Lead Coordinator, Southern Sierra Reforestation

Southern Sierra Reforestation Lead Coordinator

Our Mission in Action

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities and natural spaces today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Southern Sierra Reforestation Coordinator to join our Resilient Forests’ team.

Who You Are

The southern portion of the Sierra Nevada Mountains has experienced numerous large fires that have increased the likelihood of a full ecosystem conversion across the landscape. American Forests is working with federal, state, tribal, private and non-profit partners in the region to address these impacts through cross-boundary, climate-smart reforestation projects. The Lead Reforestation Coordinator will work as a part of the field crew to deliver these projects on the ground. Projects that they may be supporting include seedling planting, herbicide, fuels reduction, and vegetation management. The Lead Coordinator will also participate in American Forests’ state-wide Cone Corps program to organize and support cone collection efforts to address seed shortages.

What You’ll Do

As a part of the team, you will directly increase the pact and scale of post-fire reforestation and restoration efforts on the ground across the Southern Sierra landscape. Major responsibilities include:

Reforestation Project Implementation (30%)

• Serve as a lead inspector for reforestation contracts such as tree planting, chemical or manual release, and/or site prep. This includes independently overseeing quality assurance and directing inspections, working collaboratively with project partners, documentation and reporting;
• Provide training and support to reforestation field crew members on the use of standard tools and protocols, including contract inspection plots, Avenza, Survey123, etc;
• Execute plans to track seedling survival and stocking following planting including leading data collection and providing trainings;
• Document and communicate survey findings and results; and
• Delineate and map future treatment boundaries based on site conditions and objectives for desired future conditions.

Cone Surveying, Monitoring and Collection (35%)

• Plan surveying routes and strategize cone scouting and monitoring plan using maps, Survey123 data, and species prioritization guidelines;
• Use Survey123 and maps to report and track cone crops during initial surveys;
• Assess cone and seed viability using an Air Powered Tree Access launcher to retrieve cones and perform cone face cuts; and
• Prepare plans and budgets for the collection of cones, facilitate collection through contract oversight, cone evaluation and tracking.

Project Management and Administration (25%)

• Provide leadership and direction to a two-person field crew, coordinate field scheduling and logistics to accomplish goals in consultation with American Forests’ Southern Sierra team;
• Use ArcGIS to prepare project maps, track treatment progress and document survey results;
• Attend trainings, conduct research and stay up-to-date with new developments in the field of reforestation, cone collection, and forest restoration;
• Participate in regular meetings with the Southern Sierra team;
• Support or conduct outreach and presentations; and
• Manage a field and office-based schedule.

What We’re Looking For

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, environmental science, other natural related field; or relevant experience
• At least two years of experience in the field of natural resource management conservation, and/or forest health monitoring and assessment
• Ability to work independently, self-manage and communicate effectively
• Ability to think creatively, problem solve, and a willingness to find innovative solutions
• Proficiency with Outlook, Excel, Word, ArcGIS, Survey123 and Avenza
• Experience safely operating a 4x4 vehicle on unpaved and paved roads
• Ability and willingness to travel overnight, including multiple days of self-supported vehicle- based camping when lodging is not feasible
• Ability to work 10-hour days in the field or other irregular schedules to support project needs
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, possess a clean driving record
• Fluency in Spanish
• Familiarity with Southern Sierra Nevada ecology, tree and plant ID, and natural resource issues
• Experience with leave no trace vehicle-based camping
• First aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder certification

Reporting and Supervision

The Southern Sierra Reforestation Lead Coordinator reports to Senior Manager, Southern CA Reforestation. This position will work closely with the Southern Sierra Reforestation Team. This position does not have any direct reports at this time.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, hourly non-exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $26 and $30.

Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, and overall quality of life. We offer medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with health and wellness resources such as an Employee Assistance Program, flexible spending accounts, and disability, life, and AD&D insurance. To promote work-life balance, employees receive vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, parental bonding leave, bereavement leave, and military leave. Financial and retirement benefits include a 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match. Additional perks, such as a technology stipend and pet benefits, further enhance the overall employee experience.

Working Conditions

This position is required to be within commuting distance of Exeter, CA. A work vehicle will be available to the Southern Sierra team to share for work-related travel. This position requires travel to a variety of field sites across the region, and at times will require overnight lodging or camping for one or more nights. Lodging will be provided when camping is not feasible, or a camping per diem will be provided by American Forests as necessary. This is a field-based position with requirements to be in the Exeter, CA office at least once every week. Up to 50% of overnight travel may be required.

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job.

Work will be performed in a field setting, which includes: 1) Varied terrains, dense vegetation (with possible exposure to poison oak, ticks, and mosquitos), and hot, cold, and wet conditions; 2) Severely burned landscapes with standing dead trees and little to no shade; and 3) Most sites will be accessible within a short distance from a road.

Physical Demands:

• Lift 40 lbs. and carry the load in a pack or vest;
• Drive lengthy distances (up to 10 hours in a day);
• Work in adverse weather conditions including but not limited to high heat, rain, snow, smoke, dust, and cold temperatures (within reason);
• Walk, hike, or stand for extended periods of time with others and alone in steep, rugged, brushy,
• and/or remote terrain.

About Us

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restore urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.