Wildfire and Watershed Protection Fund Coordinator

Overview

Under general supervision, the Wildfire and Watershed Protection Fund Coordinator (WWPF) will work with WWPF members: private landowners; local, state and federal agencies; and other stakeholders to develop and implement a strategy for coordinated, landscape-scale wildfire and watershed treatment and mitigation on private lands. The WWPF Coordinator is responsible for the administrative, operational and technical oversight of all fund activities. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and project management experience.

BA in related field and 3 years of applicable experience.

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

• Coordinate WWPF member meetings.
• Work with local partners to review, research, analyze, evaluate and interpret data and research findings necessary to identify wildfire impacts on communities, infrastructure and ecosystems, along with treatment potential.
• Coordinate with local partners, state and federal agencies to identify priority areas for treatment and ensure that treatment occurs across the landscape in a strategic manner.
• Prepare science-based treatment proposals for approval by WWPF members.
• Manage implementation of on-the-ground treatment measures.
• Develop and manage contracts as needed for specific expertise related to WWPF goals.
• Prepare recruitment proposals and hire staff with relevant experience, for example a treatment program manager and/or administrative assistant as the WWPF grows.
• Develop a comprehensive monitoring strategy in partnership with local stakeholders and related monitoring efforts.
• Analyze and evaluate forest health treatment impact and report annually on completed projects, monitoring and plan for the year ahead.
• Develop recommendations for objectives, general policies and procedures for the WWPF.

• Research existing and emerging options for funding/financing wildfire and watershed protection measures on county, city and private lands.
• Apply for and manage grant and other funding opportunities.
• Coordinate with WWPF members on budget proposals for partner contributions.

• Collaborate with local partners to support workforce development in industries critical for wildfire and watershed protection efforts including on-the-ground mitigation efforts and timber industries.

• Develop and utilize existing outreach materials and engage private landowners in voluntary private-land mitigation efforts.
• Develop and manage agreements and monitoring efforts with private landowners.
• Coordinate with related efforts, including participation in the Rocky Mountain Restoration Initiative, Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, Four Rivers Forest Health Collaborative, Fire Adapted Durango Partnership and others.
• Present on the WWPF to elected officials, key stakeholder and community members.

• Prepare and manage the budget of the WWPF, recommend budgetary needs to the Director of Emergency Management and the WWPF committee. Has authority to release funds and make purchases up to a spending limit as approved by the supervisor.

• May serve on the La Plata County Incident Management Team,
• May be responsible for hiring and supervising additional staff to support WWPF efforts.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.

General office and computer equipment and audio/video equipment.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or related field of study.
• Master’s degree in a related field a plus.
• Three years related experience, including project management experience.
• Experience developing and leading forest management, wildfire mitigation, natural resources management or related programs and plans.
• Experience in budget and performance management and building effective reporting.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Experience working for, or collaborating with, local government and/or state and federal agencies a plus.

Valid Driver's License

• Wildfire and watershed protection treatments, including thinning and prescribed burns and impacts on life-safety, property and ecosystems.
• Wildfire risk mitigation assessments, tools, governance and…