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 in our Sonora, CA office and report to the Headwaters Program Director. This salaried, grant-funded position will pay $60,000-$70,000 annually and include benefits (see below). 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 according to the Degree to which they exceed the minimum qualifications.