Placer Resource Conservation District > Mentorship > Mentoring Process

Mentors are active members of the professional forestry and natural resources field. The primary goal of this program is for mentors to share their career experience with mentees to help with professional development and career advancement. The mentor-mentee relationship is a personal commitment, with both parties responsible for its success. Mentorship pairs are encouraged to determine the method(s) of communication that best suit the mentor and mentee’s needs. It is recommended that mentors meet with mentees on a regular basis to help current students navigate the challenges of working in the field of professional forestry and natural resource management in the immediate years post-graduation.

To discuss becoming a Forestry Mentor, please contact Program Manager Liana Vitousek:
liana@placerrcd.org
530-820-3294

Responsibilities of Mentors

  • Commit time and energy to support a current student by providing mentorship based on a mutually developed communication agreement.    
  • Help the mentee identify their academic and professional goals. 
  • Give constructive feedback that can allow the mentee to grow personally and professionally.    
  • Assist the mentee in identifying how to access resources that will allow them to build a professional network.    
  • Promote skills development by providing a “workplace perspective” based on the mentee’s established goals and objectives.    
  • Encourage independence, an appreciation for differences, and reflect a positive attitude throughout the process.    
  • Share with mentee relevant job opportunities, forestry-related  conferences, or educational talks/events.    
  • Communicate with the Steering Committee if they no longer wish to be part of the program or are having difficulties reaching or connecting with their mentee. 

Responsibilities of Mentees

  • Commit time and energy to develop a relationship with mentor based on a mutually developed communication agreement.
  • Take consistent and professional communication seriously; respect and consider the fact that their mentor is volunteering time to support them.
  • Consult mentor for support and professional resources, but not necessarily counseling or specific advising purposes.
  • Be open and committed to the mentoring process, and ask meaningful questions about their mentor’s career path and decision-making.
  • Accept feedback and learn from it, and implement new knowledge into their academic and professional habits.
  • Have realistic expectations of the mentoring relationship, understanding that networking does not always end with a job offer or other tangible takeaway.
  • Communicate with the Steering Committee if they no longer wish to be part of the Program or are having difficulties reaching or connecting with their mentor.

WAYS TO ENGAGE YOUR MENTEE

  • Commit to participate as a mentor for a minimum of one year, with the hopes of forming a long-term relationship   .
  • Share progress, address concerns, or make suggestions for future program improvements with Steering Committee.
  • Meet with mentee at professional organizational gatherings (e.g., CA Women in Timber Mixers, Society of American Forester local chapter meeting, California Licensed Forester Association breakfast group meeting, Association of Fire Ecology).
  • Introduce the mentee to professional networks where there are shared interests, values, or professional development opportunities.
  • Assist mentee with job searches.   
  • Review mentee’s resume.
  • Host a field day with mentee.

To discuss becoming a Forestry Mentor, please contact Program Manager Liana Vitousek:
liana@placerrcd.org
530-820-3294

Resources for Mentors