National Forest Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a full-time, exempt, term (2 year) position that will support partnership development and implementation of natural resource management projects and programs across the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland (MBRTB) in Wyoming and Northern Colorado. This position is funded for two years with opportunity for extension.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Summary: The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Project Coordinator reports directly to the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager and works closely with other Colorado and Wyoming-based field staff to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on the MBRTB. The Project Coordinator’s initial focus will be on coordinating and implementing projects in the Landscape Vegetation Analysis (LaVA) project area. Specific efforts may include facilitation and coordination of project partners and on-the-ground projects to improve forest health, mitigate hazardous fuels, protect critical watersheds, and improve wildlife habitat. This work requires close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, community organizations, and implementation partners to accomplish identified goals and activities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Project Coordinator will:

• Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service and partners to implement scopes of work for large-scale forest health, hazardous fuels, and watershed protection activities.
• Plan, facilitate and lead multi-stakeholder and partner meetings and field trips.
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and awarding of contracts for project implementation and necessary resource surveys, such wildlife, soil, or hydrologic surveys.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and agency partners to coordinate the on-the-ground implementation of projects effectively and efficiently.
• Manage projects through their full life cycle, including initiation, planning, scheduling, budget tracking, contract administration, quality assurance, safety coordination, and closeout.
• Serve as the NFF’s on-the-ground point of contact for daily project management needs associated with assigned MBRTB projects.
• Manage service agreements, invoices, and finances for relevant MBRTB projects.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service to help develop, modify, manage, and track Stewardship Agreements, Participating Agreements, and Challenge Cost Share Agreements associated with projects.
• Work with NFF staff to secure funding from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support project preparation, implementation, and oversight.
• Manage grant budgets, deliverables, and reporting for federal, state, local, corporate, foundation, and individual funding sources.
• Communicate project needs, community benefits, implementation progress, and accomplishments to partners, funders, and internal NFF team members.
• Maintain ongoing communication with partners regarding project planning, implementation status, and project successes.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation to enhance NFF strategies.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF conservation activities on and near the MBRTB.
• Work closely with the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager to develop and expand the NFF’s scope of work on the MBRTB.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with LaVA cooperators and other organizations to enhance fundraising and project implementation efforts.
• Convene stakeholders across Wyoming and Colorado to facilitate partner collaboration.
• Assist with other Rocky Mountain Region priorities as needed, including diverse short-term projects and an expanding scope of work on the Shoshone National Forest.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Project Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resource management, conservation, public administration, environmental studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of experience in forest or fuels management, natural resource project planning, project coordination, contract administration, or implementation of field-based conservation projects.
• Working knowledge of U.S. Forest Service land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Strong understanding of forestry, wildfire/fuels, watershed, wildlife habitat, or related natural resource issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and partner expectations.
• Experience facilitating and coordinating multiple partners to achieve collaborative success.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including experience communicating with partners, agencies, contractors, funders, or community members.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and administrative skills, with careful attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, conduct fieldwork, attend meetings, and manage projects with limited day-to-day oversight.
• Ability to represent the NFF clearly and professionally with diverse partners, communities, and constituents.
• Ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team-oriented environment.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the purpose and management of National Forest System lands.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and driving record that meets NFF insurance requirements.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests Project Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Experience working with the U.S. Forest Service, other federal or state land management agencies, or cross-boundary conservation partnerships.
• Experience administering grants, contracts, service agreements, or federal cooperative agreements.
• Experience coordinating contractors, consultants, and field crews during project implementation.
• Familiarity with the landscapes, communities, and natural resource issues of southern Wyoming, northern Colorado, the MBRTB, or nearby National Forest System lands.
• Experience with project tracking, reporting, mapping, or related tools used to support conservation project management.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to MBRTB offices, project sites, partner meetings, and communities in and around the MBRTB, particularly during active implementation periods.
• Frequent in-person attendance at meetings, field trips, and site visits in and around the MBRTB is required.
• Ability to conduct fieldwork in outdoor settings and variable weather conditions, as needed for project coordination and oversight.
• This is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Location: The location for this position is in a community near the MBRTB in Wyoming, with a preference for Laramie, WY, where in-person meetings will be held. Other example locations could include Saratoga, Douglas, or Cheyenne in Wyoming. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 to $86,250, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. NFF monitors mandated state minimum wage updates. Individual state conditions will be honored during the offer process.

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff:

Health and Wellness:

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.

Financial Wellbeing:

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate

Flexibility and time off:

• Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service)
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.

Personal Development:

• Training & Development Programs
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.

Journey of a Lifetime:

• The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to / work in spectacular locations.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on August 15th, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.