Forest Recovery Program Zone Coordinator

About the Role

The Zone Forest Recovery Program Coordinator will work directly with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to implement on-the-ground restoration of fire-adapted oak- and pine-dominated forests impacted by Hurricane Helene. This position provides accountability and oversight for contracted fuels and silviculture modules, participates in controlled burns, supports ecological monitoring, and supports resource coordination between partners to support RX projects. We are hiring three coordinators at the following locations in Virginia: Abingdon, Blacksburg, and Lexington. The positions are funded by a long-term grant ending January 2036.

Responsibilities

• Supervise seasonal/term fire crews and interns
• Fire-line construction and maintenance
• Monitor fuel conditions
• Burn implementation and mop-up
• Equipment maintenance
• Vegetation monitoring, data entry, and compilation
• Assist with burn plan development
• Coordinate with District/Zone Forest Service staff to support timber stand improvement and non-native invasive species activities, specifically development of program of work for contract solicitations
• Accomplishment reporting of all Helene recovery efforts to include planning and implementation
• Effectively communicate with and often lead diverse teams of Conservancy or partner agency staff, volunteers, and interns
• Perform tasks with minimal supervision and make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context
• Supervise field, technical, administrative, and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and development
• Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
• Work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances
• Work within/manage a budget to complete projects, negotiate and contract with vendors, and assist with budget development
• Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including agency partners, program leadership, donors, scientists, and members of the public
• Establish excellent working relationships with outside partners, state/local/federal agencies, land managers, private landowners, and the academic community

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience in natural resource management or similar field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications of Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1), including meeting the physical fitness standard of moderate or arduous
• Experience managing staff or volunteers
• Experience working in a group or team
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s)
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Teams, Excel, Planner, web browsers, etc.
• Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program

Desired Skills

• 3-5 years' experience in natural resource management, Fuels/Fire management, or similar field
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation
• Qualified NWCG Single Resource Boss (FIRB, CRWB, ENGB, HEQB preferred)
• Willingness and ability to obtain additional training and qualifications in fire management
• Experience operating various types of equipment and machinery, including UTVs, chainsaws, leaf blowers, 2-way radios, portable pumps, hose lay, etc.
• Faller 2, Intermediate sawyer qualified
• Database managing, maintaining, and populating databases and manual files
• Experience producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports and operating GIS software
• Experience and knowledge of UAS operations
• Experience presenting information to groups, such as teaching courses, briefing resources, or leading meetings
• Experience planning and organizing low or moderate level events

Pay

The starting pay range is $55,000 - $70,000, based on a variety of factors including location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
• Parental leave
• Accrued paid time off
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Other life and work well-being benefits
• Flexible work environment