Forest Planning Tools and Modeling Specialist

Chloeta; Asheville (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Chloeta in Asheville, NC seeks a Forest Planning Tools and Modeling Specialist to serve as a senior technical expert supporting land management planning, monitoring, and natural resource decision-making.

This role develops and evaluates forest planning tools, monitoring frameworks, adaptive management strategies, and technical analyses that support sustainable resource management and long-term ecological stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry/Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting Forest Service land management planning or related federal activities.
• Master's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Planning, or related discipline (preferred).
• Direct experience supporting large-scale National Forest planning in the Southern Region (Region 8) (preferred).
• Experience with NEPA planning processes and environmental documentation (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical support for Forest Service land management planning and implementation activities.
• Develop, refine, and evaluate Forest Plan monitoring programs consistent with the 2012 Planning Rule.
• Design monitoring questions, indicators, metrics, thresholds, and evaluation methodologies used to assess plan effectiveness.
• Prepare biennial monitoring reports, monitoring guides, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation.
• Support adaptive management processes by evaluating monitoring results and recommending plan adjustments based on changing resource conditions.
• Conduct landscape-scale ecological sustainability analyses using available scientific data, monitoring information, and resource assessments.
• Assist in the development, revision, and implementation of National Forest Land Management Plans and supporting environmental documentation.
• Participate as a technical member and advisor on interdisciplinary planning teams.
• Coordinate planning activities across multiple resource disciplines including wildlife, fisheries, vegetation, recreation, watershed, fire management, and cultural resources.
• Develop technical reports, planning documents, briefing materials, and decision support products for agency leadership.
• Interpret federal planning regulations, Forest Service directives, manuals, handbooks, and policy guidance to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Analyze monitoring data and identify trends affecting ecological integrity, multiple-use management, and long-term sustainability.
• Support public engagement efforts by assisting with technical documentation and responses to stakeholder input, as requested.
• Collaborate with federal personnel, contractors, and subject matter experts to ensure planning products meet quality, schedule, and contract requirements.
• Maintain complete project documentation and ensure all work products meet agency quality standards.

Skills

Driver's license

Forest planning knowledge

Planning rule 2012

Adaptive management

Forest monitoring frameworks

NEPA planning

Regulatory writing

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Data analysis

Project management

Microsoft Office

NRM applications (preferred)

GIS / Spatial analysis (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Forestry/Natural Resources Management/Environmental Science/Ecology/Forest Ecology/Forest Management/Geography or closely related field

Master's degree preferred in Forestry/Natural Resources/Ecology/Environmental Planning or related discipline

Tools

GIS software

Forest Service NRM applications (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

The Forest Planning Tools and Modeling Specialist serves as a senior technical expert responsible for supporting land management planning, monitoring, and natural resource decision-making. This position develops and evaluates forest planning tools, monitoring frameworks, adaptive management strategies, and technical analyses that support sustainable resource management and long-term ecological stewardship.

DutyStation

Asheville, NC (Remote) with periodic travel throughout western North Carolina; proximity to Asheville preferred

JobClassification

Call When Needed, Non-Exempt

Travel

Upto30%,primarily within National Forests throughout North Carolina and surrounding regions, as required.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level technical support for Forest Service land management planning and implementation activities.
• Develop, refine, and evaluate Forest Plan monitoring programs consistent with the 2012 Planning Rule.
• Design monitoring questions, indicators, metrics, thresholds, and evaluation methodologies used to assess plan effectiveness.
• Prepare biennial monitoring reports, monitoring guides, technical memoranda, and supporting documentation.
• Support adaptive management processes by evaluating monitoring results and recommending plan adjustments based on changing resource conditions.
• Conduct landscape-scale ecological sustainability analyses using available scientific data, monitoring information, and resource assessments.
• Assist in the development, revision, and implementation of National Forest Land Management Plans and supporting environmental documentation.
• Participate as a technical member and advisor on interdisciplinary planning teams.
• Coordinate planning activities across multiple resource disciplines including wildlife, fisheries, vegetation, recreation, watershed, fire management, and cultural resources.
• Develop technical reports, planning documents, briefing materials, and decision support products for agency leadership.
• Interpret federal planning regulations, Forest Service directives, manuals, handbooks, and policy guidance to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Analyze monitoring data and identify trends affecting ecological integrity, multiple-use management, and long-term sustainability.
• Support public engagement efforts by assisting with technical documentation and responses to stakeholder input, as requested.
• Collaborate with federal personnel, contractors, and subject matter experts to ensure planning products meet quality, schedule, and contract requirements.
• Maintain complete project documentation and ensure all work products meet agency quality standards.
• This job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee. Duties,responsibilitiesand activities maychangeor new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must possess an active and valid driver’s license throughout the duration of employment.
• Extensive knowledge of National Forest System land management planning processes.
• Thorough understanding of the 2012 National Forest System Land Management Planning Rule and associated guidance.
• Knowledge of adaptive management principles and ecological sustainability concepts.
• Experience developing forest monitoring frameworks, monitoring questions, indicators, and performance metrics.
• Familiarity with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning processes and environmental documentation.
• Knowledge of Forest Service directives, manuals, handbooks, and planning policy.
• Ability to lead or facilitate interdisciplinary technical teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent technical writing and editing abilities.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory information to diverse audiences.
• Experience interpreting ecological monitoring data and integrating findings into planning recommendations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Forest Service Natural Resource Manager (NRM) applications is preferred.
• Familiarity with GIS, spatial analysis, and natural resource databases is preferred.

Education and Experience

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Forest Ecology, Forest Management, Geography, or a closely related field.
• Required: Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience supporting Forest Service land management planning, monitoring, natural resource planning, or related federal land management activities.
• Preferred: Master's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Planning, or a related discipline.
• Preferred: Direct experience supporting the 2023 Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest Land Management Plan.
• Preferred: Experience supporting large-scale National Forest planning efforts in the Southern Region (Region 8).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally travel by vehicle and/or aircraft to project locations.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain during occasional field visits.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively in meetings, field environments, and virtual settings.
• Ability to work in both office and outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.

Pre-employment Requirements

Due to the nature ofChloeta’sservices, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance withthe Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee’s written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior tocommencingwork. Additionally, employeesare required tocomplete the federal I‑9/E‑Verify process.

Drug and Alcohol TestingPolicy

Employees may be subject toundergoingadditionaldrug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.

EEO Statement

Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

About Chloeta

Chloeta is a Native American owned enterpriseprovidinga diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements.