Central Colorado Program Coordinator

Shelby American, Inc.; Salida (CO); Remote; USD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization committed to restoring our natural world as a Central Colorado Program Coordinator. This role involves building partnerships and managing projects that enhance forest health and protect critical watersheds in the Upper Arkansas River Basin. You will collaborate with federal, state, and community organizations, oversee project implementation, and secure funding to support essential conservation efforts. If you are passionate about natural resource management and thrive in a collaborative environment, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in Central Colorado.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in forest management and project planning.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Forest Service policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with partners to implement forest health and watershed protection activities.
• Manage budgets and reporting for grants and service agreements.

Skills

Project Management

Communication Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Analytical Skills

Budgeting Skills

Public Speaking

Education

Undergraduate degree in forestry or related field

Professional certification in natural resource management

Job description

Description

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a full-time, exempt, position that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of natural resource management projects and programs across all landownerships in the Upper Arkansas River Basin in Central Colorado.

About the NFF: The National Forest Foundation inspires all people to embrace and protect our awe-inspiring natural world. In cooperation with hundreds of partners, we lead natural solutions that restore the health of our people and planet.

Position Function: The Central Colorado Program Coordinator reports directly to the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager and works closely with other Colorado-based field staff, the U.S. Forest Service and many other partners to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on all landownerships within Central Colorado. The Program Coordinator’s initial focus will be on managing partnerships, projects and funding within the Upper Arkansas Forest Fund. 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 federal, state, county, and other community organizations to accomplish identified goals and activities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Central Colorado Program Coordinator will:

• Coordinate with federal, state, county, and non-governmental partners to implement scopes of work for large-scale forest health, hazardous fuels, and watershed protection activities.
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and awarding of multiple contracts for services related to the on-the-ground implementation of projects including necessary wildlife, heritage, or other resource surveys.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and agency partners to coordinate the on-the-ground implementation of projects effectively and efficiently.
• Oversee projects through their full life cycle - project initiation, planning, managing schedules, tracking budgets, contract administration, quality assurance, and safety. Serve as the NFF’s on-the-ground point of contact for daily project management needs.
• Manage grants, service agreements (contracts), invoices, and finances for relevant projects.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service to help develop, modify, manage, and track large-scale Stewardship Agreements, Participating Agreements, and Challenge Cost Share Agreements associated with projects.
• Work with NFF staff to solicit funds from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support all aspects of project preparation, implementation, and oversight.
• Manage and grow the Upper Arkansas Forest Fund (UAFF), a conglomerate of public and private funds focused on implementing critical projects identified by community stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and reporting associated with grants from federal, state, and local government sources, as well as philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Prepare associated grant and funding reports.
• Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and the community benefits and accomplishments.
• Conduct ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF conservation activities on and near Central Colorado.
• Work closely with the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager to develop and expand the NFF’s scope of work in Central Colorado.
• Assist as necessary with the NFF program of work in the Rocky Mountain Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Location: The location for this position is in a community within Chaffee or Lake Counties, Colorado with a preference near Salida or Buena Vista; where in-person meetings will be held. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation and benefits and has recently implemented a new compensation program as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $63,280 to $79,326 range. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position, new staff will generally start near the base end of the range. NFF is committed to internal salary equity.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply by February 15th. 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: www.nationalforests.org

Requirements

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Central Colorado Program Coordinator to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree, professional certification, or equivalent experience in forestry, natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in forest or fuels management, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementation.
• A strong knowledge of and experience in U.S. Forest Service land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A strong understanding of forestry and natural resources issues.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, administrative and budgeting skills.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.
• You must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Central Colorado Program Coordinator to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

• Ability to work independently, performing occasional fieldwork, attending meetings, and managing projects with minimal oversight.
• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse constituents in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaboratively manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability to effectively manage a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently around Central Colorado (primarily Chaffee and Lake Counties), particularly during project implementation periods. Frequent, in-person attendance at meetings and field trips in and around Central Colorado is a requirement of this position.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.