Department of the Interior

Forestry Technician

Arcata, California Full time

Forestry Technician

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Arcata, California

Salary Range: $50460 - $65599 Per Year

Job Summary: Get paid to work outdoors while making a real impact on forest health and sustainability by collecting field data, supporting timber and reforestation projects, and using GIS technology. This hands-on role offers the chance to build valuable forestry experience and directly contribute to managing and protecting public lands. These seasonal positions are located in Arcata, CA and Redding, CA. We expect to fill 2 vacancies at this time, however additional vacancies may be filled if available.

Major Duties:

  • Conducts forestry fieldwork and data collection to support forest management programs, including timber inventories, stand examinations, and resource monitoring activities.
  • Assists in the planning and implementation of forestry projects such as timber sales, reforestation, thinning, and insect and disease control treatments.
  • Performs timber cruising and sampling using established methods to estimate timber volume and compile data for forest inventory and sale preparation.
  • Supports timber sale preparation and administration by conducting reconnaissance, unit layout, boundary marking, and monitoring contractor compliance with contract terms.
  • Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS, and other automated tools to collect, map, and analyze forestry data and maintain accurate records.
  • May serve as a crew lead on forestry projects by organizing work assignments, providing guidance to team members, and ensuring work is completed safely and efficiently.

Qualifications: In order to be rated as qualified for this position, we must be able to determine that you meet the qualification requirements - please be sure to include this information in your resume. No assumptions will be made about your experience. You must possess one (1) full year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-06 level that is equivalent in difficulty and complexity as indicated by the following examples: Assisting with or conducting forest inventories, timber stand exams, or resource monitoring using established forestry methods and techniques. Collecting, compiling, and reviewing forestry data for accuracy and entering data into automated systems or databases for analysis. Assisting in the implementation of forestry treatments such as reforestation, thinning, slash disposal, or insect and disease control. Supporting timber sale preparation or administration, including reconnaissance, unit layout, boundary marking, or monitoring contractor compliance. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS), GPS, and maps to support forestry projects and resource planning activities. OR Successful completion of one full year of graduate education directly related to forestry or natural resource management. Examples of qualifying fields include forestry, natural resources, range management, conservation, biology, ecology, environmental science, agriculture, soil science, watershed management, or other closely related disciplines. OR A combination of qualifying education and specialized experience. If using education to qualify, you must submit copies of all transcripts or a list of college courses that include hours and grades from an accredited U.S. college/university. See Required Documents section for more information. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement. Physical Demands: Work may range from sedentary when completing administrative duties to frequent field work requiring a considerable amount of walking, riding, stopping, bending, and/or lifting. Field work may occasionally require climbing trees and ladders. Work Environment: Office work is performed in a lighted, heated, or air-conditioned office. A majority of the time may be spent in the field where exposure to extreme heat or cold, rough terrain, insects, snakes, wild animals, and other hazards are common. Some duties may require working at heights and may require personal protective equipment or other safety precautions.

How to Apply: This position uses an online application process through USAJOBS. You must submit your complete application by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 05/07/2026 If you need help applying online, contact blm_ca_hrall@blm.gov, be sure to include the vacancy title and number in your request. Application Steps Create or log in to your USAJOBS account. You must have a current resume uploaded to your account. Click "Apply" on this announcement to begin the application. Complete the online application and questionnaire. Note - You will only be considered for the eligibility options you select. You must submit supporting documentation to verify each eligibility claimed. Upload documents and review your application. Make sure all required documents are included before submitting. Reminder resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. Submit your application. Applications with missing or incomplete information may not be considered. You may check the status of your application by logging into your USAJOBS account. All submitted applications appear on your account home page, along with the date they were last updated. We recommend checking your application before the announcement closes to make sure it is complete. It is your responsibility to submit a resume, online questionnaire, and all required documents by the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-07