GIS Spatial Analysis Program Manager

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that will lead a team supporting NFF’s Strategic Initiatives through (Geographic Information Systems) GIS analysis and data management, providing expertise in ArcGIS, open data platforms and other technology platforms, collaborating with internal teams and external partners sharing a technical GIS vision for opportunities, and leading solutions-based thinking through ArcGIS technology to deliver integrated approaches around a variety of conservation programs, including forestry, reforestation, watershed, recreation, and community collaboration.

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 Function: The GIS Spatial Analysis Program Manager reports directly to the Sr. Director of Conservation Programs and works closely with Field Programs and other Conservation Programs to organize, design, build, operate, and maintain NFF’s GIS systems. The Manager develops and oversees NFF’s GIS functions, services, policies, and strategies. The Manager will implement standards and procedures for development of a comprehensive GIS database, will serve as a technical advisor for NFF Conservation Programs and partners while also staying connected to relevant regional, state, and national GIS activities and opportunities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The GIS Spatial Analysis Program Manager will:

• Supervise and manage a qualified team of GIS Technical Coordinators.
• Develop and manage GIS systems, database(s), and projects to support NFFs mission and strategic plan objectives, including data acquisition, storage, and management.
• Create high-quality analytical and thematic maps or other cartographic products as needed to support strategic initiatives and long-term conservation goals.
• Support Conservation Programs in the analysis, statistics, and planning for conservation efforts; overseeing the production of maps and other visual, spatially explicit communication tools related to geographic information and spatially explicit databases; and providing administrative assistance and general support for implementation of NFF’s suite of conservation programs and projects.
• Develop and oversee NFF’s GIS functions, services, policies, and strategies, and implementing standards and procedures for development of a comprehensive GIS database.
• Work with team members to understand existing workflows and requirements in each unique Conservation Program and become a trusted collaborator to technical teams across NFF.
• Lead relationships and outreach with geospatial partners, including the USDA Forest Service.
• Proactively lead solutions thinking for strategies and problem solving, including how ArcGIS technology can deliver integrated solutions to NFF’s Conservation Programs, on-the-ground projects, collaborations, and partnerships.
• Maintain current knowledge of the principles, practices and trends of GIS technology and application, new and updated GIS software, as well as conservation science/land conservation/database management issues and needs.
• Provide training for NFF staff and partners, working to integrate field data needs with organizationally developed products.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF GIS and spatial analysis activities for the organization by providing relevant training for NFF staff and partners.
• Assist as necessary with the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the GIS Spatial Analysis Program Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications for:

• Bachelors or Associate degree in GIS, or equivalent experience.
• At least five years of work experience in GIS, with a preference for experience in the geospatial industry across conservation programs, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementation.
• At least three years’ experience supervising and managing project-level staff. 
• Experience with ArcGIS technology, ArcGIS HUB, ArcGIS Pro, or other geospatial technology.
• Understanding of GIS capabilities from a theory and application context.
• Understanding of Python, Visual Basic, geospatial architecture, and other coding languages.
• Experience presenting and communicating GIS related workflows and opportunities.
• Experience in explaining the benefits of geospatial technology, especially its use at the field program and community level.
• Involvement in GIS-based project planning, coordination, accomplishment and budget tracking, and project operations.
• Understanding of natural resource management, including vegetation and fuels management, watershed and stream restoration, and recreation management.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the GIS Spatial Analysis Program Manager to possess:

• Ability to develop complex GIS solutions to technical spatial issues using conceptual thinking, creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Ability to clearly communicate GIS spatial analysis needs and opportunities, and an interest in integrating with NFF teams to collaboratively develop plans and strategies meeting specific and regional goals and objectives.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to always maintain neutrality.
• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A strong attention to detail, with skill in working in a timely and well-organized fashion.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Location: The location for this position is flexible. This can include but is not limited to locations in location.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently (August 2022) implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $64,100 to $86,500 range. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity.

Apply:  Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Position is open until June 27th. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at:

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