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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Forestry Assistant

💰 $35,000 - $55,000

Natural ResourcesEnvironmental ScienceAgricultureField Work

🎯 Role Definition

The Forestry Assistant is a vital, hands-on role supporting the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources. As a key member of our forestry team, you will be instrumental in implementing forest management plans, collecting crucial field data, and performing a wide range of silvicultural activities. This position requires a passion for the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work in challenging terrain and weather conditions. You will directly contribute to the health, productivity, and resilience of our forests by assisting professional foresters and technicians in all aspects of fieldwork, from timber cruising and tree planting to fire prevention and ecosystem monitoring.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Recent Graduate (Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science)
  • Seasonal Field Technician or Crew Member
  • Landscaping or Arboriculture Technician

Advancement To:

  • Forestry Technician or Senior Technician
  • Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Forester-in-Training
  • Silviculture Specialist or Forest Health Specialist

Lateral Moves:

  • GIS Technician (with a focus on natural resources)
  • Environmental Technician or Conservation Officer
  • Wildland Firefighter

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive forest inventories and timber cruises by measuring tree diameter, height, and species to assess timber volume, quality, and stand health.
  • Perform silvicultural treatments including manual tree planting, seedling care, pre-commercial thinning, and pruning to promote healthy forest regeneration and growth.
  • Utilize GPS units, GIS software (like ArcGIS/QGIS), and mobile data collection applications to navigate, collect spatial data, and map forest stands, roads, and treatment areas.
  • Mark timber sale boundaries, property lines, and riparian management zones with flagging and paint according to detailed prescriptions and maps.
  • Operate and perform routine maintenance on forestry equipment such as chainsaws, brush saws, ATVs/UTVs, and 4x4 trucks in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Assist in the implementation of prescribed burning plans by preparing fire lines, deploying equipment, and monitoring fire behavior under direct supervision.
  • Conduct surveys for forest pests, invasive species, and diseases, documenting location and severity to support integrated pest management strategies.
  • Collect and record a wide variety of field data related to soil conditions, vegetation plots, water quality, and wildlife habitats using established scientific protocols.
  • Participate in trail construction and maintenance, ensuring recreational trails are safe, accessible, and environmentally sound.
  • Assist professional foresters in preparing reports, management plans, and operational summaries by compiling and organizing field data.
  • Assess seedling survival and growth rates through formal regeneration surveys to determine the success of reforestation efforts.
  • Respond to and provide support during wildfire suppression activities as part of an initial attack crew or in a logistical support capacity.
  • Perform site preparation activities, including mechanical and chemical treatments, to create optimal conditions for natural regeneration or planting.
  • Calibrate and maintain scientific and technical field equipment, ensuring accuracy and readiness for data collection tasks.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with public outreach events and educational programs related to forest stewardship, fire safety, and sustainable forestry practices.
  • Support nursery operations, including sowing seeds, tending to seedlings, and preparing stock for outplanting.
  • Monitor contractor operations, such as harvesting and site preparation, to ensure compliance with contractual and environmental standards.
  • Perform basic road maintenance tasks, including clearing culverts, brushing roadsides, and repairing signs to maintain access to forest lands.
  • Collect cones and other native seeds for reforestation and genetic conservation programs.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed daily logs of activities, hours, and equipment usage for project tracking and reporting.
  • Participate actively in all safety meetings and adhere strictly to all company and regulatory safety protocols and procedures.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Tree & Plant Identification: Strong ability to identify common tree species, understory vegetation, and invasive plants native to the region.
  • GPS/GIS Proficiency: Competency in using handheld GPS devices for navigation and data collection, and basic familiarity with GIS software like ArcGIS Field Maps, Avenza, or QGIS.
  • Chainsaw Operation: Proven skill in safely operating and maintaining chainsaws; formal certification (e.g., S-212) is highly desirable.
  • Data Collection & Management: Experience with field data recorders, tablets, and standardized data entry protocols to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • 4x4 & ATV/UTV Operation: Valid driver's license and experience safely operating four-wheel-drive vehicles and all-terrain vehicles on rough, unimproved roads.
  • Forest Mensuration: Knowledge of and ability to use forestry measurement tools such as a diameter tape (d-tape), Biltmore stick, clinometer, and increment borer.

Soft Skills

  • Physical Fitness & Stamina: Ability to perform strenuous physical labor for extended periods in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
  • Strong Work Ethic & Self-Motivation: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision and maintaining productivity in remote settings.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work and communicate effectively as part of a small, interdependent crew.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to marking boundaries, collecting data, and following complex instructions to ensure high-quality outcomes.
  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Ability to remain flexible and find practical solutions when faced with unexpected challenges in the field.
  • Safety Consciousness: A deep commitment to personal and team safety, with the ability to identify and mitigate workplace hazards.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED combined with relevant work experience.
  • An Associate's Degree or Technical Diploma in a relevant field is often preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Forestry / Forest Management
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Environmental Science or Studies
  • Conservation Biology
  • Geography (with a GIS focus)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years. This is an entry-level to early-career position.

Preferred:

  • Prior experience in a seasonal or internship role involving physically demanding outdoor work such as wildland firefighting, trail crew, landscaping, or previous forestry technician work.
  • Demonstrable experience working in a team environment in remote or outdoor settings.
  • Familiarity with the specific ecosystems, tree species, and land management challenges of the geographic region.
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