Forest Health Project Manager (I)


Summary

This is a posting for one or more full-time Forest Health Project Managers I for the Tuolumne River Trust (TRT), functioning out of TRT's Sonora office. This position is grant-funded and will include project management, budget control, coordination of the implementation of fieldwork, leading field staff, and inspections. The Forest Health Project Manager will lead the implementation of forest health projects across the landscape on public lands management on the Stanislaus National Forest and adjacent private lands.

Information

The Forest Health Project Manager will lead the implementation of TRT's forest restoration projects on the Stanislaus National Forest and adjacent private lands. The Project Manager will play a central program role by working closely with TRT's Headwaters Program Manager to manage grants, supervise contractors, and implement projects. This individual will possess an understanding of sustainable forestry practices and national forest management policies. In addition, they will harbor a passion for ecological forest and watershed restoration. The Forest Health Project Manager will help implement projects designed to increase the health and resilience of the Sierra Nevada forests, protecting and advocating for the ecological, social, and economic values that these forests provide. They will collaborate with TRT's education and advocacy staff frequently.

The ideal candidate is an experienced forest/fire ecologist, forester, or related natural resource conservation project manager with a background in forest health and fire resiliency and a solid history of relevant project implementation and management. They must have working knowledge of forest ecology and related resource concerns, ideally with experience relevant to Sierra Nevada forests and plant communities. Experience with project management, project layout, overseeing project implementation, conservation planning, and managing contracts and subcontractors is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to be self-directed while working collaboratively with other staff members and partners. This position is currently funded through grants from state and federal agencies.

Equity at TRT

TRT holds a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity as core principles integral to the work we do. As we add new members across all levels of the organization, we seek diverse perspectives and lived experiences that foster learning, creativity, innovation, and equity. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The Forest Health Project Manager will advance TRT's forest restoration program through project implementation, liaising with private contractors, the Stanislaus National Forest, and staff from Tuolumne County. They will be responsible for implementing contracts, project design and layout, marking boundaries, and project monitoring. The Project Manager will spend a significant portion of their time (50%) on project operations, leading fuels management activities to ensure targets are achieved, objectives are met, and mitigation measures are adequate. They will monitor fuels treatments, evaluate effects, identify potential problems, and take action to solve them. This work will include designing and implementing fuels management surveys, evaluating treatments and effectiveness, and serving as the point of contact for contracted crews. Approximately 40% of the Project Manager's time will be devoted to planning and coordinating, including reviewing and implementing land management plans, instructing field staff, writing and reviewing contracts, and tracking projects. 10% of the Project Manager's time will be spent on program management, including soliciting grant funding, reporting project updates to grantors, and coordinating work between multiple partners and agencies.

Primary duties include:

  • Candidates should have an interest in and commitment to environmental conservation.

  • Managing contractors, including:

    • Contractor selection for roadside fuel breaks, understory fuels reduction, timber harvest, weed control, reforestation, and other project work, including developing Requests for Proposals and reviewing submitted proposals

    • Development of contracts for implementation of grant-funded work

    • Establish pre-project flagging to mark work site boundaries, riparian buffers, etc.

    • Schedule and oversee contractor work, including:

      • Site visits

      • Contractor training for wildlife and cultural resources awareness

      • Daily or weekly site visits to ensure adherence to project scope and required mitigations

  • Complete project documentation and monitoring, including:

    • Quarterly or semi-annual grant progress reports to project funders

    • Project photo-monitoring, including establishment and documentation of photo points

    • Documentation of invasive plant occurrences, treated area extents, and other field data using mobile phone/tablet-based GIS software

  • Fieldwork including (but not limited to)

    • Project design, layout, and oversight

    • Timber stand exams and Common Stand Exams

    • Stake and Survival Exams

    • Managing and leading field staff

  • The Forest Health Project Manager may be asked to assist in grant writing efforts necessary to solicit funding for new projects.

  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes:

  • Bachelor's Degree in forest ecology, forestry, silviculture, natural resources management, or a closely- related field AND

    • A minimum of two years of relevant forest project management experience.

  • Knowledge of forestry, vegetation management, wildfire behavior, watershed stewardship and conservation, resource management, basic hydrology, basic soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or forest ecology.

  • Project goal-oriented with initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant-related obligations.

  • Understanding of forest mensuration, inventory, and treatment design.

  • Strong computer skills, including:

    • Microsoft Word and Excel.

    • ArcGIS (ArcPro and ArcGIS Online)

  • Strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public

  • Team player and ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures and experiences

  • Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • Physically able to work in the field (hiking off-trail through heavy brush, lifting, carrying supplies and equipment, etc.) during all seasons

  • Ability to work from a home office with a good internet connection

  • Must have a valid driver's license, be fit and able to walk to forest project sites as well as be able to lift at least 20 pounds

Travel

Project locations are typically within 1-3 hours of the Sonora office. TRT has multiple offroad capable work vehicles available to staff; however, the archaeologists may be required to provide their own transportation due to resource constraints. They will be compensated for travel according to the current IRS rate. The employees' private vehicle may sometimes be necessary over roads in various conditions, from paved to rough national forest roads. Proof of a valid US driver's license and insurance will be requested at the time of employment.

Additional Details

This position will be based in our Sonora, CA office and report to the Headwaters Program Director. This salaried, grant-funded position will pay $60,000-$80,000 per year and will include benefits (medical, dental, and retirement). Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be at or near the lower end of the range. A candidate will land higher on the range to the degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications. 

TRT Sponsored Benefits:

  • 100% Employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage

  • SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% employer match

  • After probationary period, 2 weeks of paid vacation per year with an additional week each year of employment to a maximum of 4 weeks per year.

  • 17 paid holidays

  • 12 days of paid sick leave per year

  • Long term disability coverage

  • Employer paid $10,000 life insurance policy

  • For remote and/or hybrid work employees, monthly home office stipend for internet and cell service and one-time home office setup stipend

  • 3 weeks of Paid Parental Leave for employees with at least two years of employment

TRT is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that a diverse staff of qualified, highly-skilled, and creative individuals is necessary to achieve the vision and mission of the initiative. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates who can contribute to the diversity of our workforce across a range of dimensions.

To Apply

Please send an email with cover letter and resume as attachments with subject heading Forest Health Project Manager to jobs@tuolumne.org. Initial review of applicants will be done through an anonymized process with names and addresses removed.

First round deadline for applications is October 17, with interviews conducted the week of October 28.

Tuolumne River Trust Background

The Tuolumne River Trust promotes the stewardship of the Tuolumne River and its tributaries to ensure a healthy watershed, from Yosemite National Park to the San Joaquin River and the San Francisco Bay-Delta. Founded in 1981, the Trust is the only organization working throughout the watershed, linking Sierra and Valley conservation issues and forging strong ties between rural mountain and valley regions and Bay Area urban communities. 

The 2013 Rim Fire, which burned 257,000 acres and approximately 20% of the Tuolumne Watershed, was a profound event for the watershed, the community, and for TRT as an organization and compelled us to engage in forest restoration and management. TRT serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions (YSS) and acts as the project manager for forest, meadow, spring, and wildlife restoration projects on behalf of the collaborative. TRT also works closely with Tuolumne County, which is the signatory of a Master Stewardship Agreement with the Stanislaus National Forest on behalf of YSS.

Other TRT programs include: a) participation in the relicensing of the Don Pedro Dam, which regulates stream flows in the lower Tuolumne River, and the Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan update to ensure improved river flows for fish and wildlife in the lower Tuolumne River, b) restoration of floodplains, riparian forests, and other habitat along the lower Tuolumne River, c) building public support for watershed stewardship by connecting the public to the River through education and outreach, d) educating schoolchildren in the Bay Area and Central Valley about the importance of the Tuolumne River to our region; and e) improving water use efficiency in the Bay Area so that more water is left in the river to ensure its health.

By linking mountain, valley, and Bay Area conservation issues, and connecting people to the river through outings and education, the Trust is building broad support for watershed stewardship. Our strategic approach melds advocacy, education, collaboration, scientific inquiry, and litigation when necessary to address threats and take advantage of conservation and restoration opportunities. For more information about the Tuolumne River Trust, visit: www.tuolumne.org.