Forestry / Land Surveyor Technician (Technologists & Technicians)

Full Time

  Green Diamond Resource Company

  Korbel,, California, United States

POSITION PURPOSE:

The purpose of this position is to provide high quality field and research assistance to the Company Licensed Land Surveyor and to staff Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs). This work supports the Company’s business goal of maintaining a sustainable harvest of timber from our managed forestlands.   Conducting high quality field work associated with land surveying and Timber Harvesting Plan (THP) layout/engineering is a fundamental part of meeting this goal and Company objectives. This is a challenging position that requires development of multiple skill sets and offers several potential professional career paths.  A progressive step as a Lead Technician is possible.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (other duties as assigned)

Under the guidance of a Licensed Land Surveyor and Registered Professional Forester, the incumbent supports a wide variety of field tasks associated with the retracement and documentation of property boundaries and THP layout. 
• Provides initial research of recorded and non-recorded maps, deeds, and title reports, field reconnaissance to locate necessary control, traversing of property lines with a total station, utilization of global positioning units, setting property corners, flag, blaze or mark property lines and preparing the necessary documents to comply with state law. 
• Flag THP boundaries, flag and mark stream protection zones, identify and flag wildlife retention areas, and wildlife key habitat features (green trees, snags, ponds, seeps etc.), mark timber stands for silviculture treatments.
• Supports a wide variety of field tasks associated with the initial reconnaissance and design of specific harvest units and the location and design of associated roads.
• Aids in the reconnaissance of new larger stands of timber for the eventual future development of roads and harvest areas.
• Performs field reconnaissance and then describes the conditions and potential constraints and problems to the responsible Land Surveyor or RPF who can provide further guidance and resolution to boundary situations or field layout design.
• Communicates in a professional manner with adjacent landowners.
• Documents and records the technical information related to each THP in a concise and accurate manner.
• May be assigned to other forestry associated tasks as needed; these tasks may include but are not limited to: prescribed burning, wildlife or stream assessment projects, and contract logging administration under RPF guidance.

LEAD TECHNICIAN PROGRESSION:

In order to be considered eligible for a lead technician position, there must be a business need for the position to be filled, however, this position will typically graduate to Lead Technician status upon passing the Fundamentals of Surveying Exam (Licensed Surveyor in Training certification).  To move to this capacity incumbent must demonstrate an advanced proficiency and skill level in the following areas:
• Trigonometry and geometry.
• Legal research.
• Ability to complete a boundary retracement from start to finish.
• Proven ability of provide effective leadership skill and the willingness to accept increasing responsibility.
• Accurate and comprehensive report documentation.
• Provide guidance and skills training to Forestry Technicians as needed during field activities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Successfully completed college surveying or forestry courses such as measurements, dendrology, forest road layout and design, and logging systems. 
• The ability to navigate through rough topography with the aid of map and compass.
• The ability to learn and become proficient in the use of forest engineering and land surveying equipment including meticulous operation of a total station global positioning unit while recording angles and distance. 
• Must have excellent observational skills and demonstrated ability to gather precise data.
• Must be able to take responsibility for the quality of his/her work products as well as his/her own personal safety.
• Must be a willing and active participant in the Forestry Department Safety program.
• Ability to learn and apply GDRCo’s conservation program, operational guidelines, and State Forest Practice Rules.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office or similar programs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully pass a qualifying course in ATV training.
• Must be able to safely use a chainsaw and hand tools to clear brush and blaze trees.

DESIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Land Surveying, Forestry and/or Natural Resources Management or the equivalent combination of education, training or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Previous field experience related to surveying and/or forestry.
• Knowledge of harvesting systems and road layout skills.
• Working knowledge of the Land Surveyor’s Act and/or the California Forest Practice rules and their application.
• Working knowledge of logging systems, equipment operation, and field layout methods.
• Knowledge of drafting of Records or Surveys and Corner Records, Boundary Analysis and Legal Principles, California land survey law and the legal terms and principals related to land surveying.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works primarily (90%+) of the time in the field under varying topography and climatic extremes.
• Ability to orient, climb, and traverse steep rugged, densely vegetated terrain on a consistent basis in in sometimes harsh weather conditions for long periods of time.
• Must have the ability to see distance and detail with accuracy.
• Must have good hearing ability.
• Must have ability to work independently and without immediate supervision in remote areas.
• Works in conditions that may expose employee wildlife encounters, poison oak and/or insect bites.
• Mandatory travel to remote company locations. 
• Ability to tour logging operations, attend training and company functions.
• Must maintain punctual and regular attendance and present appropriate professional appearance at all times.
• Requires the use of standard safety equipment in compliance with Company policy.
• This position may be exposed to marking paint, gas, diesel fumes, pesticides, pollens, and smoke.
• This position is a Physical and Mental Requirement Classification 3.

This is a full time job with excellent wage and benefit package included.