Overview
The selected applicant will have the opportunity to grow and develop as a Wilderness Stewardship Specialist under the guidance of, and with support from, an existing management team with extensive experience and training in natural resource management as well as restoration crew deployment and management.
This position will be responsible for supporting field crew operations – before, during, and after the field season. Job duties include but are not limited to: scouting and planning for projects; seasonal staff recruitment and hiring; maintaining tools, field supplies, and vehicles; providing and/or coordinating crew trainings; overseeing day to day operations of field crews; ensuring crews meet production rates; quality control; staff performance evaluations; tracking project accomplishments and data collection; assisting in the development and implementation of seasonal staff policies and procedures; and engaging in other field crew support needs as identified.
Once established, the Specialist will be expected to work with the Stewardship Project Manager to identify and develop additional opportunities that increase the pace and scale of landscape restoration, with a particular emphasis on expanding Sierra Institute’s implementation workforce.
This position collaborates with other Sierra Institute staff including; the P-CREW Youth Corps Coordinator to provide opportunities for youth to work alongside professional crews; and other staff to support training, forest health, fire management, and developed recreation projects.
This position works primarily outdoors alongside wilderness crews during the field season with some office days for administrative work. While in the field, the Wilderness Stewardship Specialist will be expected to work alongside crews and stay overnight at project sites (oftentimes in the backcountry) Outside of the field season this position will work predominantly from the office with sporadic field work to assess project sites or attend meetings. During the field season, work will fall primarily within the hours of 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM Monday-Thursday, though the field season work schedule will require flexibility to accommodate supporting crews, field work and other needs. An alternate schedule may be adopted during the off season upon mutual agreement.
Qualifications
- Experience leading and coordinating field crews such as fuels management and trails; or comparable work or professional education experience;
- Strong ability and willingness to mentor staff and manage crew dynamics;
- Ability to create a culture of safety, feedback, and continuous improvement within crews;
- Ability to live and work in wilderness backcountry settings;
- Experience with hand and power tool use and maintenance (chainsaws, crosscut saws, brush cutters, loppers, axes, mc leods, and other hand tools);
- Ability to lead and/or coordinate training (safety, tool use/maintenance, field skills, leadership/crew dynamics, working in the backcountry, Leave No Trace);
- Ability to manage tool and gear maintenance, organization and procurement;
- Proficiency in mapping/navigation and satellite communication systems;
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with federal, state, and other partners;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel);
- Basic understanding of land management policies, and natural resource issues such as climate change, wildfire, forestry, wilderness stewardship, recreation impact/conflict, and ecological restoration;
- Interest in reimagining and developing the ecosystem restoration workforce of the future;
- A willingness to work and live in a rural, mountainous area that receives snow and ice in winter;
- Team-oriented and self-motivated;
- An ability to bring critical thinking skills, creativity, and laughter to the workplace;
A personal vehicle for transportation outside of work;
The following qualifications are not required but preferred:
- Current Wilderness First Aid or higher, however training may be provided;
- Experience with workforce development;
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Skills or experiences that can fill in for desired qualifications may be considered. Experience using ESRI ArcGIS or other geospatial platforms
Compensation: Salary will be $46,000 to $57,000 commensurate with experience. Sierra Institute offers a competitive benefits package. Staff housing may be available.
COVID-19: Our staff are following COVID-19 safety protocols informed by the latest research and evidence. Sierra Institute requires all staff be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19
How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Wilderness Stewardship Specialist” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on February 24, 2023 and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled. Please call (530) 284-1022 with questions.
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
Preferred Experience using ESRI ArcGIS or other geospatial platforms.Minimum Education and ExperienceAbout Sierra Institute for Community and Environment
Promoting healthy and sustainable forests and watersheds by investing in the well-being of diverse rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource decision-making and programs. Recognizing the direct relationship rural communities have with forest landscapes, Sierra Institute has advanced integrative programs that support rural environmental, economic, and community health at local, regional, and national levels for the past twenty-five years.