Forestry Stewardship Coordinator – Sequoia NF

The Stewardship Program Coordinator will work in cooperation with the US Forest Service (USFS) to provide management of collaborative stewardship projects in the Hume Lake Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument. This position will provide the incumbent opportunities to work in Sequoia Groves impacted by high severity fire, and will provide a unique balance of field and office work. The Coordinator will plan and oversee activities associated with the numerous Forest Restoration Projects, while also supporting the Forest wide effort to reduce fuel loading associated with pine beetle mortality, blow downs from high wind events, and post fire recovery. Additional coordination activities include NEPA planning and other implementation measures, including biomass removal, mastication, machine piling and shrub control. These projects reduce fuels and promote forest health and habitat improvement/protection by removing drought- and beetle-impacted trees as well as those lost from windfall events across the National Forest.

Job duties are, but not limited to, the following: 

• Identify and verify the land status and environmental constraints affecting the layout of the proposed project on the ground.
• Review, compile and analyze field data for project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.
• Monitor and oversee cruising and marking of timber, prepare general logging plans, and verify logging system settings for project implementation.
• Utilize appropriate documents, determine sale boundaries, proper location of logging roads, acceptable marking and cutting methods, stumpage prices, and the requirements for brush disposal, erosion control, and stand improvement.
• Prepare and ensure quality of documentation such as detailed maps, timber sale appraisals, requests for proposals, contracts, and inspection forms based on project NEPA documents, grant requirements, USFS agreements, timber volumes, and markets.
• Coordinate contracts with mastication and biomass removal contractors, monitor contractor compliance, and conduct quality control of implementation projects. Anticipate potential challenges and coordinate with relevant project partners to address them in a timely manner.
• Assist with monitoring, tracking, and progress reporting to project partners and funding agencies such as CalFire and the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Forestry, Resource Management or other related natural science field, with experience (2 years minimum) that demonstrate successful application of the principles of forestry;
• Knowledge of the mixed conifer forests typical of southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California, including common plants (woody and herbaceous), wildlife, and/or geology/topography;
• Experience (2 years minimum) in standard forestry mensuration, survey, and inventory protocols;
• Ability to monitor contactor compliance with contract and agreement stipulations;
• Experience with project management and coordination
• Capacity to collect and maintain field data in an organized manner that is easily understood and accessible to other resources staff;
• Experience employing and training field personnel in safety practices, low impact principles, field methods, and data management;
• Experience leading forestry crews in the field, including oversight of safety, communication, fidelity to methods, and data quality;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, with a diverse audience;
• Experience using ArcGIS to create maps;
• Ability to navigate and collect data using handheld GPS units;
• Proficiency using a compass and topographic map to navigate;
• Possess a clean, valid, state-issued driver’s license with ability to safely operate and maintain a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads;
• Physically fit to work outdoors, carry up to 50 pounds of personal and/or field equipment, and withstand the rigors of a forested and/or high desert environment in all seasons;
• Willingness and ability to camp in remote, primitive sites for several consecutive days (if necessary);
• Familiarity with best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles; and
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the USFS.