Fire & Forestry Project Coordinator

Fire and Forestry Project Coordinator–WSRCD Fire & Forestry Program (Shasta County)

The Western Shasta Resource Conservation District (WSRCD) seeks a Fire and Forestry Project Coordinator to work closely with WSRCD staff and partners to support our Fire and Forestry Programs. Based in Anderson, California, the WSRCD is a leader in fire and forestry projects and programs in western Shasta County. 

In this role, your functions will include extensive outdoor work throughout western Shasta County overseeing implementation of fuels reduction and wildfire mitigation projects and/or conducting forest inventory work. There will also be tasks associated with cooperative cross-boundary planning and project design, landowner engagement and technical assistance, project prep and layout, and assisting WSRCD Project Managers with coordinating project implementation (accomplished with both WSRCD crews and private contractors). Along with primary forestry and fuels management functions, the program also encompasses botany and wildlife functions, and works in close coordination with community partners to accomplish complex resource benefit objectives at the project, community, and landscape scale.

Ideal candidates will possess a background in forestry, wildland fire, or a related field. They should demonstrate effective leadership abilities and possess knowledge and experience in forestry, wildfire mitigation, or a combination of both. A personable and outgoing disposition, combined with strategic thinking capabilities, is essential for success in this role. As project needs emerge, the Fire and Forestry Project Coordinator will collaborate with staff and partners to devise innovative solutions that drive project outcomes forward.

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with partners including the U. S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE, other state and local agencies and local Fire Safe Councils.
• Meet with landowners to discuss goals and objectives and work out logistical elements of tree/brush removal, reforestation and prescribed fire.
• Interface with landowners and contractors, assist with developing scopes of work and budgets, and assist with oversight of project contracts and agreements.
• Coordinate the development of projects and logistics for project implementation.
• Coordinate with project partners and consultants to develop environmental documentation and permits (CEQA, NEPA, etc.).
• Represent WSRCD, its partners and funders in a positive and proactive manner.
• Contribute to additional WSRCD programs (as appropriate based on skills and interests)
• Interface with and provide support to Project Managers and partners to ensure that ongoing goals and objectives are moving forward and regular meetings are being held.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management or other applicable field OR five years equivalent experience of professional work.
• Experience leading or managing crews working on forestry or wildfire mitigation projects including laying out fuels treatment plots. 
• Experience with implementing or contracting forestry or wildfire mitigation treatments. 
• Forestry and/or ecological knowledge or experience in western ecosystems.Ability to identify Shasta County native tree and brush species in all stages of development.
• Experienced with or comfortable quickly learning and using ESRI Field Maps mapping application.
• Effective knowledge of common software applications such as GSuite, Microsoft Suite, Zoom, Canva and Adobe Acrobat. 
• Experience related to wildfire preparedness or mitigation.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• GIS/mapping skills (ArcGIS Pro, ESRI Field Maps, ArcGIS Pro).
• Knowledge of environmental rules, regulations, and standard documents (CEQA, NEPA,
• etc.).
• Ability to identify native and non-native plants preferred, but will provide training.
• Ability to identify birds by sight and sound preferred, but will provide training.
• Ability to drive 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Physical Requirements

This position will be field work heavy and physically demanding at times. 

• Ability to hike in steep, uneven terrain for extended periods while carrying needed supplies for the day. 
• Physically able to work in the field during all seasons, such as hiking through burned and unburned landscapes.
• Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work for prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds at a time and able to lift heavier objects with assistance. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Compensation 

• $23.98 – $27.96/hour depending on experience

Job Type: Full Time

Benefits

• 12 Paid Holidays Per Year (New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and 1 Floating Holiday)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision 100% paid by District
• Matching Retirement Plan
• 80 Hours of Paid Time Off accrued each year
• 80 Hours of Vacation accrued for first year (increases after 1 year)
• Most benefits start after 30 days of employment

Open until filled.