Overview
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment (Sierra Institute), in partnership with the US Forest Service, is seeking one (1) Harvest Inspector (HI) to contribute to timber resource management projects alongside Lassen National Forest (LNF) staff. The Harvest Inspector serves as a critical field lead in supporting the Lassen National Forest’s timber management program. Working within a collaborative partnership, the Harvest Inspector is responsible for overseeing timber sale contracts to ensure operator compliance with environmental regulations, silvicultural prescriptions, and safety standards. Daily tasks include monitoring logging activities, conducting technical inspections of harvest boundaries and transportation routes, and documenting volume removals to maintain rigorous resource protection. This role requires a blend of technical forestry expertise and strong communication skills to bridge the gap between federal objectives and on-the-ground implementation, ultimately fostering forest health and local economic resilience across the Lassen landscape.
This is a unique opportunity to work within a collaborative partnership between a non-profit organization and USFS, with on-the-job training from both Sierra Institute and LNF staff.
Term: Seasonally May 26, 2026 – November 25, 2026
Schedule: Monday – Thursday (4 -10-hour shifts).
Location: Lassen National Forest based out of Chester, CA. Forest resources assisting in all districts where active timber sales are occurring on the Lassen National Forest.
Supervision and Authority:
● Employed and supervised by Sierra Institute Partnership Prep Forester and Director of Stewardship with day-to-day work under the instructions and delegated authorities of the Forest Service Representative (FSR) and Sale Administrators (SA’s).
● Harvest Inspector (HI) has very limited authority and functions as the eyes and ears of the SA.
● The HI’s primary role is to relate information to the FSR for the SA.
● The SA is responsible for taking action or explaining why action is not necessary based on the HI’s reports, providing the HI with valuable experience.
Objectives:
● General understanding of how timber sale operations function.
● Reading and understanding of timber sale contracts.
● Actively engaging with logging contractors and operators.
● Communicating with district sale admin staff and reporting on the ground information through daily reports.
● Identifying work that does not align with contract objectives. For example, resource damage.
● Traveling safely through active operations areas.
Training:
● Accompanying and observing a certified Sale Administrator conducting inspections of ongoing timber sales.
● Formal basic sale administration training includes timber theft prevention training.
● Professional or academic training on logging systems, resource protection, logging safety, and Forest Plan components related to sale administration.
● Wilderness First Aid.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
● Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.
● Possess a valid, clean, state-issued driver’s license, with an ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle, and an insurable driving record (documentation to be provided upon request). Employment is contingent upon a satisfactory DMV driving record pull.
● Ability to use compasses, topographic maps, and handheld GPS units or tablets to navigate and collect data in the field.
Required Skills:
● Competitive applicants for this position can hold or be pursuing any degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, etc., and/or have relevant experience in subject areas such as Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Biology, etc.
● Working knowledge of forest practices and techniques, including application of silvicultural prescriptions, timber sale/contract administration, GPS, maps, environmental analysis reports.
About Sierra Institute for Community and Environment
The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of
rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work supports
initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. Sierra
Institute’s P-CREW Youth Corps is an essential pathway to the professional opportunity for diverse youth. Sierra
Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within an area referred to as “Indian Valley”
that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community
events and is surrounded by public lands including Plumas National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Lassen
Volcanic National Park.
