Forest Development Technician Intern

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED; coursework toward a bachelors degree in forestry, ecosystem management, natural resources, or a related field is strongly preferred. Relevant field experience may substitute for degree coursework.
• Ideally, one to three years of experience in forestry or environmental practices.
• Valid New Mexico drivers license and eligibility for coverage under our insurance carrier.
• No DUI/DWI convictions in the preceding five years; successful background check and drug/alcohol screening required.
• Strong knowledge of forest stand conditions, ecological relationships, silviculture, and growth characteristics of forest types on the Santa Clara Reservation.
• Basic understanding of traditional Tribal cultural forest-use values and the ability to communicate effectively with the general Indian population.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work well on a team and provide positive leadership.
• Proficiency with common computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access; familiarity with GIS and GPS and digital mapping is needed.
• Working knowledge of silvics, dendrology, reforestation, timber stand improvement, restoration, land-management policies, forest pests, and fire behavior and suppression.
• Physical ability to work outdoors for extended periods in varied conditions and traverse steep, rough forest terrain; strenuous or hazardous wildfire-control duties may be involved in some assignments.

Responsibilities:

• Carry out administrative tasks as needed under the direction of the Forest Development and Restoration Manager.
• Collect, process, and analyze data for forest development and restoration projects.
• Help plan and coordinate timber stand improvement work, assess stand conditions, recommend cutting practices, and consult with specialists as needed.
• Support reforestation planning, including recommendations for seed collection, site preparation, and planting, while considering wildlife, cultural sites, aesthetics, and other resource needs.
• Coordinate with greenhouses and seed processors to help ensure suitable seed supplies for reforestation projects.
• Survey forests for disease and insect outbreaks and recommend treatment and prevention measures.
• Potentially help develop contracts, coordinate with outside agencies, and prepare proposals to secure project funding.
• Contribute to work involving timber stand improvement, reforestation, pest detection and control, tree genetic improvement, ecological restoration, and related administration.

Technologies:

• Excel
• GIS
• Support

More

We are hiring for a Forest Development and Restoration position with the Pueblo of Santa Clara. The role works under the direct supervision of the Forest Development and Restoration Manager, with assignments and technical work guided by project scope and objectives. About 70% of the work takes place in the field. Periodic travel and occasional evening or weekend work may be required; wildfire suppression training is encouraged but firefighting is not required. Our operating values include respect, citizenship, care, trustworthiness, fairness, and responsibility.

last updated 43 week of 2026