

If you are looking for an employment opportunity, TES is a great way to showcase your professional skills and assist Auburn University while gaining valuable work experience within higher education.

AU students are not eligible for TES.

Responsibilities

• Timber cruising and boundary line marking
• Field data collection and data entry
• Forest road and trail maintenance
• Weed control and invasive species management
• Assisting with prescribed fire operations
• Equipment maintenance and repair (primary emphasis)
• Operation of farm and forestry equipment (mowers, weed eaters, bush hogs, drip torches, etc.)
• Assisting with events and tours at MOT, North Auburn, and Crooked Oaks
• Cleaning and organizing AU forestry facilities and storage areas
• General maintenance of AU forest lands and associated infrastructure

Qualifications

• Experience with small engine repair
• High School Diploma
• Valid Driver's License

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Basic tree identification skills
• Proficiency in small engine troubleshooting and repairing small engines and equipment
• Proficiency with operating farm or forestry equipment (mowers, weed eaters, bush hogs, drip torches, etc.)
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in outdoor environments
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining tools, facilities, and equipment
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities

Why Work at Auburn?

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence: We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You: Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama: The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.

Equal Opportunity Compliance Statement

It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.