Senior Manager, Contract Administration

Our Mission in Action
Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Senior Manager, Contract Administration to join our Forest Restoration team.

What You’ll Do 
As a part of the team, you will work across Resilient Forests regional programs to oversee procurement and contracting of reforestation activities on National Forest System lands; develop and execute projects and partnerships, working in close collaboration with USDA FS staff; ensure American Forests contracted projects are compliant with federal procurement standards, agency, and field safety requirements; and develop tools, templates and processes supporting the Resilient Forests team in contract administration. Major responsibilities include:

Procurement and Contracting (70%) 

• Serve as lead representative on Resilient Forests team for contract oversight and administration.
• Support AF Regional Directors in procurement, scope of work development, contract oversight, and inspection.
• Oversee implementation of American Forests’ contracted reforestation-related activities on NFS lands. Implementation actions could include planning and unit layout; contract development, contractor selection, and administration; field implementation and quality control, including for site preparation, planting, release, and other restoration actions; and monitoring.
• Coordinate with relevant American Forests and USDA Forest Service staff regarding scope development, project logistics, quality assurance, and inspection.
• Facilitate procurement of contracted forestry labor in accordance with federal procurement standards.
• Develop and maintain a roster of forestry contractors in the Western and Southeastern U.S.
• Ensure all contracts for American Forests –funded forestry work is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Identify, mitigate and manage potential risks to contract performance.
• Work with contractors to negotiate favorable contract terms and estimates.
• Write, review and edit various documents (contracts, invoices, agreements) for accuracy, completeness and adherence with American Forests and federal guidance.
• Coordinate with relevant USDA Forest Service and American Forests staff on common field protocol, technical specifications, scope of work development, templates, and best practices for field forestry project implementation.
• Work with Resilient Forests regional program staff to monitor implementation of contracts and track on-the-ground outcomes.
• Ensure timely and complete payment to forestry contractors for work deemed satisfactory and complete.
• Travel occasionally to project sites on National Forest System lands to conduct inspections and/or meet with American Forests and/or USDA Forest Service staff.
• Facilitate timely inspection of contract outcomes and deliverables by working with USDA Forest Service, American Forests and contractors.
• Support the disbursement of funding to support on the ground reforestation surveys in multiple regions of the National Forest System, working closely with American Forests Regional Directors
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of trends, best practices, scientific research, and new developments in silviculture, reforestation, forestry, and natural resource management.

Administration (20%) 

• Quantify  and track on-the-ground outcomes and deliverables from contracted forestry work across Resilient regional programs.
• Track, manage and forecast contract budgets.
• Working with American Forests Admin/Ops and Finance teams, develop and implement contract lifecycle management process.
• Collaborate with Resilient Forests staff in the development of tools, templates and process improvements around procurement and contracting.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%) 

• Build and maintain relationships on behalf of American Forests with key agencies, contractors and regional stakeholders.
• Plan and lead site visits and field tours as appropriate.

What We’re Looking For 
We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives. 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry/natural resources or related field with at least three (3) years of experience; or a Masters degree in forestry/natural resources or related field with at least two (2) years of experience.
• Familiarity with forestry, public lands and conservation: partnerships, grants, and contracts and experience conducting fieldwork and implementing field-based projects.
• Working knowledge and experience in project and partnership management.
• Professional experience in procurement and contracting required.
• Partnership or project experience with USDA Forest Service preferred.
• Strong organization, project management skills, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possession of a state forestry license and/or Society of American Foresters Certified Forester certification preferred.
• A valid driver’s license, as frequent travel to work sites is required.
• Ability to speak Spanish Preferred.

Reporting and Supervision
The Senior Manager, Contract Administration role will not include direct supervisory responsibilities, but will be expected to work independently and as a part of a team of regional program staff. The Senior Manager will report to the Senior Director, Intermountain West.

Compensation, Benefits & Working Conditions 
This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budget salary range is between $60,000 and $80,000 annually.

This is a remote position based in the Western U.S. This position may require up to 25% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. 

Office work will be expected including, but not limited to, prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer (recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing). When in the field or onsite, the Senior Manager will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time and requires lifting materials weighing up to 40 lbs. Field work includes exposure to various risks, including, but not limited to: varying terrain, dense vegetation, and wildlife risks (exposure to bears, mountain lions, snakes, ticks, poison oak/ivy, mosquitos, etc.), hot, wet, and cold conditions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

Our benefits package includes:

• Health and Wellness
• Work-Life Balance
• Financial and Retirement
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 401(k) 6% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Bereavement Leave
• Pet Benefits
• Military Leave

Our Core Competencies
Attitude – Communication – Organization – Problem-Solving & Creativity – Representing the Organization 

The Team 
Our Forest Restoration department connects the best available science, networks, and place-based implementation to protect and restore landscapes threatened by a wide variety of stressors for the benefit of people, water, wildlife and climate. Through our partnership with the USDA Forest Service, American Forests is addressing reforestation needs in multiple regions of the United States. 

About Us 
American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years. 

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.