Individual Placement - Timber Technician

Position Summary 

The SCA Timber Technician will work alongside U.S. Forest Service staff to support forest management activities in the Boulder Ranger District of the Roosevelt National Forest. This position offers hands-on field experience in forestry operations, timber stand improvement, and data collection, while contributing to the sustainable management of public lands.

A significant portion of time is expected to support the St. Vrain Forest Health project which will help prepare forests and communities to survive wildfire. Timber crew members will assist with timber cruising, laying out and marking cutting-unit boundaries, and utilizing GPS equipment and applications.

Location 

Boulder, CO

Schedule 

June 1, 2026 - September 25, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Conduct timber stand surveys, including measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, and species identification;

• Use GPS equipment and mapping applications to navigate cutting unit boundaries;

• Maintain accurate field notes and enter data into forest management systems (software including Survery123, Field Maps, Avenza, etc.);

• Operate hand tools and forestry equipment safely under supervision or independently

Marginal Duties 

• Assist with cone scouting and seed collection for reforestation efforts;

• Survey seedling regeneration in cutting units and post-fire landscapes;

• Mark cutting unit boundaries with tracer paint;

• Perform contract inspections and post-contract surveys;

• Participate in team meetings and receive training in forestry techniques and safety protocols.

Required Qualifications 

• Must possess a valid driver’s license;

• Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over difficult terrain;

• Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff;

• Have a personal vehicle to travel between the office and housing. All travel to work sites will be in a government vehicle.

This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental sciences, natural resources, or a related field;

• Basic plant and tree identification skills;

• Willingness to work in remote outdoor settings for extended periods of time, often without cell service;

• Comfort driving 4x4 trucks on forest roads and in steep, rugged terrain

Hours 

40 per week

Living Accommodations 

Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost.

Housing at the Nederland Work Center in Nederland, CO is approximately 30 minutes away from the District Office. Lessees will share either a small government house or a large bunkhouse with other SCA or government employees. Housing consists of 3 or 5 small bedrooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen facilities and is minimally furnished. Lessees will be assigned a room with one other individual of the same gender. Laundry is available on site and public WiFi is available in Nederland. Most cellphone service carriers cover the area around the Work Center and the town of Nederland.

Compensation  

• Living Allowance – $600/week

• One-time Travel Allowance – $1,100

• Housing Allowance - $400/month

• Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off)

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. 

Personal Vehicle Information

Not needed

Additional Benefits 

Defensive Driving Training

First Aid/CPR

Off-Road Vehicle Safety

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement 

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Salary : $400