Northern Sierra Project Coordinator

Northern Sierra Project Coordinator – National Forest Foundation

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer two 3-year term positions that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs across the California National Forests, with a primary focus on the Plumas National Forest.

The Northern Sierra Project Coordinator reports directly to the Northern Sierra Program Manager and works closely with California-based program staff and other NFF staff to provide project management, contract management, and program development support. The incumbent is responsible for helping develop and implement conservation programs with the U.S. Forest Service, communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support strategic initiatives and long-term goals in California.

The position will focus primarily within the Plumas National Forest.

• Work with U.S. Forest Service partners to help develop scopes of work for forest health, wildfire risk reduction, community resilience, watershed improvement, ecosystem restoration, and recreation enhancement projects.
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and awarding of multiple contracts for services related to on-the-ground implementation of fuel reduction, commercial thinning, habitat restoration, critical access improvement, and community resiliency projects.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, partners, and the U.S. Forest Service to coordinate on-the-ground implementation of fuel reduction, commercial thinning, habitat restoration, critical access improvement, and community resiliency projects effectively and efficiently.
• Help develop, modify, manage, and track large-scale Stewardship Agreements and Challenge Cost Share Agreements associated with forest restoration projects (e.g., hand thinning, mechanical thinning, commercial thinning, prescribed fire).
• Support expansion of the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities, creating new development opportunities, and writing grants.
• Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships among the U.S. Forest Service, California NGO partners, and the NFF to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Strengthen the NFF ability to support on-the-ground restoration and recreation projects by supporting activities that reinforce existing collaborations and help build new partnerships; maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF conservation activities in the Plumas National Forest area; assist as necessary with the NFF program of work in the State of California, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Bachelor’s degree or professional certification in conservation, forestry, environmental science, a related field, or equivalent experience.

Minimum three years of work experience with conservation programs, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementation, preferably on federal lands.

Must be authorized to work in the United States.

A strong attention to detail; excellent research and analytical skills; creativity and initiative; highly organized approach; exceptional interpersonal and written communication; strong time management and organization; ability to work well in a team-oriented environment; flexibility; ability to travel frequently; work in outdoor conditions; maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.

The position can be based in a community within or near the Plumas National Forest. Preferred locations in California are Chico, Oroville, Quincy, and Portola, and in Nevada, Reno. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout the Plumas National Forest. This is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access.

Starting…