Fuels and Habitat Management Assistant

About the role

Classification: Technician - Fully Skilled. Department/Division: Public Works, Parks and Open Space. Work Location: 1820 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene. This is a seasonal position scheduled to last approximately 4 months (November 2026 through February 2027).

Responsibilities

• Work on hazardous fuels reduction projects (≈80% of time) and tree planting/habitat restoration (≈20%).
• Scout and assess site conditions, help scope and plan projects, mark trees and shrubs for removal.
• Oversee contractors engaged in on‑the‑ground fuels removal projects; may answer public questions.
• Conduct photo‑monitoring, use field‑based GIS to map project areas and features; may conduct seeding or manual vegetation clearing.
• Assist with transporting small trees, pre‑planting site prep, loading plants and tools, supporting volunteer tree planting events, updating GIS tree inventory data.
• Perform restoration plantings, seeding, manual invasive species control, survey and map planting sites using field‑based GIS, assess older plantings and invasive species locations, or photo documentation.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years prior experience in natural resources, forestry, conservation, habitat management, or a similar field, including some field experience.
• Must pass a background check.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license (or ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and maintain a record meeting City standards.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and adherence to safety principles for outdoor physical work; ability to identify hazards and respond accordingly.
• Familiarity with Willamette Valley habitats and common native and non‑native species.
• Knowledge of forest and oak habitats; preferred college coursework or work‑related experience in plant identification.
• Proficiency with computers, mobile devices, cameras, and experience in GIS mapping software.
• Knowledge of tree, shrub, and herbaceous plant planting techniques.
• Experience with best practices of invasive species removal; ability to use manual or power tools for removal.
• Ability to direct contractor work: communicate scope, assess performance, redirect as needed.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather; walk/hike up to a few miles over uneven terrain; work in inclement or uncomfortable conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with employees, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, follow oral and written instructions, keep detailed records.
• Ability to survey and assess vegetation conditions and map invasive species over areas 1‑50 acres.
• Ability to repeatedly lift and haul potted trees (10‑30 pounds) short distances.

Pay

$22.00 – $26.00 hourly.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with flexibility per business need. Position duration: approximately 4 months (November 2026 through February 2027).