Reforestation Field Technician; WA

Our Mission in Action

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150 years, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all.

The scale of reforestation loss in the U.S. is currently outpacing natural recovery. With millions of acres impacted by high severity wildfire, disease, and severe weather events, American Forests and the USDA Forest Service have partnered to accelerate reforestation efforts on National Forest System lands. As a Field Technician, you will be part of a four‑person crew dedicated to high‑priority reforestation projects.

You will be responsible for the technical, physical work that ensures new forests will grow, from site assessment and monitoring to coordinating complex field logistics. Working under the guidance of an American Forests Field Manager, with support from regional USFS staff, you will gain direct experience in large‑scale forest restoration and collaborative partnerships. Successful applicants must be located within reasonable distance of priority projects and partnerships, and positions will typically travel throughout 60% of the field season.

• Complete on‑ground reforestation surveys (natural regeneration, stocking, and survival, including of IUCN Endangered species Whitebark Pine).
• Use a tablet to record and interpret spatial data in ESRI Field Maps, Survey
  123, and other applications.
• Inspect planting, site preparation, or fuels management contracts, and maintain documentation of reforestation activities in appropriate formats and databases.
• Layout units for planting, site preparation, or fuels management.
• Cone collection: preparation, cone surveys, tree climbing, and/or inspection of cone collection contracts.
• Post‑collection maintenance of cone bushels and transport of cones from USFS facilities to seed extractories.
• Inventory wild seed trees selected for genetic suitability.
• Inventory planted seed orchard sites.
• Perform all tasks in accordance with safety policies, including use of company equipment responsibly and respectfully.
• Coordinate with research scientists whose studies are being implemented as part of the post‑recovery project area.
• Coordinate and/or participate in project‑level multi‑party surveys and/or monitoring.

• Attend field safety trainings offered through American Forests and participating National Forest units.
• Coordinate field crew work schedules and travel logistics.
• Support Field Managers in tracking and recording reforestation accomplishment data into American Forests and USDA Forest Service databases.

• Ideal candidates should have, or be in pursuit of, an associate’s or bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Conservation Biology or related field, including but not limited to wildlife management, range management, agriculture, soil science, or conservation of natural resources, or two years’ experience in natural resource management, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Prior field experience working in forestry and natural resources, or a related field is highly desired.
• Must be familiar with forest ecosystems in the desired U.S. region, sustainable forestry, and natural resource conservation practices and principles.
• Must have the ability to navigate using a directional compass and topographical maps.
• Self‑starter with high dependability, keen attention to detail, willingness to learn, and excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and written, sufficient to convey information and instructions to the public and colleagues. Ability to speak Spanish is highly desired.
• M…