Job Description

Job Title: Refuge Forestry Technician

Location: Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Baring, Maine

Status: Seasonal, full-time, 20 - 24 weeks between May and November 2026 (exact start and end date is somewhat flexible depending on individual candidate availability)

Compensation: $20.26/hour

Application Deadline: March 22nd, 2026

The Forest Stewards Guild (the Guild) is hiring two Refuge Forestry Technicians to support forest management activities and monitor forest vegetation, habitat, and health through long-term monitoring plots across Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. This program is made possible through the Northern Forest National Wildlife Refuge Stewardship Partnership, a collaboration between the Guild and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This is a seasonal, full-time position starting in May and ending in November 2026 (exact start and end date dates are somewhat flexible depending on the individual candidate's availability), based in coastal northeast Maine. On-site shared housing will be available for participating crew members at no additional cost. The position offers a unique opportunity to work with the Guild’s broad array of project partners, contribute to the conservation of critical forest systems, and ensure the success of a monitoring program to sustain future forest resilience.

About the Position

The forestry technicians will support the work of the Guild and USFWS in the Northeast by contributing to forest management activities, which may include cruising, timber harvest layout, trail maintenance, and invasive species removal using mechanical methods. They will also install permanent, long-term monitoring plots, and implement a monitoring protocol. These plots will provide important data on forest lands to track tree species composition, coarse woody material, and regeneration over time. The Guild will oversee employee training and provide supervision in coordinating the field season, facilitating crew needs and conducting data quality checks. As part of this role, the technicians will:

• Install long-term monitoring plots while navigating off-trail to sampling sites
• Collect field data across diverse forest ecosystems. Measurements include but are not limited to tree identification, diameter measurements, seedling abundance, and volume of coarse woody material
• Implement other forestry related tasks as assigned, which may include cruising, boundary marking, invasive species removal using mechanical methods, tree planting, and pre-commercial thinning.
• Accurately enter field data into established databases and maintain organized data records
• Practice safety awareness and ecologically responsible behavior while in remote locations
• Collaborate with team members to guarantee proper implementation of tasks and tools, maintain quality assurance, and maintain a safe working environment
• Complete all required training including but not limited to defensive driving, first-aid and CPR
• Gain related skills, such as plant species identification, workflow planning, data management, and forestry terminology
• Maintain field gear (including GPS units, cameras, tablet and computer, field guides, and measurement tools)
• Support Guild staff with communicating monitoring results to project partners

Qualifications

Position Requirements

The ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in forestry, natural resources, ecology, and/or conservation in the northeastern U.S. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and with a team, have a strong familiarity with northeastern forest ecosystems, and possess excellent written and verbal communication and teamwork skills. Candidates should have a valid driver’s license and be prepared to work predominantly outdoors in varied weather conditions and difficult terrain.

** Minimum Qualifications:**

• High school diploma and experience in forestry and/or ecology-based fieldwork.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for accurate data recording
• Able to perform strenuous work outdoors for long hours in rough country and inclement weather
• Possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and the ability to navigate rough or off-road terrain safely
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Experience using a map and/or GPS to navigate off-trail and off-road.
• Willing to live in shared housing in a remote, rural location

** Preferred Qualifications:**

• Completed college coursework in forestry, ecology, and/or a related field
• First aid and CPR certifications
• Knowledge of northeastern forests, including vegetation ID and field safety
• Experience conducting ecological monitoring
• Experience with GPS/ArcGIS Field Maps
• Experience in an outdoor leadership position

Additional Information

The position is full-time, 40 hours per week, from May – November. There is some flexibility for the start and end date. Accessing management sites and monitoring plots will require off-road travel (work vehicle provided). Technicians will be in regular (daily and weekly) communication with Northeast Guild staff, with periodic site visits by Guild and USFWS staff.

Compensation:

• The position pays $20.26 per hour
• Paid holidays occurring during pay period
• Workers' compensation
• Accrued sick time (1 hour per 30 hours worked)
• Compassionate leave after first day of employment
• Free shared housing at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Baring, ME

The Forest Stewards Guild is an equal opportunity employer.

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open and transparent organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting practitioners across all communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports personal growth.

To Apply

Interested applicants should visit the SmartRecruiters posting and click “I’m Interested”. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. EST on March 22nd and must include a one-page cover letter, resume, and three professional references to be considered.

Note: After clicking “Next” on the initial application page, you will have the opportunity to upload your cover letter and reference documents.

Questions about this position can be directed to Michelle Giles