POSITION SUMMARY

The California State Office implements American Forests’ vision throughout California, leading through collaborative partnerships and climate-smart reforestation projects. With wildfires and climate change threatening the existence of California’s forested lands, we aim to restore and save these landscapes by concentrating our work for the benefit of people, water, wildlife and climate.

The Manager, California Cone Corps will be responsible for leading the development and implementation of the California Cone Corps program under the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership. The new California Cone Corps program will work across public and private lands to identify cone crop locations to support federal, state and local practitioners in their cone collection contracting. The program will result in a cutting-edge workforce development support framework that will function in a cross-jurisdictional manner to increase state and federal partner capacity that results in additional cone surveys and subsequently seed collection. The program will increase in scale over a 4-year period creating the program framework Year 1 and scaling up in years two through four.

This workforce development effort will require coordinating program logistics, fostering partner relations, grant writing and reporting, the recruitment and selection of Cone Corps participants, and assisting with activities critical to American Forests’ mission. This position will work closely with regional partners including the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 (USFS R5), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) and other public and private landowners as appropriate.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager, California Cone Corps will be responsible for coordinating with the USFS and CALFIRE to further outline the phases of this program and produce a 4-year work plan within the first quarter. He/she/they will be committed and responsible for managing the program throughout the duration of the program and will work to secure additional funds to further build and sustain it.

Program Management of the Cone Corps Program (70%)

The Manager, California Cone Corps will be responsible for managing the program while working closely with American Forests colleagues and partners to develop, design and deploy its essential functions.

• Create a workforce development support framework that increases workforce capacity for the USFS R5 and CALFIRE in their cone collection operations.
• Implement and lead a workforce development program to increase the pace and scale of the Reforestation Pipeline in California with a focus on cone/seed collection in conifer and hardwood forests.
• Provide logistical and technical assistance to Cone Corps members through mentoring, regular communication, and developing and leading orientations, trainings, monthly meetings and events as appropriate.
• Oversee initial candidate recruitment, application development and process, interviews, wage distribution, partner relations and provide professional training and career development opportunity for Cone Corps members.

Pursue funding opportunities for the continuation of the Program (15%)

The Manager, California Cone Corps will work closely with the Reforestation Pipeline Cooperative Coordinator to identify workforce needs. Based on a shared understanding, he/she/they will explore opportunities to identify and, as appropriate, pursuing opportunities to add resources to Cone Corps to ensure program longevity.

Project Administration (15%)

In addition, the Manager, California Cone Corps will be responsible for managing programmatic budgets, engaging with colleagues, and supporting American Forests’ mission as needed.

REQUISITE EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science or related field required or equivalent experience. Master’s preferred. Working knowledge and experience in forestry, project management, partnership development, facilitation and program organizing is preferred.

LOCATION & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is based in Central or Northern California. The majority of the work will be performed remotely with some travel requirements throughout California. Most work will be in a general office environment with in-person meetings at various locations throughout the state, as permitted by organizational policies and public health guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds at a time.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

This position has no supervisory requirements.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. 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.

If you are unable to submit your resume due to a disability, contact American Forests to request an accommodation or alternate application process.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+

To apply: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/search/?currentJobId=2922586594&keywords=american%20forests