Watershed Restoration Project Coordinator

POSITION TITLE: Watershed Restoration Project Coordinator 

DEPARTMENT: Community Based Natural Resource Management  

REPORTS TO: Sophie Castleton 

LOCATION: [X] On Site, Taylorsville, CA [X] Hybrid [ ] Remote 

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: [X] Full-Time [ ] Part-Time [ ] Temporary 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment seeks a qualified individual to fill the position of  Watershed Restoration Project Coordinator with responsibilities for a growing suite of watershed  restoration projects. The Sierra Institute’s watershed restoration work emphasizes the collaborative  development of meadow and stream restoration and forest road infrastructure improvements that  improve ecological function and protect critical aquatic resources. The current project portfolio is  centered on a million-acre focal landscape for the South Lassen Watersheds Group, a collaborative  addressing forest and watershed management, climate resilience, and economic development in  critical upper watersheds of Battle Creek, Mill Creek, Deer Creek, and the upper North Fork of the  Feather River.  

This is a tremendous opportunity for a talented natural resource professional who is excited to join a  collaborative organization expanding capacity for restoration across the Northern Sierra and Southern  Cascades. The selected individual will work closely with Sierra Institute staff, non-governmental  partners, and federal land management agencies to advance watershed restoration as part of  multiple large landscape restoration projects to improve forest resilience across the only  anadromous watersheds on public lands in the Sierra Nevada, as well as support post-fire restoration.  

The selected individual will be engaged in a variety of aspects of the Community-based Natural  Resource Management program, including providing critical hydrological expertise to forest  restoration as part of Sierra Institute’s landscape restoration planning and implementation, and will  play a key role in connecting watershed restoration projects with Sierra Institute’s workforce  development programs – including P-CREW, a 21st Century Youth Conservation Corp, and High Roads  to Tribal Forest Restoration and Stewardship, a Sierra Institute-led tribal workforce training initiative.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assessment, project identification, design, implementation, and monitoring of meadow and  riparian restoration projects, as well as for road and stream crossing improvements
• Application of technical and analytical expertise to support the completion of environmental  analysis to meet state and federal legal standards (i.e., California Environmental Quality Act,  National Environmental Policy Act), as well meeting permitting requirements (e.g. Army Corps  404 Permits, Clean Water Act Sec. 401 Permits, and CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration  Permits)
• Tracking and achieving key deliverables across multiple grants, agreements, and contracts
• Leading fieldwork including implementation, supervising 0-2 seasonal and permanent staff,  and coordinating the work of multiple subcontractors and partners

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

Desired Qualifications (Entry-level): 

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field (wildland hydrology, geology, fisheries, or related  natural resource/environmental sciences), and two years of work experience
• Experience performing geomorphic, hydrologic, or relevant ecological fieldwork
• Demonstrated experience with technical writing for natural resource management
• Ability to meet deadlines both independently and as a team member
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to work well on simultaneous tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• A valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
• A strong desire to engage in land management issues and collaborative landscape  management projects

Desired Qualifications (Mid-level): 

• Prior hydrology/meadow/stream-based fieldwork and/or project experience in southern  Cascades or northern Sierra Nevada watersheds
• Thorough understanding of environmental analysis and permitting requirements and  processes
• Direct experience completing NEPA, CEQA, and restoration permitting
• Experience working in post-fire forested environments
• Expertise managing project budgets, building partnerships, and leading staff

We recognize and expect that not all applicants will have all the qualifications listed. If you believe  you have the necessary skills and capacity to perform well in the position, please apply. The Sierra  Institute is committed to our employees’ professional development and will provide training and  development opportunities for the right candidate. 

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The Watershed Restoration Project Coordinator will be expected to reside or relocate to a location  within reasonable driving distance of the Sierra Institute’s office in the rural northern Sierra town of 

Taylorsville to enable regular engagement in the field, with staff at the office, and with local partners.  This position works both indoors in an office setting and in the field to collect data, coordinate and  oversee implementation, and complete monitoring activities. Some travel for meetings, site visits, and  workshops is expected, with occasional overnight stays. 

SALARY & BENEFITS 

Anticipated starting salary range: Entry Level – $55,000 – $65,000; Mid-Level $65,000 – $80,000,  commensurate with experience. In addition, the Sierra Institute maintains an extensive benefits  package, including: 

• 85% Employer paid health insurance coverage
• 100% Employer paid dental and vision insurance coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 4% employer contribution, and an employer match up to an  additional 4%
• 10 days of paid vacation per year, increasing to 15 days after two years of employment
• 12 days of paid sick leave per year
• 11 paid holidays