Sierra Nevada Alliance Seeks Fuels Reduction technicians: $23-$25/Hour – apply by January 16, 2026
Plumas County, CA – The Sierra Nevada Alliance, in partnership with the Feather River Resource Conservation District (FRRCD), is seeking three seasonal Fuels Reduction Technicians to work on the Plumas National Forest and private lands throughout Plumas County. This is a vital role focused on forest health restoration and fire mitigation, offering a competitive wage of $23-$25 per hour, depending on experience.
The Role:
These positions will be heavily involved in hands-on forest management, tackling projects designed to reduce wildfire risk and improve ecosystem health in areas impacted by recent high-severity fires and densely forested landscapes. daily tasks will include fuels reduction, ecosystem restoration, environmental compliance work, and watershed health projects.
key Responsibilities:
* Manual labor involving tree removal using chainsaws.
* Swamping and piling trees and brush.
* Contributing to forest health restoration and fire mitigation activities.
* Working in steep, mountainous terrain and potentially inclement weather.
Qualifications:
While a formal background check isn’t required, applicants must disclose any prior felony convictions before a formal offer. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
* Confidence and proficiency in chainsaw operation in challenging terrain.
* Enthusiasm for forestry management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
* Ability to work long hours in physically demanding conditions.
Potential for Prescribed Fire Experience:
Opportunities may exist to participate in prescribed burn activities. Technicians opting into this duty must provide their own 8-inch high, Vibram-soled leather boots.
Compensation & Schedule:
* Pay: $23 – $25 per hour (DOE – Depending on Experience)
* Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week on a 4/10 schedule.
* Duration: Approximately April/May – November 2026 (Dates subject to change based on snowpack and weather).
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and current resume (including three references) in PDF format to Madi Lloyd at [email protected].Applications are due by the end of the day on Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Feather River RCD is an Equal Chance Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
## Fuels Reduction Technician – Summary & Key Takeaways
Enhancing Forest health: Roles and Responsibilities of a Fuels Reduction Technician at feather River Resource Conservation District
The Feather river Resource Conservation district (FRRCD) plays a critical role in mitigating wildfire risk and bolstering forest health in the Sierra Nevada. A key component of this work is the dedicated team of Fuels Reduction Technicians. This article details the multifaceted roles and responsibilities of these professionals,outlining the skills,tasks,and impact they have on our landscapes. Understanding their work is vital for anyone interested in wildfire prevention, forest management, and ecosystem restoration.
Understanding the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) & Fuels Management
Before diving into the technician’s role,it’s crucial to understand the context. The Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) – where houses and communities meet forested areas – is particularly vulnerable to wildfire. Fuels management aims to reduce the amount of flammable vegetation (fuels) in these areas, lessening wildfire intensity and spread.This isn’t about eliminating fire entirely, but about creating more resilient landscapes that can withstand and recover from natural fire regimes. Key fuel types include brush, understory vegetation, ladder fuels (vegetation allowing fire to climb into tree canopies), and dead and down wood.
Core Responsibilities of a Fuels Reduction Technician
Fuels Reduction Technicians at FRRCD are involved in a wide range of activities, demanding a diverse skillset. Their work is physically demanding and requires a strong commitment to safety.
* Vegetation Assessment & Mapping: Technicians conduct detailed forest assessments to identify fuel loads,vegetation types,and areas of high wildfire risk. This involves using tools like GPS units, clinometers, and mapping software (GIS) to create accurate fuel maps. They assess forest density and identify areas needing treatment.
* Manual Fuels Reduction: A significant portion of the work involves hands-on fuels reduction. This includes:
* Hand Crews: Using hand tools like chainsaws,brush cutters,and axes to remove brush,small trees,and ladder fuels.
* Pile Burning: Constructing and igniting slash piles (accumulated vegetation debris) under carefully controlled conditions, following strict safety protocols and air quality regulations. Permitting and coordination with local fire agencies are essential.
* Limbing & Pruning: Removing lower branches from trees to reduce ladder fuels and improve tree health.
* Thinning: Selectively removing trees to reduce forest density and promote the growth of healthier, more fire-resistant trees.
* Mechanical Fuels Reduction Support: Technicians often assist with larger-scale mechanical thinning projects using machinery like masticators and feller bunchers. This includes marking trees for removal, ensuring equipment operates safely, and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatment.
* Erosion Control: Following fuels reduction activities, technicians implement erosion control measures to prevent soil loss and protect water quality. This can involve installing water bars, straw wattles, and seeding disturbed areas.
* Data Collection & Reporting: Accurate record-keeping is vital. Technicians collect data on treatment progress, fuel loads removed, and any environmental impacts. This data is used to track project effectiveness and inform future management decisions.
* Equipment Maintenance & Safety: Maintaining chainsaws, brush cutters, and other tools is a critical obligation. Technicians perform routine maintenance, sharpening blades, and ensuring all equipment is in safe working order. Strict adherence to forestry safety protocols is paramount.
Skills & Qualifications Required
Becoming a fuels Reduction Technician requires a combination of education, experience, and certifications.
* Education: A high school diploma is typically required,with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forestry,natural resources management,or a related field being highly desirable.
* Certifications: Essential certifications include:
* S-130/S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Safety & Basic Wildland Firefighting.
* Chainsaw safety Certification (S-212): Demonstrates proficiency in safe chainsaw operation.
* First Aid/CPR Certification: Essential for responding to emergencies in the field.
* Physical Fitness: The job demands strenuous physical activity in challenging terrain and weather conditions.
* Technical Skills: Proficiency in using GPS units, mapping software (ArcGIS is common), and basic forestry tools is essential.
* Teamwork & Communication: Technicians work as part of a crew and must be able to communicate effectively with supervisors, colleagues, and landowners.
FRRCD’s Approach to Forest Resilience: A Case Study – The North Yuba River Watershed
The FRRCD has been actively involved in watershed restoration efforts within the North Yuba River watershed, focusing on improving forest resilience to wildfire and drought. A significant project involved strategic fuels reduction along key ridgelines to create defensible space for communities and protect critical infrastructure.
This project utilized a combination of manual and mechanical treatments, prioritizing the removal of ladder fuels and dense understory vegetation. Post-treatment monitoring showed a significant reduction in surface fuel loads and an improved ability of the forest to withstand low-intensity fires. The project also incorporated prescribed burning in specific areas, mimicking natural fire regimes and promoting ecosystem health. This demonstrates a holistic approach to forest restoration beyond simply removing fuels.
Benefits of Fuels Reduction & healthy Forests
Investing in fuels reduction and forest health yields numerous benefits:
* Reduced Wildfire Risk: Lower fuel loads mean less intense and slower-spreading wildfires, protecting lives, property, and infrastructure.
* Improved Water Quality: Healthy forests act as natural filters, improving water quality and reducing erosion.
* Enhanced Wildlife Habitat: Thinning and fuels reduction can create more diverse and suitable habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
* Increased Carbon Sequestration: Healthy forests absorb and store more carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change.
* Economic Benefits: Protecting communities and infrastructure from wildfire reduces economic losses and supports local economies.
Practical Tips for Landowners: Creating Defensible Space
While FRRCD focuses on larger-scale projects, landowners can also take steps to protect their properties:
- Create a Defensible Space: Clear vegetation within 30-100 feet of structures, removing flammable materials like dry leaves, pine needles, and brush.
- Prune Trees: Remove lower branches to prevent fire from climbing into tree canopies.
- Maintain Lawns & Gardens: Keep grass mowed and remove dead vegetation.
- Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Choose plants that are less flammable and require less water.
- Regularly Clean Gutters & Roofs: Remove accumulated debris that could ignite.
- Consider a Home Hardening Assessment: evaluate your home’s vulnerability to wildfire and make necessary improvements (e.g., fire-resistant roofing, siding, and windows).
Resources & further Information
* Feather River Resource Conservation District: https://frrcd.org/
* CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/
* National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): https://www.nifc.gov/
* Living With Fire: https://www.livingwithfire.com/ (University of Nevada, Reno)
This work is crucial for the long-term health and resilience of the forests in the
