Lead Coordinator, Southern Sierra Reforestation

Southern Sierra Reforestation Lead Coordinator

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities and natural spaces today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all.

To support this work, we are looking for a Southern Sierra Reforestation Coordinator to join our Resilient Forests' team.

The southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains has experienced numerous large fires that have increased the likelihood of a full ecosystem conversion across the landscape. American Forests is working with federal, state, tribal, private and non-profit partners in the region to address these impacts through cross-boundary, climate-smart reforestation projects. The Lead Reforestation Coordinator will work as a part of the field crew to deliver these projects on the ground.

Projects that they may be supporting include seedling planting, herbicide, fuels reduction, and vegetation management. The Lead Coordinator will also participate in American Forests' state-wide Cone Corps program to organize and support cone collection efforts to address seed shortages.

Major responsibilities include:

• Reforestation Project Implementation (30%)
• Serve as a lead inspector for reforestation contracts such as tree planting, chemical or manual release, and/or site prep. This includes independently overseeing quality assurance and directing inspections, working collaboratively with project partners, documentation and reporting;
• Provide training and support to reforestation field crew members on the use of standard tools and protocols, including contract inspection plots, Avenza, Survey
  123, etc;
• Execute plans to track seedling survival and stocking following planting including leading data collection and providing trainings;
• Document and communicate survey findings and results; and
• Delineate and map future treatment boundaries based on site conditions and objectives for desired future conditions.

• Cone Surveying, Monitoring and Collection (35%)
• Plan surveying routes and strategize cone scouting and monitoring plan using maps, Survey
  123 data, and species prioritization guidelines;
• Use Survey
  123 and maps to report and track cone crops during initial surveys;
• Assess cone and seed viability using an Air Powered Tree Access launcher to retrieve cones and perform cone face cuts; and
• Prepare plans and budgets for the collection of cones, facilitate collection through contract oversight, cone evaluation and tracking.

• Project Management and Administration (25%)
• Provide leadership and direction to a two-person field crew, coordinate field scheduling and logistics to accomplish goals in consultation with American Forests' Southern Sierra team;
• Use ArcGIS to prepare project maps, track treatment progress and document survey results;
• Attend trainings, conduct research and stay up-to-date with new developments in the field of reforestation, cone collection, and forest restoration;
• Participate in regular meetings with the Southern Sierra team;
• Support or conduct outreach and presentations; and
• Manage a field and office-based schedule.

We don't expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We're interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, environmental science, other natural related field; or relevant experience
• At least two years of experience in the field of natural resource management conservation, and/or forest health monitoring and assessment
• Ability to work independently, self-manage and communicate effectively
• Ability to think creatively, problem solve, and a willingness to find innovative solutions
• Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, Word, ArcGIS, Survey
  123 and Avenza
• Experience safely operating a 4x4 vehicle on unpaved and paved roads
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight, including multiple days of self-supported vehicle- based camping when lodging is not feasible
• Ability to work 10-hour days in the field or other irregular schedules to support project needs
• Must possess a valid driver's license, possess a clean driving record
• Fluency in Spanish
• Familiarity with Southern Sierra Nevada ecology, tree and plant , and natural resource issues
• Experience…