Timber Management Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Statewide Cooperative Program Manager
FT / PT Status - Full-time
Salary - $37.60 - $45.91
Remote Work / In-Office - In-OfficeRecruiter - Christa Rowland crowlan@utah.gov 801-538-4826
Application Deadline - 8-9-26
Job Description
Join the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, as we pioneer a new era of land management. We are seeking a dedicated professional to champion our landmark Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
In this role, you will be the bridge between state and federal priorities, driving the execution of high-impact projects that safeguard our watersheds and enhance public lands across Utah. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders-from state leadership to federal decision-makers-you will facilitate essential initiatives in forest health, wildfire risk reduction, recreation, and timber management. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term resilience of Utah's landscapes and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating with State, Federal, Local and other stakeholders to:
• Identify projects that will benefit wildfire mitigation, habitat restoration, recreation, and other resource values.
• Leverage funding and resources to accomplish on-the-ground work.
• Prioritize projects that will meet agreed-upon success metrics.
• Plan and facilitate state-wide workshops to accomplish the above efforts.
• Act as a liaison between FFSL's six Area Offices and the State Office, as well as between FFSL and external stakeholders.
• Building internal and external relationships.
• Preparing an Annual Action Plan that outlines the goals, strategies, and opportunities that meet the intent of the Cooperative Agreement.
• Tracking and reporting metrics from the Annual Action Plan.

Qualifications
Minimums

• Knowledge of Utah's natural resources and political landscape, as well as an understanding of the importance of cross-jurisdictional work to accomplish meaningful projects.
• 5+ years of experience in natural resources, with a preference for experience in forestry, wildfire, and/or the wood products industry.
• Experience coordinating and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing projects; contracts, agreements, budgets, etc.
• The skills to understand, distill, and communicate complex issues.
• A desire to change the way the State, Local, and Federal Governments work together to address natural resource problems across the state.

Preferred

• A Bachelor's Degree in Planning, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or a related field.
• A Master's Degree in Planning, Natural Resources, Public Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• An understanding of U.S. Forest Service agreements, contracting, and funding.
• Experience forecasting and planning projects, budgets, and tracking progress.

Supplemental Information
This role focuses heavily on inner-agency coordination, cross-boundary project execution, and shared stewardship. The exact duties vary depending on whether the position is focused on field operations, fuels management, or administration. The key components of the role generally include the following:
A major piece of the FFSL/USFS agreement involves strengthening Good Neighbor Authority, co-managing wildfire risk, identifying shared opportunities around wildlife, grazing, water resources, recreation, and resource management.
This role functions as a collaborative partner representing state interests while adhering to federal standards.
Unified Planning: Bringing state data and regional priorities to the table during the early stages of USFS planning processes, rather than just reacting to federal decisions after they are made.
Stakeholder Engagement: Acting as a point of contact for private landowners, local fire wardens, county commissioners, and environmental groups to ensure local voices are integrated into broader federal forest strategies.
Federal-state partnerships are heavily tied to joint funding, a significant portion of the role involves compliance.
Tracking Commitments: Ensuring both the state and the federal agency are meeting their "Participation Commitments"
Compliance: Ensuring all field operations comply with necessary environmental standards (like NEPA or state regulations) while managing the budgets and deliverables of federal grants allocated to the state.
About the Role
Location - 1594 W North Temple, Salt Lake City
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - AX
Why You Should Join Our Team
The Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands, and this role in particular, offers a unique opportunity to be engaged in a multitude of projects statewide. You will learn more about forest practices, wildland fire, and how sovereign lands are managed. No two days of work are alike. We balance our hard work with an appreciation of the importance of life outside the office and we support training, growth, and taking advantage of the opportunities open to us as a diverse agency.
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyFor more information about working for the Department of Natural Resources please click here.
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.