Lead Forestry Technician - Tahoe National Forest

Lead Forestry Technician - Tahoe National Forest

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Open Position:
Lead Forestry Technician – Yuba River Ranger District

Start Date: May 11th, 2026 (05/11/2026)

Estimated End Date: Fall 2026
Commitment: 16‑week minimum

Location: Yuba River Ranger District (Nevada City, California).

The ACE Lead Forestry Technician will lead a small marking crew performing a variety of timber sale preparation (TSP) duties that include timber marking (45%), timber cruising (20%), and sale layout (25%) of both ground and aerial systems as part of the forest health partnership. Office work, meetings, and training (10%) round out the role. The placement facilitates professional development and exposure to land‑management agencies, offering opportunities to gain experience in different conservation fields and shadow various work groups.

• Monitors and leads prep crew in performing unit layout and marking and cruising of timber.
• Independently applies silvicultural prescriptions and marking guides to designate timber.
• Brings to the attention of responsible individuals, situations on the ground that are inconsistent with guidelines. Acts as a certified timber cruiser and applies the instructions issued in cruise plans.
• Takes and records tree measurements, and determines defects.
• Observes and reports areas of possible archaeological significance, and sightings of sensitive, threatened or endangered wildlife species.
• Determines and delineates harvest unit boundaries, proper location of roads, and maps units.
• Planning, decisions, and judgments made in this position affect long‑term timber management activities, other resources, and forest health.
• Accuracy of the work affects the quality of residual resource values such as timber stands, visual quality, water quality, and all resources related to timber harvest.

Monday – Thursday, approximately 7:00 am–5:30 pm. Occasional Fridays, if necessary. May include staying at barracks near Emigrant Gap during the work week due to travel distance to some sites.

Living Allowance: $1,010 per week (40 h/week) dispersed bi‑weekly.

Housing: Not provided by ACE. Daily bunk rates of roughly $7–$20 per day may be available from the Forest. A Housing Allowance of up to $280/week may be available. Local candidates encouraged to apply.

Gear Allowance: New members may spend up to $500 on eligible gear purchases; returning members or FS employees up to $250. Eligible gear includes boots, work pants, hiking socks; must be approved by ACE and Forest Service staff.

Training/Orientation: ACE members receive position‑specific training and an orientation outlining policies, prohibited activities, and support networks. Training may include timber cruising, Wilderness First Aid. Members may spend up to $500 on eligible training or professional development, approved by ACE and Forest Service staff.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

Required

• Authorized to work in the United States; no visa sponsorship.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization positively and enthusiastically.
• Self‑directed, able to work alone, and a positive contributing member of a group.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record; 21 + required for driving due to insurance requirements.
• Willing to undergo and pass required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform essential duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Complete bi‑weekly timesheets, beginning‑term feedback forms, end‑term evaluations, and, for longer terms, a mid‑term evaluation.
• May not participate in any prohibited activities listed in the Member Service Agreement.

Preferred

• Degree or pursuit in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, etc., or relevant experience in those areas.
• Responsible for establishing accomplishment priorities, distributing workload among employees, and reporting progress.
• Working knowledge of forest practices and techniques, including silvicultural prescriptions, GPS, maps, environmental…