Wildland Restoration Crew Foreperson
Job Type
Full-time
Description

 

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that mobilizes individuals, families, communities, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by providing education on the benefits of planting trees, capturing the rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. TreePeople unites with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure region at homes, neighborhoods, schools and in the local mountains.


Under the direction of the Associate Director of Conservation, the Wildland Restoration Crew Foreperson works closely with the Mountain Forestry (Sr.) Program Manager or Program Manager to provide field labor for all aspects of habitat restoration. This includes but is not limited to the removal and control of nonnative invasive plant species through manual, mechanical, and chemical methods, the application of native seeds, the installation and maintenance of container plants, construction and maintenance of temporary irrigation systems, and erosion control. The team will engage in activities across various locations, including the Santa Monica Mountains, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino Mountains, and other local ranges in Southern California.


Responsibilities

  • Recruit, train, and manage Crew Members in all relevant technical project skills necessary to promote safety and high-quality project completion. Skills include, but are not limited to: situational awareness, proper tool use, ergonomics/body mechanics and appropriate methods for project implementation which meet partner agency standards
  • Develop week-long and daily work plans consistent with project needs and crew capacity
  • Communicate and organize work in conjunction with the partner/land management agency’s technical advisor or contractor; ensure project completion to the satisfaction of partner expectations
  • Regularly keep in communication with TreePeople’s program staff and partners including the following possible: USFS / Angeles National Forest, National Park Service, LA County, and others to identify, implement, survey, and track restoration projects in the Angeles National Forest, and ensure partner’s needs and expectations are met.
  • Ensure safety as the top priority during all restoration activities and projects; promote a ‘culture of safety’ with emphasis on adherence to TreePeople policies and procedures
  • Maintain accurate records, in alignment with our standard operating procedures, including timesheets, personnel, Crew Member development, inventory, safety and work project records
  • Support TreePeople's nursery by participating in seed collection and treatment and any propagation-related activity.
  • Oversee external crews such as conservation corps and contractors.
  • Assist with specified grant report data collection, writing, and narrative analysis.
  • Maintenance of tools, equipment, and vehicles. Ensure all tools are in working order.
Requirements
  • 5 years of experience in managing field crews across diverse areas such as habitat restoration, wildlife management, trail building, weed abatement, and irrigation system maintenance.
  • Qualified Applicator License from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
  • Experience with safe chainsaw operation (Felling trees,limbing, bucking, and pruning)
  • A valid driver's license is required; must be able to pass a Motor Vehicle Records check.
  • Ability to obtain Wilderness Advanced First Aid/CPR training. 
  • Genuine interest in environmental conservation and the future of Southern California’s wilderness areas.
  • Highly organized with a strong work ethic, possessing excellent interpersonal skills, public speaking abilities, and a proactive approach to challenges.
  • Commitment to safe work practices in all field activities.
  • Available for a 4-day work week (10-hour shifts), including some weekends.
  • Willingness to travel for work, with the ability to stay in remote locations for up to a week at a time.
  • Proficient in G-Suite applications with a willingness to learn new data entry platforms.
  • Strong familiarity with local mountain ranges, their ecosystems, and surrounding communities.
  • Proficiency in California Native plant identification.
  • Spanish fluency is preferred.

Physical Job Requirements

  • Work demands physical energy, twisting, safe heavy lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Ability to use a variety of machines and tools, including shovels, McLeods, pitchforks, general hand tools, lift gates, water tanks, fire hoses, fire hydrants, weed whips, and augers, among others.
  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds throughout a work day repeatedly.
  • Must be capable of occasionally hiking 3 to 8 miles daily in varying terrains, including steep, rocky, or uneven surfaces, often while carrying equipment and tools.
  • Must be able to frequently enter and exit a truck cab and bed throughout the day.
  • Must be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, i.e., rain, heat, sun, cold.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.
Salary Description
$70,000 to $75,000 per year