Fuels and Habitat Management Assistant – City of Eugene

About this job

The City of Eugene Parks and Open Space division is looking to hire a Fuels and Habitat Management Assistant - seasonal position.

THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The next review of applications will take place: Monday, October 12, 2026
First round of interviews will be held the week of October 19, 2026
Accepting Online Applications Only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Technician - Fully Skilled/ The Fuels and Habitat Management Assistant
Salary: $22.00 - $26.00 hourly
Department, Division: Public Works, Parks and Open Space
Work Location: 1820 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with the flexibility per business need

This position is scheduled to last approximately 4 months, November 2026 through Feb 2027. The Fuels and Habitat Management Assistant will work on hazardous fuels reduction projects (80%) and tree planting, along with other habitat restoration and enhancement projects throughout the City’s natural area park system (20%).

This is a field-based position. Work will generally involve scoping, planning, and overseeing contractors but may occasionally include doing the work directly or completing support tasks to prepare for contractors. Staff ecologists will guide the Assistant’s work program and day-to-day work.

Hazardous Fuels Reduction: Assistant will 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 and may answer questions from the public. Assistant will also conduct photo-monitoring, use field-based GIS to map project areas and features, and may conduct seeding or manual vegetation clearing.

Natural Areas Habitat Management: The majority of this work will be implementation of a tree planting project under an Oregon Department of Forestry grant. Assistant will help with transporting small trees, pre-planting site prep, loading plants and tools prior to projects, assisting with volunteer tree planting events, and updating GIS tree inventory data. Other work may include restoration plantings, seeding, manual invasive species control, surveying and mapping planting sites using field-based GIS, assessing older plantings and invasive species locations, or photo documentation.

Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.

Performs related and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience

At least 2 years prior experience in natural resources, forestry, conservation, habitat management, or a similar field including some field experience.

Background

Must pass a background check.

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities

Knowledge

Knowledge of and adherence to safety principles relevant to outdoor physical work including 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 and prior college coursework or work-related experience in plant identification preferred

Proficiency with computers, mobile devices, and cameras, and experience in GIS mapping software

Knowledge of tree, shrub, and herbaceous plant planting techniques

Experience with best practices of invasive species removal, and ability to use manual or power tools for the removal of invasive species

Skills and Abilities

Ability to confidently direct the work of contractors, including communicating scope of work, assessing contractor performance, and redirecting contractors when neede

Ability to perform strenuous physical work outdoors in varying weather conditions, walk/hike up to a few miles over uneven terrain lacking developed trails or roads, conduct duties in inclement weather, sometimes in uncomfortable conditions

Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with other employees, contractors, and the public

Ability to work independently, follow oral and written instructions, and keep detailed records

Ability to survey and assess vegetation conditions and map invasive species over areas ranging from 1-50 acres

Ability to repeatedly lift and haul potted trees (10-30 pounds) short distances.

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.