Forestry Stewardship Coordinator (Six Rivers National Forest)

Great Basin Institute (GBI), founded at the University of Nevada, Reno, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Institute advances ecological literacy, professional development, and environmental resource management through educational outreach and direct service programs.

GBI’s Forestry Stewardship Contracting (FSC) program seeks a Forestry Stewardship Coordinator to support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of forestry and conservation projects. This position works under the supervision of the Forestry Operations Manager to lead project delivery across all phases, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and closeout. The Coordinator is responsible for coordinating day-to-day project activities, supporting and directing seasonal field staff, and serving as a primary point of contact for contractors during implementation. The role ensures that project work is completed in accordance with contract specifications, environmental requirements, and program objectives, while maintaining effective coordination with agency partners and stakeholders.

This position is primarily field-based in Six Rivers National Forest, with substantial responsibility for on-the-ground project coordination, implementation oversight, and contractor engagement. The role also requires consistent office and computer-based work, including report writing, request for proposals and contract support, data analysis, and preparation of technical and administrative documentation. The Coordinator is expected to independently manage field activities, coordinate with partners and contractors remotely, and maintain effective communication with supervisory and program staff. Regular travel to project sites, partner offices, and field locations is required to support implementation, conduct oversight activities, and ensure successful project delivery. Field conditions may include uneven terrain, variable weather, and active operational settings.

Essential Job Functions may include the following:
●    Lead day-to-day coordination and delivery of forestry projects across all phases, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and closeout, under the supervision of the Forestry Operations Manager or equivalent.
●    Serve as a primary field-based point of contact for contractors during project implementation, supporting coordination, resolving operational issues, and ensuring work is completed in accordance with contract specifications and project objectives.
●    Monitor contractor performance for compliance with contract requirements, project design standards, environmental regulations, and applicable agency guidelines; document performance issues and support corrective actions as needed.
●    Provide field-level direction and coordination for seasonal staff, including harvest inspectors, marking crews, and other temporary personnel supporting project implementation activities.
●    Support administration of stewardship contracts, including timber sales and service contracts, ensuring accurate documentation, compliance tracking, and timely completion of contract requirements.
●    Conduct field-based data collection and manage associated datasets related to forest conditions, fuels treatments, and treatment effectiveness to support project monitoring and reporting.
●    Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including inspection reports, implementation records, maps, and other project deliverables supporting compliance and accountability.
●    Support preparation of reports, summaries, and documentation related to project accomplishments, funding utilization, and ecological outcomes.
●    Coordinate closely with the Forestry Operations Manager, FSC Associate Director, GBI staff, U.S. Forest Service personnel, contractors, and partner organizations to support effective project execution and communication.
●    Ensure adherence to safety standards and promote safe field operations for staff, contractors, and partners in active project environments.
●    Support request for proposal development, contract-related documentation, and other computer-based administrative tasks, including report writing, GIS data management, and technical document preparation.
●    Support public outreach and education efforts related to forest health, fuels management, and restoration activities, as appropriate.
●    Provide logistical and technical support to FSC program initiatives and other GBI projects as assigned.
●    Other duties as assigned.
 

LOCATION

This position will be based in Six Rivers National Forest. 
 

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This is a full-time, salaried position. Due to the billable nature of the role, compensation is structured using an hourly equivalent rate for billing purposes. The anticipated hiring range is $29.00 – $34.00 per hour ($60,320 – $70,720 annually), depending on experience and qualifications.  In addition to a competitive hourly rate, 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 (10 per year), and family leave. Total compensation package is equivalent to $64k - $76k per year, DOE. This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts for advancing environmental research, education, and conservation.

●    Degree in Forestry (preferred), Natural Resource Management, or a closely related natural science field preferred and a minimum of one (1) year of experience applying technical forestry concepts (e.g., silviculture, fuels management, timber sale administration, ecological restoration) with a qualifying degree.
OR
●    Minimum of three (3) years of directly relevant professional experience in forestry, fuels reduction, or natural resource management without a qualifying degree.
●    Experience with contract administration, project planning, and/or field implementation of forestry projects.
●    Demonstrated knowledge of forestry practices, fuels reduction techniques, and ecosystem restoration in Sierra Nevada or similar forest systems.
●    Proficiency in data collection, reporting, and use of GPS/GIS tools for project tracking and mapping.
●    Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports and engage diverse stakeholders.
●    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in both office and field environments.
●    Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles on unpaved roads.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
●    Advanced Degree in Forestry;
●    Current status as a Registered Professional Forester in the State of California;
●    Five (5) years’ experience managing multiple forest stewardship projects and personnel in Region 4, 5 & 6 of the US Forest Service;
●    Relevant or related field experience – deep knowledge of and/or experience in Sierra Forest types, and/or high desert Great Basin ecology;
●    Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of GBI;
●    Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately;
●    High level of organization and attention to detail with demonstrated field and leadership skills;
●    Demonstrated experience in areas such as grant writing and management, project development, training, team building, and problem solving;
●    Familiarity with regional forest community-based agencies, services and resources.

TO APPLY
Please submit an up-to-date resume, a one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully outlined in your resume, and contact information for three professional references.  Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact dsnyder@thegreatbasininstitute.org

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 a mix of office and field based activities, requiring some physical effort and occasional light exertion. During field visits, there is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes, along with potentially long hours working outside walking over uneven terrain to inspect project sites 

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.

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.

Salary : $29 - $34