Project Coordinator

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in New Mexico.

📋 Description

• Establish and nurture relationships between the U.S. Forest Service, NFF, and field partners in New Mexico.

• Oversee and manage forest-related restoration initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of projects on-site.

• Collaborate with logging and planting teams, contractors, and the U.S. Forest Service through pre-work meetings, inspections, and contract closures.

• Conduct research, outreach, and develop connections within the wood product industry, regional mills, community woodbanks, and fuelwood enterprises.

• Assist in the development and execution of projects under Stewardship, Participating, and Challenge Cost Share Agreements.

• Promote and support Wood For Life initiatives, which include establishing wood banks, organizing community meetings, thinning projects, and coordinating wood hauling.

• Manage Requests for Proposals and contracts, select contractors, and oversee project execution.

• Compile lists of potential contractor bidders and conduct pre-bid site visits.

• Report project results and deliverables to grantors.

• Participate in coordination meetings and events for Lincoln National Forest.

• Identify partnerships and funding opportunities to enhance capacity for forest thinning and restoration projects.

• Facilitate grant establishment and development opportunities while engaging with partners and potential funders.

• Involve the public through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach campaigns.

• Stay informed about trends, issues, policies, and innovations in forest restoration.

• Act as the NFF point of contact for forest restoration, reforestation, and related development activities in New Mexico and the Southwest Region.

• Provide oversight for forestry and fuels reduction projects, including hand thinning, mastication, ground-based logging, and common stand exams.

• Administer timber sales, including timber marking, basic timber cruising, inspections, documentation, and field data interpretation.

• Manage project layout and preparation, including field reconnaissance, boundary and resource-buffer flagging, and layout of landings, skid trails, and temporary roads.

• Supervise reforestation projects, encompassing seed collection, nursery coordination, planting crews, and pre- and post-planting assessments and monitoring.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in conservation, forestry, natural resource management, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of three years of experience in conservation programs, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementations.

• Proven experience in project planning, coordination, and execution, including budget management and operations involving multiple partners and funding sources.

• Familiarity with land and watershed science, policy, and management, including fire science, vegetation management, wildlife conservation, and/or meadow and stream restoration.

• Strong commitment to the NFF mission, with an understanding of the U.S. Forest Service's purpose and National Forest land management.

• Awareness of natural resource issues specific to New Mexico.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.

• Proficient writing abilities and experience in public speaking.

• Knowledge of leave/cut tree marking, DxD and DxP Silviculture timber designations, and ability to interpret Silviculture prescriptions/guidelines.

• Authorization to work in the United States is required.

• Capacity to effectively communicate forest restoration treatment types, systems, prescriptions, operations, specifications, guidelines, and desired conditions.

• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals holding differing or conflicting opinions while remaining neutral.

• Willingness to travel regularly, work outdoors, and maintain a flexible schedule, including weekends and evenings.

• Capability to thrive in a team-oriented environment.

• Professional representation of NFF through strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills.

• High attention to detail and organized, timely work habits.

• Familiarity with ArcGIS Online, Journal Builder, basic cartography, and map design.

• A valid U.S. Driver’s License is necessary.

• Reliable internet access and a designated workspace are required.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance with 75% of the premium covered by the organization for you and your dependents.

• Vision insurance with 50% of the premium covered by the organization for you and your dependents.

• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions ranging from $1,878 to $3,750 annually.

• Flexible spending accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care.

• No-cost employee assistance program (EAP).

• Access to a 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one year of service.

• Complimentary short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Basic life and AD&D insurance provided at no cost, with options for voluntary life insurance.

• Discounted whole life insurance.

• Starting with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays.

• Increased annual leave accrual rates based on years of service.

• Family and medical leave for up to 16 weeks, with up to 4 weeks paid.

• Opportunities for training and development programs.

• Professional development reimbursement available for up to $1,000 per year.

• The chance to support an inspiring mission and travel to or work in stunning locations.