National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that will manage forest restoration projects. The position is located on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) in western Colorado.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function: The GMUG Forestry Coordinator directly reports to a Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager and works closely with other Colorado-based field staff and the U.S. Forest Service to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on the GMUG National Forest. The GMUG Forestry Coordinator will focus on project implementation, oversight, and administration. The GMUG Forestry Coordinator is also expected to work closely with USDA Forest Service staff as an integrated team member to provide forest restoration design, timber sale layout, and other technical capacities and leadership on USDA Forest Service-coordinated vegetation management projects.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The GMUG Forestry Coordinator will:

• Build and develop close and mutually beneficial relationships among the U.S. Forest Service, the NFF, Colorado State Forest Service, and other partners to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Coordinate and manage forest-related restoration efforts, including acting as the NFF project administrator for oversight of on-the-ground project implementation (e.g., on-site administration of timber sales/stewardship projects, coordinating between U.S. Forest Service and contractors, facilitating final inspection, etc.)
• Support the NFF partnership with the GMUG, help plan and coordinate forest restoration projects on the GMUG that aligns with U.S. Forest Service and NFF restoration priorities.
• Support the GMUG in advancing its vegetation management program by providing project design, project layout, and other technical capacities in alignment with U.S. Forest Service priorities.
• Build mutually beneficial relationships with the local timber industry and communities by understanding and advancing GMUG’s restoration program and wood utilization goals in a way that supports local goals.
• Help develop and implement work under Stewardship Agreements (SAs) and/or Challenge Cost Share Agreements (CCSs) with the U.S. Forest Service. Oversee agreement reporting and stewardship credit administration.
• Coordinate and develop Requests for Proposals and contracts for forest restoration projects, and work accordingly with NFF staff to process, select contractors, and oversee implementation of projects.
• Report on outcomes and deliverables of forest restoration projects. Outcomes include a verbal and/or written report related to each project as required by grantors.
• Identify and provide support in the establishment of grants and partnership opportunities that provide support for expanding capacity for forest thinning projects and other restoration projects.
• Effectively communicate with and engage the public in caring for their National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of forest management.
• Serve as a point of contact in the NFF for forest management and related development activities on the GMUG and the Rocky Mountain Region.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the GMUG Forestry Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in forestry or another natural resources-related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in forestry, vegetation management, or conservation project management and related community-based collaborative conservation.
• A strong knowledge of and experience in U.S. Forest Service policies, procedures, and regulations.
• ArcGIS and spatial data management skills, including experience creating and managing spatial tools for large-scale projects.
• A strong understanding of Colorado natural resources issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the mission of the NFF and the environment.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the GMUG Forestry Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, performing fieldwork, attending meetings, and managing projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to act as a contract administrator and liaison between project contractors and the U.S. Forest Service.
• Ability to implement forest inventory and forestry project layout with minimal oversight.
• Strong understanding of forest operations and logging systems.
• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
• Ability to effectively manage a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work remotely (e.g., home office).
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.

Location: The location for this position is in a community near the GMUG National Forest in Colorado, with a preference near Montrose, CO. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout the GMUG National Forest. This position is a work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $68,000 to $82,750, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed.

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate

Flexibility and time off:

• Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service)
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.

Journey of a Lifetime:

• The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to / work in spectacular locations.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on March 11th, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.