Forest Inventory Team Member

Summary

The American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), is seeking two (2) Forest Inventory Team Members to contribute to the Experimental Network for Assisted Migration and Establishment Silviculture (ENAMES) project alongside USFS Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit our website.

Start Date: August 31st, 2026

Estimated End Date: December 12th, 2026

**A 15-week minimum commitment is required for the entire duration of the term of service

Location Details/Description: H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest \| Blue River, OR

Since its establishment in 1948, the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest has been a site of intensive and extensive research on watershed processes; forest ecology, especially structure, composition, and function of old-growth Douglas-fir forests and plantations; forest-stream interactions; biological diversity; processes, rates, and controls on nutrient and carbon cycling; and history and effects of natural and management disturbance processes. The H. J. Andrews is located 50 miles east of Eugene, Oregon, in the Cascade Mountains, and is a 2-hour drive from Corvallis, where many scientists working at the forest have their main offices. The headquarters facilities include an office, a laboratory, and living facilities.

The project was established by the Pacific Northwest (PNW) Research Station, which is an integral component of the USDA Forest Service Research and Development (R\&D), which is the most extensive natural resources research organization in the world. Forest Service R\&D comprises five regional research stations, the Forest Products Laboratory, and the International Institute of Tropical Forestry. These research facilities, complemented by a network of 80 experimental forests, are strategically located to reflect the diversity of natural resources across the country. The station generates and communicates impartial knowledge to help people understand and make informed choices about natural resource management and sustainability. The station has 11 laboratories and research centers in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, as well as 12 active experimental forests, ranges, and watersheds.

This project will take its members through western Oregon and Eastern Washington. Travel throughout the PNW region will be required for this opportunity. A USFS vehicle will be provided for said travels.

For more information about the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, please visit the USFS website.

Position Overview:

The U.S. Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station (PNW) has established a large-scale, long-term experiment to determine what seedlings to plant and how to plant them to achieve successful reforestation. The Experimental Network for Assisted Migration and Establishment Silviculture (ENAMES) is a multi-disciplinary, multi-ownership project that evaluates seed deployment and seedling establishment practices across the Pacific Northwest to identify those needed to survive stressful events such as drought and late-season frost.

We are seeking individuals to conduct measurements for a large-scale reforestation experiment located throughout the Pacific Northwest. ENAMES is assessing what to plant and how to plant it during reforestation so that future forests are adapted and resilient to future conditions. Work associated with this position primarily involves:

• Traveling to site locations in Oregon and Washington in a provided USFS truck
• Downloading sensors at each site
• Locating experimental plots at each site via GPS coordinates
• Locating and measuring tree seedling size and conditions within each plot
• Collecting data in input into GIS software via tablets
• Being a flexible and engaged team member to accomplish work effectively

Project Objectives:

• Identification, tagging, and monumenting of tree seedlings in previously planted experimental plots at ENAMES sites in southwestern Oregon
• Measurement and assessment of previously located seedlings in experimental plots at ENAMES sites in west central Oregon and eastern Washington
• Quantify effects of reforestation treatments on early survival and growth of planted seedlings across the PNW region

This individual placement is meant to facilitate professional development and promote exposure to land management agencies and networking with professionals. This could include gaining experience in different conservation fields and shadowing different work groups.

Schedule: Initially, the schedule for this position when visiting sites in Oregon will be conducted on a 4/10 schedule (4 days on with 10 hr days with 3 consecutive days off). Then, when visiting sites in Washington, it will switch to longer days in the field (8 days on with 10 hr days with 6 consecutive days off). This schedule will support efficiency with time related to travel and site visiting.

Position Benefits

Living Allowance: The ACE Member is expected to contribute \~40 hours/week and will receive a living allowance of $880\.00/week to offset the costs of food and incidental expenses, dispersed bi-weekly. The living allowance is a fixed rate determined by the USFS and ACE and is not flexible.

Housing: ACE members will be accommodated in provided housing at no cost for the duration of the term. The housing is located in HJ Andrews Experimental Forest and is about 1 hr east of Eugene, OR.

Project Travel Assistance: Travel lodging costs for site locations in Washington will be covered by project funding.

Provided Training/Orientation: ACE members will receive position-specific training and an orientation outlining ACE policies and procedures and networks for support. Specific training from the USFS will include anything necessary to support the member's ability to conduct the project's duties. This will include:

• Proper use and operation of Forest Service vehicles on forest roads
• Training on protocols used for the measurement of seedling size and condition
• Training on data collection protocols, methods, and best practices

Qualifications

Required:

• Members must be authorized to work in the United States. ACE does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.
• Willing and able to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
• Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
• A valid driver's license and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Members must be 21\+ to drive due to ACE's insurance and liability requirements.
• Willing to undergo and must pass the required criminal history checks.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• ACE Members will need to complete bi-weekly timesheets, beginning of term feedback forms, end of term evaluations, and, for longer terms, a mid-term evaluation.
• To learn more about eligibility requirements, please visit our website.

Preferred:

• Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing a degree in natural resources or biological sciences and/or have relevant experience in natural resource or biological science subject areas.
• All candidates are encouraged to apply, though regionally local candidates will be strongly considered.
• Knowledge of and experience with collecting quality data.
• Knowledge of tree seedling growth measurements and assessment.
• Knowledge of PNW forest ecology and vegetation identification.
• Knowledge of and experience with using GPS, GIS, and related software (ex. Arc Field Maps).
• Ability and willingness to navigate the backcountry safely and responsibly, and have spatial awareness of one's surroundings.
• Ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and site conditions (traversing steep topography).
• Ability and willingness to conduct extended (weeklong) field deployments with little to no supervision.
• Any current First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid certifications.
• Ability and willingness to work well with others and adapt as needed to support team goals.
• Deep interest in forest ecology.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, and Working Conditions:

• *Physical Demands**:* Requires frequent walking and hiking. Manual dexterity required. Ability to hike over rough terrain and work in a range of field conditions.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral, and depth perception to navigate safely, as well as the ability to focus.
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 25 lbs., ability to move up to 40 pounds.
• Environmental: Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
• Travel: This position will require lengthy domestic travel.

Environmental Conditions/Hazards: The ACE member(s) may encounter environmental conditions/hazards, including extreme heat or cold, rocky terrain, swamp or wetland conditions, biting insects, and potentially dangerous wildlife. The member is expected to conduct duties in a safe and orderly manner so as not to endanger self, fellow staff/members, or resources.

Vehicle and Equipment Use/Safety: If a vehicle is required for the accomplishment of the duties, one will be provided by the USFS or ACE. Any tools required for the accomplishment of the duties will be provided by the USFS. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), typically provided by the USFS, will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. Strict adherence to USFS and ACE equipment training, certification, and safety protocols is required.

To Apply: Please submit your resume, a cover letter demonstrating your interest and experience, and contact information for three professional/academic references to ACE's online application page for this position on our website. Early consideration will be given as applications are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position, please feel free to contact ACE EPIC Project Manager Allison Finch at afinch at usa conservation dot org. Please do not email resumes or cover letters unless instructed.

If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are enrolled in a program to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

EEO: Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.