National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs on the Tonto National Forest in Arizona.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System. The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function: The Tonto Stewardship Coordinator reports to the Southwest Program Senior Manager. The Coordinator will help develop, implement and manage conservation programs in partnership with the US Forest Service, local communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support NFF’s strategic initiatives and long-term goals on the Tonto National Forest.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Tonto Stewardship Coordinator will:

• Build and develop close and mutually beneficial relationships among the US Forest Service (FS), the NFF, and Arizona field partners to implement effective community-based conservation partnerships.
• Support and grow NFF’s program of work on the Tonto National Forest, including a range of project types and complexities.
• Develop scopes of work and budgets for implementation of each project on the Tonto National Forest.
• Support, assist, and provide recommendations for best practices for restoration, hazardous fuels removal, and other implementation needs as well as wood removal and market uses. Provide verbal and written recommendations for use of wood for restoration practices and for implementation techniques.
• Work with the FS and NFF staff under procurement, contracting, and granting procedures for hiring contractors and making grantee selections to implement projects.
• Provide field project oversight to ensure implementation activities meet FS criteria and needs, communicate with FS during project implementation, and work with FS to provide final project evaluation.
• Support development and use of methodologies, metrics, and opportunities to measure and communicate benefits of NAFF project implementation.
• Work to expand the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities and creating new development opportunities.
• Effectively communicate with and engage the public in caring for National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives and outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF’s strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact in NFF for conservation and development activities in Arizona.
• Develop material that supports and communicates accomplishments, successes and needs for annual reports, newsletters, regional updates, social media posts, grants, and more.
• Maintain and manage administrative processes, including the management and tracking of program and project budgets.
• Assist as necessary with NFF’s program of work in southern Arizona and New Mexico, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

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

• Undergraduate degree in natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in conservation programming and related community-based collaborative conservation to include a strong knowledge of and experience in FS policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A foundation in forestry, silviculture, hydrology, soil science, and/or ecosystem services.
• A strong understanding of Arizona natural resources issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.

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

• 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 cultivate new donor relationships.
• Ability to effectively set priorities, while managing a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently and work in outdoor environments.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to act as a contract administrator and liaison between project contractors and the FS.
• Ability to work remotely (e.g. home office).
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.

Location: The position is located in northern Arizona, preferably in the Payson area, or remote within the Tonto National Forest.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently (August 2022) implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $58,240 to $78,624 range. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity.

To Apply: Go to: https://www.nationalforests.org/who-we-are/jobs Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Position is open until Friday, January 13th. Please visit our careers site and click "Apply Now" to apply online. Please note that the NFF will be closed for the winter holidays from December 24th though January 2nd and that there will be a slower response to candidates during this time.

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