Lead Forestry Technician

Lead Forestry Technician – American Conservation Experience

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps that partners with the U.S. Forest Service, is seeking one Lead Forestry Technician to work in the Tahoe National Forest, American River Ranger District.

Start Date: May 4th, 2026 (05/04/2026)

Estimated End Date: November 13th, 2026 (11/13/2026)

Commitment: 16‑week minimum.

Location: American River Ranger District (Foresthill, California). The district lies in Foresthill, a mountain community 17 miles east of Auburn, surrounded by national forest and recreation areas.

The ACE Lead Forestry Technician will lead a small marking crew performing timber sale preparation (TSP) duties, including timber marking, cruising, and sale layout of ground and aerial systems. The role also promotes professional development and exposure to land‑management agencies.

• Timber Sale Layout (75%): Flagging, boundary marking, GPS tracking, and application of silvicultural prescriptions to mark timber.
• Timber Cruising (15%): Independent application of silvicultural prescriptions, marking guides, and cruise plan instructions.
• Office Tasks (10%): Documentation, timesheet entry, reports, and communication with partners.

• Lead crew in unit layout, marking, and cruising of timber.
• Record tree measurements and identify defects.
• Report potential archeological or wildlife issues.
• Determine harvest unit boundaries and road placement.
• Ensure work aligns with long‑term timber management and forest‑health goals.

Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 5:30 pm; occasional Fridays as needed. Work may include staying overnight at forest barracks near Emigrant Gap.

• Living Allowance: $1,015 per week, bi‑weekly disbursed.
• Gear Allowance: Up to $500 for new members; $250 for returning members or FS employees.
• Training/Orientation: Position‑specific training, Wilderness First Aid, and up to $500 for approved professional development.
• Housing: No housing provided; daily bunk rates $7–$20 via the Forest; up to $280 per week housing allowance for local candidates.
• Hiring Authority: Eligibility for federal hiring authority after completion of 640 service hours.

Required:

• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Professional representation of ACE and partner organization.
• Self‑directed and collaborative work ethic.
• Valid driver’s license with insurable driving record; 21+ for driving.
• Pass required criminal history checks.
• Perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete bi‑weekly timesheets and evaluation forms.
• Adhere to the Member Service Agreement on prohibited activities.

Preferred:

• Degree or coursework in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, or related field.
• Leadership experience involving safety and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of forest practices, GPS, mapping, and silvicultural prescriptions.
• Tree measurement, species identification, defect recognition, and timber cruising tools proficiency.
• Familiarity with timber cruise computer programs and other resource areas such as wildlife or archaeology.

• Frequent walking, hiking, carrying, and office tasks; stamina for 30‑50 lbs lift.
• Exposure to outdoor weather, uneven terrain, insects, and hazardous plants.
• Noise from chainsaws, hand tools, and office equipment.
• Domestic travel possible.

Submit resume, cover letter detailing interest and experience, and contact info for three references to ACE’s online application. Early application consideration. Contact Project Director Al Richert at arichert for questions.

ACE participates in E‑Verify and will provide Form I‑9 information to confirm U.S. work authorization. Employment is based on qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and other protected categories.

Salary: $1,015 per week