Forest Restoration Project Manager

Job Description

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

As a member of the Forest Strategy team, the Forest Restoration Project Manager works closely with the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests, as well as local, state, federal, and tribal partners, and other diverse interests, to support planning, implementation, and monitoring of fire-adapted forest restoration activities. They develop the relationships and partnerships necessary to collaborate effectively internally and externally, using strong science communication (written and verbal) and translation skills to engage diverse (often non-science) audiences. They independently evaluate, synthesize, and apply best-available science to inform forest restoration priorities, challenges and opportunities, appropriate treatments, and cost/ benefit tradeoffs. The position is also responsible for planning, supporting, and leading meetings, workshops, trainings, field trips, and other forums with local, state, federal, and tribal agencies, NGOs, and other partners to advance forest restoration strategies and projects. They will develop proposals, write grants, and prepare grant reports in collaboration with partners to secure public and private support for this work. The position may provide support to advance basic research and monitoring to address TNC and partner science needs. They will help plan and deliver programs and activities to advance capacity and support for beneficial fire in the region, such as prescribed fire and cultural fire (in partnership with tribes in the region) use training and capacity building, community outreach, and education.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Oregon Business Unit’s Forest Strategy is a long-standing conservation program and a high priority for the Oregon 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. The goal of the Forest Strategy is to increase the quality, pace, and scale of ecologically based forest restoration projects and beneficial fire use across Oregon’s seasonally dry, fire-adapted forests. To advance this goal, the Forest Restoration Project Manager provides programmatic leadership, technical support, and science perspective within TNC and for external partners focused in Northeast Oregon, while also contributing toward shared goals on state, regional, and national efforts.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Master’s Degree in ecology or natural resource management and 1 year of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with current science, policies, and practices guiding fire-adapted forest restoration, specifically in the interior Western U.S.
• Experience analyzing, interpreting, and translating scientific and spatial data.
• Experience managing multiple, complex projects, including managing internal and external teams and overseeing the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and partners, sometimes under pressure, to complete project work and goals in a timely manner.
• Communications and interpersonal skills to digest, explain, and disseminate scientific information via written, spoken, and graphical means to a wide range of audiences.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Strong knowledge of computer technology and common software applications.
• Working knowledge of GIS and relevant software tools for statistical and spatial analysis and modeling.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Experience working with community-based forest restoration partnerships, collaborative groups, or other multi-stakeholder, cross-organizational natural resource management efforts.
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples or Native American Tribes on natural and cultural resource management.
• Experience with ecologically based wildland fire (prescribed fire and/or wildfire) planning and implementation.

Deadline: 31 August 2022