Utility Forester (Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit)

USFS, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, South Lake Tahoe, CA 

This position is located on the Lake Tahoe Management Unit where the incumbent performs functions related to timber sale preparation. The position has responsibility for powerline and other permits within the special uses program.  Performs all phases of permit administration from acceptance of a permit for processing, completion of required NEPA, permit preparation, correspondence, inspections, and resolution of non-compliance issues.

A Temporary Special Assignment (TSA) employee is one who is hired for a specific temporary assignment external from the institute’s administrative operations with one of GBI’s partners for 52 weeks or greater or less than 52 weeks and may work full-time (30 or more hours per week) or part-time (less than 30 hours per week).

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

Forester Duties: 

• Evaluates logging problems and determines most feasible logging method, considering tractor, skyline or helicopter. Gathers or directs the gathering of data for logging system analysis such as road access, skyline profiles, and landing location suitability.
• Performs or directs on-the-ground timber sale and cutting unit boundary layout considering such factors as accessibility, logability, stream protection, visual management, and impacts on other resources, utilizing direction provided in the approved Environmental Assessment (EA).
• Manages conventional types of logging systems appraisals, completes timber sale appraisals to determine value, and prepares timber sale or stewardship contracts. Is proficient in and utilizes the Timber Information Manager (TIM) computer system.
• Coordinates with engineering personnel to assure that location of logging roads and landings are correct.  Coordinates with wildlife, fisheries, hydrology and soils to ensure mitigation required in the EA is met.
• Shows proposed sale areas to prospective purchasers, contractors or interested parties, and explains terms of sale and contract requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Special Uses Duties:

• Processes special use permits (land use, recreation, and non-recreation), making certain the use to be made of the land is compatible with Forest Service programs and objectives and that each permit fully protects the public interest.  Prepares special use permits in final form for supervisor's review. 
• Is responsible for internal coordination and review of permits. This includes preparation or assisting in the preparation of the environmental analysis report for a variety of interdisciplinary functions. Participates on, or leads the interdisciplinary team planning effort. 
• Develops and executes comprehensive lands work and budget plans to gain optimum work performance in accordance with Forest policies, programs and budgets. Exercises functional program control through inspections to assure fulfillment of permit terms, as well as recreation and lands demands and determines technical and administrative assistance as needed.  Corrects deficiencies when found and keeps supervisor informed. 
• Participates with other staff in the review and analysis of the recreation and lands resources.  Is directly involved in the decision making and planning process and provides direction to the program.  Makes periodic inspections of applicable construction projects to determine if changes are needed or other action is necessary. 
• Enforces Agency regulations and Federal laws including issuance of violation warnings and notices. As assigned, investigates and completes reports on trespasses and other violations.     
• Participates in training sessions on recreation and lands activities.   Prepares annual work plans in support of the Special Uses Program.

LOCATION

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU), South Lake Tahoe, CA

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a United States National Forest that manages and protects public land surrounding Lake Tahoe and the Lake Tahoe Basin. Straddling the state borders of California and Nevada in the Sierra Nevada Range, the LTBMU encompasses 154,851 acres (626 km2) of National Forest system lands. The LTBMU is a unique inter-mix of forest and urban communities, presenting challenges and complexities few other National Forests experience. Since its establishment in 1973, the LTBMU has become a pioneer and leader in the science of forest and ecosystem management.

WORK SCHEDULE

This position is seasonal, running from April 13 - October 30, 2026,  with start and end dates dependent on project and weather conditions. Foresters typically work five 8-hour days per week. TSA employees are eligible for holiday pay, subject to partner approval, and will follow the partner’s holiday schedule unless otherwise specified in the employment offer. TSAs working four 10-hour days per week will receive 10 hours of pay for holidays; those working five 8-hour days per week will receive 8 hours of pay for holidays.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The position offers a competitive wage of $32.46 per hour, with overtime compensation at 1.5 times the hourly rate. This is a full-time role, averaging 40 hours per week.

In addition to a competitive base salary, the position includes company-paid, comprehensive benefits:

1. Medical, dental (with an option for upgraded coverage), and vision insurance
2. A $25,000 Life/AD&D policy
3. Voluntary short-term and long-term disability insurance
4. Optional Life/AD&D coverage for family members
5. Mental health support resources
6. Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual and paid holidays

TSA employees who serve a term of less than 52 weeks, with a break of 30 days or fewer, and then sign a subsequent term that, when combined, exceeds 52 weeks of employment, will be eligible for benefits typically provided to full-time employees.

This exciting opportunity contributes to GBI's significant positive impacts in the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

1. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 
   1. 3-5 years of experience in utility vegetation management.
   2. Proficient with GIS Application experience (i.e., Arc Collector, Fulcrum)
   3. Strong organizational/time management skills
   4. Excellent communication both verbal and written with attention to detail.
   5. Must be proficient in using technology including cell phone, tablet, apps, GPS, Microsoft Office Suite, and range finders.
   6. Ability to read and follow Maps
   7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
   8. Ability to work and hike in rugged terrain and in inclement weather
   9. Ability to work long hours and on your feet for 40 hours a week
   10. Ability to respond to public concerns and questions about the work
   11. Ability to respond and answer Contractor's questions and concerns about work specifications and requirements.
   12. Pro-Actively promote Safety & Maintain a Safe Work Environment
2. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field is preferred. Relevant coursework should be completed by the position’s start date.
3. Experience: 3-5 years of experience in utility vegetation management.
4. Background Check: Successful completion of a criminal background check is required as a condition of employment for this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact bcarlile@gbinstitute.org.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

There is exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

NOTE: All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.

Salary : $32