Forest Operations Specialist I

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Apply by September 20th

Summary

This is a posting for up to four seasonal, Forest Operations Specialist I positions for the Yosemite Rivers Alliance functioning out of our Sonora office. The Forest Operations Specialist I will help implement forest health projects within the Stanislaus National Forest. This position is seasonal through the remaining 2026 season which will end November 2026. In addition, this position will not be eligible for benefits. This position is grant-funded and will include an average of 40 hours of work per week, depending on the weather and availability. 

Information

Working under the guidance and supervision of Yosemite Rivers Alliance Project Managers, the Forest Operations Specialist I will conduct activities such as site inspections, assisting in project implementation, documentation, GIS data entry, unit layout and flagging, and forest inventory tasks. The chosen candidates will work on a variety of projects related to programs in wildfire recovery and forest health. Working in close partnership with the Stanislaus National Forest, Forest Operations Specialists will participate in fuels management and reforestation efforts in the SERAL Landscape and areas impacted by the 2013 Rim Fire as well as other forest health project sites in the National Forest. This will include assisting staff on a variety of tasks related to fuel breaks, forest project monitoring, reforestation, and laying out units for forest health treatments.

The ideal candidate has experience with field work with a background in forestry, natural resources, forest health and fire resiliency. They must have a working knowledge of forestry, forest management, silviculture, forest ecology and related resource concerns, ideally with experience relevant to Sierra Nevada forests and plant communities. A demonstrated ability to be self-directed is ideal.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Field work related to forest health treatments, including

    • Reforestation survival exams and stocking surveys

    • Support of release contracts for reforestation sites

    • Forest inventory

    • Site inspections

    • Quality control and quality assurance

    • Project layout

    • Field inventory

    • Flagging

  • Using field GIS tools, including Esri Field Maps and ArcGIS Online

  • Assisting with the implementation of reforestation work, monitoring, and inspections on public land

  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes:

  • 1-3 field seasons of relevant experience in forestry, natural resources, restoration, or similarly rigorous outdoor work OR

  • College background in forestry, silviculture, forest ecology, natural resources management, or a closely- related field, with field application of material emphasized in curriculum.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public

  • Knowledge of forestry, reforestation, silviculture, vegetation management, wildfire behavior, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and forest ecology

  • A team player who is able to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences, particularly in challenging site conditions over long days and in inclement weather.

  • Strong computer skills, including Word and Excel

  • Ability to learn project management programs such as Asana and Box.

  • Ability to type efficiently and clearly for communication and reporting purposes.

  • Has a strong commitment to safety in the field.

  • Must have a valid California driver’s license.

Travel

Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. Primary mode of transportation to work sites will be utilizing Yosemite Rivers Alliance’s fleet of work vehicles, but personal vehicle use (with mileage reimbursement at current IRS rate provided) may at times be necessary. Enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice program and proof of a valid California Driver’s license and insurance will be required at the time of employment. 

Additional Details

This position will be based out of our Sonora office and report to a Forest Health Project Manager II. This seasonal, hourly, non-benefitted and grant-funded position will pay $24 – 28 per hour. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be at or near the lower end of the range. A candidate will land higher on the range according to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications. 

The Forest Operations Specialist will be required to work in person out of the Sonora office; the ability to perform office tasks remotely is available at the discretion of Forest Health Department Leadership.   In addition, the position will be subject to a 4/10 schedule (Mon-Thurs) through the end of October and a 5/8 schedule during the off-season.  

Essential Job Functions: 

  • Work is primarily performed outdoors, in uneven, rural terrain including river and creek fronts, agricultural fields, and forests.

  • Must be able to traverse long distances while navigating through heavy brush and uneven or steep terrain up to 4 hours per day.

  • This position performs manual labor, by use of a range of hand tools, equipment, and materials, up to 8 hours per day.

  • Manual labor entails utilizing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for tasks such as digging, cutting, and pounding.

  • Frequently transports supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds up to 8 hours per day.

  • Exposure to heat, cold, rain, sun, and other challenging weather conditions.

  • Field work may require working in potentially hazardous environments which may expose employees to chemicals, allergens, or other irritants, requiring appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment. Spends up to 4 hours per day in a vehicle and frequently operates said vehicle.

  • Occasionally (up to 10% of the time) work is performed in an office environment. Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (up to 8 hours per day), move items weighing up to 25 pounds, and move through the office and ascend/descend stairs.

  • Frequent repetitive clerical tasks including but not limited to operation of a computer keyboard, mouse, phone, tablet, and printer.

  • May be required to work overtime and or weekends. 

To Apply

Please send an email with cover letter and resume as pdf attachments with subject heading “Forest Operations Specialist I” to jobs@yosemiterivers.org. To be considered for the first round of applications, submit your materials by September 20th. We will continue to receive applications after this date. If a suitable candidate is not found in the first round of applications, we will pull from this pool of applicants. The anticipated start date is early October.

About Yosemite Rivers Alliance

Yosemite Rivers Alliance is the voice for the rivers that define California’s Sierra heartland — the Tuolumne, Merced, and Stanislaus. We promote stewardship of these rivers and their tributaries to ensure healthy watersheds, from the peaks of Yosemite National Park to the San Francisco Bay. We are the only organization working throughout all three watersheds, linking Sierra and Central Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain communities and Bay Area urban centers.

In 2025, we expanded our mission and became Yosemite Rivers Alliance — carrying forward a proven legacy while stepping into a broader responsibility to protect the interconnected rivers that sustain millions of people and countless species across the region.

For more information, visit yosemiterivers.org.

Yosemite Rivers is an equal opportunity employer.  We believe that a varied staff of qualified, intelligent, highly skilled and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.