North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative Coordinator

The Opportunity

Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board (UCSRB) is looking for a passionate and skilled individual to provide a key facilitation and support role to members of the North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative (NCWFHC).

Launched in 2013 with support from the UCSRB, the NCWFHC is a diverse group of local stakeholders representing the timber industry, conservation groups, community members, tribal government, elected officials, and local, state, and federal land managers. Members of the NCWFHC work together to obtain resources and community support to accelerate landscape-scale forest and aquatic restoration projects in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF), located along the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range running through Chelan and Okanogan counties.

Position Summary

The North Central Washington Forest Health Collaborative Coordinator provides meeting facilitation, administrative guidance and dedicated support to the collaborative and its members. The position facilitates regular meetings, coordinates meeting schedules and agendas, provides notes and packets for monthly meetings, and logistical support for field trips and/or other events, as scheduled. The role also assists the NCWFHC members by developing and maintaining relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree recommended with experience in natural resource/environmental management/forestry, collaborative governance, or social sciences.
• Experience and skills in coordination, meeting management, public outreach, and working with land management agencies.
• Experience facilitating complex and technical discussions that include multiple partners and interest groups.
• Passion for collaboration and the ability to coordinate meetings with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and listening skills; ability to communicate and build relationships with diverse collaborative members including U.S. Forest Service personnel, partner organizations, community representatives across the political spectrum, elected officials, and the public.
• Strong organizational and planning skills; ability to work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and facilitate 8 steering committee meetings and 4 quarterly meetings annually, prepare meeting materials and agendas, invite guest speakers with input from NCWFHC co-chairs, and ensure minutes are recorded and distributed.
• Provide neutral facilitation during meetings to ensure all members have equal opportunity for input, the decision-making processes are in line with the NCWFHC By-Laws and meetings are timely.
• Plan, coordinate, and support field trips, ensuring a diverse group of parties have a chance to participate, including collaborative members, work group members, and Forest Service personnel, as appropriate.
• Consult frequently with co-chairs for guidance and approval of meeting agendas and any other collaborative activities.
• Communicate regularly with USFS personnel in the Methow Valley, Entiat/Chelan, and Wenatchee Valley Ranger Districts to coordinate information delivery for meetings and field tours.
• Maintain timely communications with the collaborative members through an email list, including notification of meetings and circulation of agenda at least two weeks prior.
• Ensure written records of all collaborative discussions and any decisions, next steps, and timelines are retained and accessible for members.
• Coordinate with the UCSRB regarding all budget, fiscal reporting and billing needs and activities
• Assist with researching grants and obtaining funds necessary to maintain the role beyond the current grant cycle.
• Act as a representative for NCWFHC on monthly Washington Forest Collaborative phone calls held by Sustainable Northwest.
• Update NCWFHC website and social media accounts with meeting and project information.
• Track the progress of work groups and subcommittees; ensure milestones and deadlines are met.
• Demonstrated ability to set up and run hardware and software commonly used for virtual and hybrid meetings.
• Maintain collaborative email lists.
• Maintain and coordinate membership lists and renewal process.
• Act as a knowledge base of collaborative operating protocols and processes.

The NCWFHC Coordinator position will be based in Wenatchee, with the option to be housed within the UCSRB office. The role requires extensive computer work; other duties may be assigned. The position has a flexible schedule. Some meetings will require in-person attendance and, at times, evening and weekend work. The candidate must have a current driver’s license and be able to drive.

Compensation

Compensation range is $25-$35/hour, depending on experience and qualifications. This grant-funded position will likely entail 15-25 hours a week, from now until June 2025. Mileage reimbursement for monthly meetings is provided. This position is not eligible for a benefits package. The position may continue past June 2025 depending on funding availability and mutual interest.

The UCSRB is an Equal Opportunity Employer