Kootenai National Forest Coordinator

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position term position (5 years) that will manage the development and implementation of fuels reduction projects on the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function: The Kootenai National Forest Coordinator report directly to the Northern Rockies Program Manager and work closely with other Montana-based field staff to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on the Kootenai National Forest. Specific efforts will include projects to reduce fuels on the National Forest and in the Wildland Urban Interface. This work requires close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, other federal and state agencies, community organizations, and implementation partners to accomplish identified goals and activities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Kootenai National Forest Coordinator will:

• Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service and partners to implement scopes of work for large-scale fuel reduction projects. Work will occur on the Kootenai National Forest.
• Oversee projects through their full life cycle – initiation, planning, coordination, budget tracking, quality assurance, and safety.
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and award of multiple contracts for services related to the on-the-ground implementation of fuel reduction projects.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and agency partners to coordinate the on-the-ground implementation of fuel reduction projects effectively and efficiently.
• Manage contracts, invoices, and associated budgets for projects.
• Assist, where necessary, with locating and identifying unit boundaries by painting, flagging and or developing georeferenced maps consistent with project design features and or Forest Plan requirements.
• Assist, where necessary, with development of silvicultural prescriptions and contractual technical specifications.
• Serve as the NFF’s on-the-ground point of contact for daily project management needs.
• Coordinate communications about project work within the community. This could include social media, newsletters, news releases, or in-person meetings/events.
• Work with NFF staff to solicit funds from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support projects.
• Support preparation of progress and funding reports for federal, state, and local government funding sources as well as for philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and individuals.
• Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and community benefits and accomplishments.
• Sustain ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF’s strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for NFF conservation activities on and near the Kootenai National Forest.
• Assist as necessary with the NFF program of work in the Northern Rockies Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Location: The location for this position is in a community near the Kootenai National Forest in northwestern Montana. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace. Applicant must be willing and able to make frequent trips to the Kootenai National Forest.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at the NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position is $56,000 to $70,200. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity.

To Apply: Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Positions are open until March 24th, 2024. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at: www.nationalforests.org 

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Kootenai National Forest Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in forestry, natural resource management, or another related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in conservation programs, contract administration, project planning and/or coordination.
• Knowledge of and experience in U.S. Forest Service land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A strong understanding of natural resources issues.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Kootenai National Forest Project Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, performing fieldwork, attending meetings, and managing projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to perform fieldwork and work outdoors in inclement weather conditions.
• Knowledge of natural resource issues and forestry best practices.
• Ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability to effectively and simultaneously manage multiple projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to utilize communications platforms, including social media, to communicate effectively on a local level.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently within the communities around the assigned Forest, particularly during project implementation periods.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• GIS and mapmaking ability is preferred.