NEPA Planner

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service on the Fremont-Winema National Forest (Fre-Win), is seeking a NEPA Planner to support the Forest’s environmental planning and project analysis needs. The planner will work directly with Fre-Win staff to assist in the development and review of NEPA documents for a variety of resource and land management projects. Responsibilities include contributing to project development, preparing sections of environmental analyses, coordinating with resource specialists, public engagement, and assisting with the organization and tracking of project documentation. The ideal candidate will have past experience doing NEPA with the U.S. Forest Service and possess a working knowledge of federal environmental law and public land management policy, along with familiarity of best management practices, enabling them to effectively support NEPA processes and collaborative project work. This position is remote/flexible with a requirement to engage in-person at a Ranger District or Supervisor’s office located on the Forest (as needed), but no more than 12 times per year with advanced notification prior to travel. Reporting and in-person engagements with the Fre-Win will be coordinated by the Forest Service POC (not GBI) for this position.

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

• Apply understanding of federal, state, and local regulatory requirements to determine the permitting strategy for projects;
• Lead or support interdisciplinary teams to complete Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, Environmental Impact Statements, and other permitting or consultation documents;
• Analyze environmental impacts from project activities and develop written descriptions of impacts for environmental documents;
• Review and interpret highly technical reports on a variety of subjects (air quality, cultural resources, biology, geology, hazardous materials, historic resources, hydrology, etc.) and summarize in non-technical language understandable to a layperson;
• Coordinate public engagement including meetings, travel logistics, project newsletters, notices, public announcements, and related activities;
• Contribute to partnership development activities, including partner relations and proposal development for new project work;
• Contribute to GBI’s broader NEPA Program capacity and participate in strategic development opportunities.

LOCATION:

This position is remote/flexible with a requirement to engage in-person at a Ranger District or Supervisor’s office located on the Forest (as needed), but no more than 12 times per year with advanced notification prior to travel. Reporting and in-person engagements with the Fre-Win will be coordinated by the Forest Service POC (not GBI) for this position.

The Fremont-Winema National Forest spans a broad and diverse landscape across south-central Oregon, encompassing mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forests, extensive sagebrush and grassland ecosystems, large wetland and lake complexes, and the prominent volcanic and fault-block formations characteristic of the region. This setting provides a dynamic environment for resource management and project planning. The Forest includes major features such as the Warner Mountains, the Fremont National Recreation Trail, Summer Lake Basin, and other expansive public lands that support a wide range of recreation opportunities. While the position is not based in Reno NV, selected candidates are hired through GBI (based in Reno NV) and benefit from GBI’s regional networks, resources, and professional support across the Intermountain West.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting annual salary equivalent is $63,163 – $82,108. In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time, onsite position includes company paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance, as well as $25,000 Life/AD&D policy. Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members. Mental health support resources are employer provided, as is 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match, competitive PTO accrual, paid holidays (12 per year), and family leave. Total compensation package is $72,369.08 – $92,071.88 per year, DOE. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform this job successfully, employees must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Previous experience doing NEPA with the U.S. Forest Service (2 years minimum);
• Experience successfully managing and preparing environmental documents and associated technical studies;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the editing, oversight, and preparation of technical reports;
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team in a fast-paced and creative environment;
• Ability to work independently with a strong work ethic;
• Excellent oral, writing, communication, presentation, strategic thinking, and “people” skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with and an understanding of the environmental regulatory framework for the Cascades and Great Basin regions, including applicable state and federal laws;
• Experience in forestry, fire and fuels, or other related projects for forest health and post-fire recovery;
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (ArcGIS Pro);
• Experience in environmental consulting;
• Master’s Degree in Environmental Sciences, Cultural Resources, Urban Planning, Geology, Biological Sciences, or related field (plus).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

The overall nature of the position is sedentary, requiring little physical effort and occasional light exertion. There is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization’s ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer: Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.