Reforestation Field Technician
American Forests
Reforestation Technician, Beech Creek GRMA
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, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Reforestation Technician to join our Resilient Forests team.
What You’ll Do
As a part of the team, you will be responsible for assisting the USDA Forest Service's Orchard Manager with the development, planning, and application of cultural practices that support health and productivity of seed orchard and seed production areas located at the Beech Creek Genetic Resource Management Areas (GRMA) on the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina and the Chilhowee GRMA located on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee.
In partnership with the USDA Forest Service, this position will assist USDA Forest Service staff ensure the effective maintenance, production, and record-keeping of trees and native plants to support reforestation and restoration initiatives on National Forests across the Southeast. Several different tree species (e.g., conifer and hardwood) and native plants, are involved, requiring implementing different schemes to accomplish seed production objectives.
Specific responsibilities include:
Maintenance and Improvement- Seed Orchards and Seed Production Areas (85%)
- Maintaining seed orchards and seed production areas at the Beech Creek and Chilhowee GRMAs on National Forest System lands.
- Performing field work to monitor cone development, and to collect cones.
- Assisting with monitoring seed orchard health and productivity and implementing improvement treatments.
- Implementing chemical and mechanical control of weeds and orchard understory and dead tree removal.
- Completing field inspections of contractors performing orchard operations such as thinning, road maintenance, and fence construction.
- Applying fertilization regimes to meet project objectives.
- Field monitoring for insect and disease damage, determining treatment options, and implementing treatments.
- Assisting with scouting and establishing new seed orchards.
- Propagating and cultivating plant species used in revegetation projects (e.g., rivercane).
- Collecting and grafting of scion to rootstock and out-planting.
- Assisting in the establishment of tree conservation areas.
- Collecting soil or foliar samples for nutrient analysis and assisting with data entry.
- Collecting and maintaining data on orchard trees and cone crops.
- Recording growth and phenology measurements.
- Helping maintain facilities and equipment associated with seed orchards.
- Monitoring for damaging agents and helping determine the need for control methods.
- Monitoring growth for cone production.
- Monitoring insects and diseases or other genetically controlled damaging agents.
Partnership & Coordination (5%)
- Serving as the on-site liaison between American Forests and the USDA Forest Service.
- Submitting timely progress reports, and documentation, as needed.
- Participating in regional meetings and events as needed to support reforestation and seed strategy goals.
- Participating in training and safety meetings.
- Maintaining compliance with environmental guidelines.
Other Duties as Assigned (10%):
- Assisting American Forests’ staff in the delivery of relevant in-person meetings, conferences, and events.
- As assigned, performs resource work in other areas, such as timber stand thinning, pruning, wildlife habitat improvement, fisheries habitat improvement, recreation maintenance, timber marking, road clearing and other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.
- At least 1 year of experience in orchard management, forestry nursery operations, silviculture, or seed production. Knowledge of genetic resources and seed orchard management, forest genetics and tree improvement methods, and forestry, silviculture, and nursery procedures.
- Skills needed to safely operate a tractor, lifts, zero turn commercial mowers, Chainsaws, hand augers, leaf blowers weed eaters, UTVs, and other equipment.
- Adaptive mindset and ability to navigate work situations with moderate complexity.
- An understanding of conventional techniques and practices to manage and grow improved trees.
- Communications skills and ability to connect regularly with USDA Forest Service partners.
- Ability to perform field work that requires walking, standing, stooping, and bending up to eight hours per day. It also requires lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.
- Willingness to work 90% outdoors with exposure to all types of weather.
- Organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to operate and maintain field tools, tractors, zero turn commercial mowers, Chainsaws, hand augers, leaf blowers weed eaters, UTVs, and other equipment.
- Associates degree in relevant field or at least 3 years of experience
- Familiarity with USDA Forest Service handbooks, manuals, land use plans, and guides.
- Familiarity with Southeastern Forest ecosystems.
- Proficiency in using field data collection.
Reporting and Supervision
The Reforestation Technician will work under the supervision of American Forests’ Senior Manager, Southeast Forest Genetics and in close coordination with USDA Forest Service partners. The Reforestation Technician might engage regional partners including but not limited to state forestry agencies, state wildlife agencies, forestry consultants, contractors, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and other public and private landowners as appropriate. This position will be employed by American Forests, with a work plan developed collaboratively by American Forests and the USDA Forest Service Day-to-day tasks and on-site priorities will be directed by the USDA Forest Service's Orchard Manager at the Beech Creek GRMA.
Working Conditions
This position is based on-site at the Beech Creek GRMA on the Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina with additional work on the Chilhowee GRMA on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee. Driving time between the 2 GRMAs is approximately 1 hr. The work will take place primarily in outdoor, forested environments 90%), with some administrative tasks performed at partner facilities (10%). Exposure to hot, cold, or wet conditions is to be expected. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices will be required. A vehicle will be provided for regular travel within the GRMA for fieldwork, and periodic travel to meetings and conferences. The Reforestation Technician will be provided with necessary equipment and support from both American Forests and the USDA Forest Service.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. The budgeted hourly rate is between $23 - $26 per hour. Our benefits package includes:
Health and Wellness | Work-Life Balance | Financial and Retirement |
Medical, Dental, & Vision | Vacation & Sick Leave | 401(k) with Match |
Employee Assistance Program | Paid Holidays | Flexible Spending Accounts |
Disability Insurance | Parental Bonding Leave | Technology Stipend |
Life and AD&D Insurance | Bereavement Leave |
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Pet Benefits | Military Leave |
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Our Core Competencies
Attitude • Communication • Organization • Problem-Solving & Creativity • Representing the Organization
About Us
American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.