We are seeking one Forest Restoration Crew Leader to advance our Climate Adaptation Forest Resilience project on the Conservancy’s 17,000 acre Tug Hill Conservation Area. This project aims to improve the health and function of northern hardwood forests by improving regeneration and increasing species diversity and structure through regeneration plantings, timber harvests and understory management. Successful candidates will work as a team in assisting with tree plantings, collecting forest health data throughout the forest restoration stands and implementing understory management improvements. This position will work closely with other TNC staff, regional partners and contractors to accomplish project tasks.
The Forest Restoration Crew Leader coordinates the collection of forest health monitoring, implements timber stand improvement strategies and underplant tree species in harvested stands in consultation with supervisor, by leading other crew members. This may include one or more of the following functions:
- Establishing and/or relocating permanent monitoring plots to collect various forest health metrics.
- Use of power tools and hand tools for timber stand improvement strategies
- Application of herbicides to control interfering vegetation.
- Planting hardwood and softwood seedlings.
- Operating off-road vehicles in a remote forest setting.
- Record and document detailed quantitative and qualitative data.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- At least one year’s training in science-related field or related experience in land management
- Experience in recognizing New York flora and fauna
- Experience operating various types of equipment (ATV, 4-wheel drive truck, canoe)
- Experience performing physical work.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with forest ecology, forestry or ecosystem restoration preferred.
- Ability to identify tree species and plant species as required after field training.
- Experience leading field crews, teams or other groups.
- Experience collecting forest data, conducting forest inventories or timber cruises.
- Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.; chainsaws, brush cutters, ATVs).
- Comfortable and able to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision in a remote setting.
- Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather
- Working knowledge of GPS technology.