Forest Health Project Manager

Forest Health Project Manager 

About Whitebark Institute  

Whitebark Institute is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges and fostering resilient communities in California’s Eastern Sierra. Our work prioritizes landscape and community adaptation to climate change, particularly wildfire risk reduction. We play a key role in advancing the region’s wildfire resilience efforts in communities throughout the Eastern Sierra by bringing together local scientists, environmental planners, government agencies, educators, communities, and businesses to collaboratively develop, plan, finance, and restore healthy landscapes in Inyo, Mono, and Alpine Counties.  

Whitebark Institute makes an impact in our communities and provides a great place to work. We are a small, growing organization with a skilled staff that brings experience from a multitude of scientific disciplines and applied areas of expertise. With an indescribable passion for this place, Whitebark is made up of talented outdoor enthusiasts who care deeply about the landscape where we work and live. Collaboration is one of our core values, and we recognize that a healthy work-life balance is essential to our long-term success.  

About the Position  

The Forest Health Project Manager will coordinate and oversee all aspects of forest restoration and fuels reduction projects including mechanized and hand thinning operations, under the supervision of the Forest Health Program Manager. Duties include all relevant contract preparation and planning activities such as unit layout, timber volume determination and estimation, designation of timber, and contract drafting. The position is also responsible for oversight of contractors during implementation to ensure forestry operations are abiding by contractual stipulations.   

The project manager is expected to communicate and collaborate with internal staff and external partners to coordinate projects. Proactive, effective communication with the Inyo National Forest, Town of Mammoth Lakes, and other local partners is an essential part of this position. Other duties including oversight of seasonal crews, resource surveys, data collection for monitoring, and grant management may be assigned based on Whitebark’s needs, and the interest of the employee.   

This position requires a self-directed, flexible, and highly organized professional who excels in both independent work and collaborative environments. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader who has an interest in oversight of mechanized forestry operations and knowledge of forestry practices, environmental planning, and contracting. The Forest Health Project Manager is a full-time, year-round position with benefits.  

Duties  

The Program Manager will perform a wide variety of work to support the Forest Health program. The Whitebark Institute believes in supporting its staff and will provide on-the-job and/or formal training opportunities as needed for the selected candidate to successfully complete their job. Duties which may be required as part of the Project Manager position include but are not limited to: 

Project Preparation (40%) 

Field Preparation 

• Review environmental planning, agreement, and grant documents to ensure compliance with spatial and prescription stipulations.
• Delineate spatial extent of the project area.  Assess operational feasibility based on field conditions and adjust spatial extent and operational methodology accordingly.
• Account for biomass disposal including timber extraction. Designation of timber and volume estimations may be required.
• Coordinate all activities and planned operations with the land manager and resource specialists. Ensure control areas are established within the project and delineated appropriately.
• Utilize GPS and spatial tools to map project area, units, and all relevant features.

Contract Preparation  

• Gather and develop all required exhibits and appendices in addition to the contract body
• Coordinate contract development, especially technical specifications and resource protection measures with land manager.
• Process and quantify timber volume.
• Compile request for proposal (RFP) package to solicit bids from prospective contractors and lead site visit.
• Organize bid review team and process to award project to contractor.
• Agreement documentation
• Ensure all aspects of project are included in a legal document authorizing Whitebark to implement work on public lands.
• Manage agreement and contracting timelines to ensure projects move forward along planned timelines.

Contract Administration (40%) 

• Oversee contractor work in the field to ensure compliance with contract requirements and standards.
• Work with contractor to coordinate operational schedules and timelines
• Work with land managers and other required parties to coordinate implementation timelines and operational requirements
• Fill out appropriate documentation to record contractor activities and changes to the contract including unit approval and invoice payments.

Grant Reporting – May be required as part of duties (10%) 

• Complete quarterly reporting and progress reports for grants as required
• Maintain organized project folder with appropriate documentation of budget, invoices, and narratives for reporting.
• Work with grantors to execute any necessary amendments, modifications, updates, and/or changes to the grant agreement.
• Maintain grant budget including the tracking of outgoing funds and invoicing to ensure timely payments to contractors.
• Grant closeout duties and final reporting upon completion of the grant.

Miscellaneous/ Other Potential Duties (10%) 

• Work collaboratively with other staff to accomplish tasks in a timely manner.
• Direct the activities of field technicians as needed to accomplish work.
• Utilize a variety of spatial mapping and information gathering technology including but not limited to: ArcPro, Survey 1,2,3, Field Maps, FSCruiser, Exams Mobile, and Two Trails.
• Participate in, or organize monitoring activities in compliance with grant guidelines.
• Participate in, or design resource surveys to collect natural resource data

Desired Candidate Qualifications: 

Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources and/ or at least three years applied experience working in environmental planning, forestry, or related field.
• Physical ability to safely navigate steep, complex mountain terrain while timber harvesting operations are underway, carrying necessary field equipment (up to 10 miles/day with 30 lbs. of equipment).
• Ability to work independently, establish work priorities, manage time effectively, well organized, self-starter, detail-oriented, and adaptable with the ability to manage both routine and complex time-sensitive tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated proficiency in fostering effective collaboration across various teams.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, with specialized competency in Excel.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate field efforts and organize, collect, enter, and analyze field data.

Preferred:  

• Specialized training and/ or experience in forestry operations and project management.
• Resource specific knowledge and expertise in botany, wildlife biology, hydrology, archaeology, and/or air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. Specialized training or experience in forest management or botany preferred.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and fostering productive relationships with a wide range of community members, governmental agencies, local communities, and academic institutions.
• Ability to manage grants, including grant tracking, reporting, and compliance with funding requirements.
• Experience with ESRI applications (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, Survey 1.2.3, AGOL, etc.), experience with US Forest Service forestry programs (FS Cruiser, Two Trails, Exams Mobile)

Work Environment  

This position is primarily field based, however varying amounts of office work is required depending on the schedule and time of year. Regular travel is required to attend meetings, visit field sites, and collaborate with partners across the Eastern Sierra—often in remote locations. As such, a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and personal vehicle insurance are required. Typical workweeks are four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days. Hybrid remote work is acceptable.  

Reporting Structure  

This role is part of the Whitebark Forest Health Team and reports to the Forest Health Program Manager.  

Compensation & Benefits  

This is a full-time, year-round position with a competitive salary range of $62,400 – $80,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. Work schedule may vary seasonally based on project timelines and program initiatives with a reduced schedule during the winter months.  

Benefits include:  

• Health Insurance: 75% employer-paid medical, plus 100% employer-paid dental, vision, and life insurance.

• Retirement: Employer-contributed retirement program.

• Paid Time Off: Generous Vacation Time Policy and an additional 11 paid holidays per year.

How to Apply  

To apply, email a resume and cover letter along with at least two professional references to administrator@whitebarkinstitute.org with the subject line: Forest Health Project Manager. Position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the ideal candidate is identified. The first round of application evaluations will begin February 23, 2026.  Please submit your application by the end of the day February 20, 2026 to be considered in this round.    

Whitebark Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all employees.  

For more information:  

Visit https://whitebarkinstitute.org/careers/ or contact Eric Vane Eric@whitebarkinstitute.org