Basin and Range Forestry Program Coordinator

The Great Basin Institute (GBI), based in Reno, NV, is an interdisciplinary field studies organization that promotes environmental research, education, and conservation throughout the West. The Institute advances ecological literacy, professional development, and natural/cultural/recreation resource management through educational outreach and direct service programs.

GBI’s Basin and Range Forestry Program (BRF) is expanding their team by hiring two new Program Coordinators. As a  result of the growth of the program, these new positions are intended to strengthen the program’s capacity to deliver exceptional results and make a more significant impact on program initiatives. Basin and Range Forestry plays a pivotal role in supporting critical USFS initiatives, including post-fire recovery, hazardous fuels removal, NEPA planning, and community protection. Through these efforts, the program makes a meaningful impact on the environment, ensuring sustainable and resilient ecosystems for the benefit of all.

The Program Coordinators will work collaboratively with our existing team to support program logistics, operations, and management of GBI field personnel in California and Nevada. GBI forestry field crews work with USFS specialists on a variety of field-based projects including layout and marking, stand surveys, wildlife and botany surveys, vegetation management, and other resource management initiatives. For an example of one of our BRF projects completed as part of our partnership with the Sequoia National Forest visit https://www.thegreatbasininstitute.org/2023/01/19/eshom-ecological-restoration-project-a-success-story-for-shared-stewardship-and-innovative-solutions/. 

The Forestry Program Coordinator works with GBI staff to recruit, place and manage forestry crews, coordinate project logistics and scheduling, perform payroll, expense-report and other administrative duties, as well as to ensure compliance with grant and agency rules and regulations

The Forestry Program Coordinator will encounter a variety of opportunities for professional development, including: gaining insight to the operational policies and procedures of a mid-sized (and growing) environmental non-profit organization; exposure to a spectrum of forestry resource management positions and approaches for supporting them; strengthening interactive skills through communication with diverse professional staff (GBI and USFS); and ability to effectively support the success of a mission-driven enterprise. As the program continues to grow and develop we are adding additional roles and responsibilities that will support the team’s sustainability and high quality of work. 

Essential Job Functions may include the following:

1. Coordinate recruitment and logistical planning for new and existing forestry, botany, wildlife, and other conservation projects/positions by understanding scopes of work, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, procuring equipment, booking seasonal housing accommodations for crews, and supporting orientation/training;
2. Communicate regularly with field crews, AmeriCorps members, and agency partners via phone and written correspondence regarding position status, performance, work satisfaction, logistical needs, and administration;
3. Maintain databases for tracking program members, project deliverables, and performance measures;
4. Gather, manage and process data needed to satisfy quarterly and annual reporting requirements;
5. Develop, adapt and apply systems that enhance the success and satisfaction of participants in the program;
6. Collect, review and process GBI administrative forms, including timesheets, expense reports, and time-off requests;
7. Oversee project budgets, support budget creation, and ensure federal grant compliance;
8. Collaborate extensively and assist program staff with program operations, maintenance and expansion; and
9. Collaborate with and assist other GBI programs as required; Follow and enforce policies detailed in the GBI Personnel Handbook.

LOCATION

Based at GBI offices in Reno, NV The “Biggest Little City in the World” the greater Reno-Sparks metropolitan area has a population of over 435,000. The city is a high desert landscape ~4,500 feet above sea level, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains along the Truckee River, as it flows from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake. Weather is mild, but with distinct four seasons. Reno offers easy access to world-class outdoor recreation including driving distance to Yosemite and Death Valley National Parks, the Pacific Ocean, and California redwood forests. Closer to home, Nevada boasts more natural hot springs than any other state in the country, over 150 named mountain ranges, and 30 peaks over 11,000 feet. Recreation and entertainment includes eight major ski resorts in proximity to the Reno-Tahoe airport; fishing and boating on Lake Tahoe, the Truckee River, and Pyramid Lake; cultural festivals throughout the summer along the banks of the Truckee River; a thriving food scene and more.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Starting annual salary is $46k - $48k DOE. In addition to a competitive base salary, this full-time,

onsite position includes comprehensive medical (100% covered by GBI for employees: zero premium, zero deductible), dental, and vision insurance, as well as mental health support resources, 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match, competitive PTO accrual, paid holidays (10 per year), and family leave. Total compensation package is per year, $48k - $52k.  This exciting role contributes to GBI’s significant positive impacts within the fields of environmental research, education, and conservation.

To perform this job successfully, an employee must be able to satisfactorily carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Bachelor’s degree, with experience that demonstrates an ability to manage complex projects;
2. Experience (at least 1 year) with project management, including scheduling, logistics, personnel management, recruitment and retention, and/or training;
3. Ability to learn new database systems and follow procedural documents (e.g., payroll review procedures);
4. Attention to detail, and ability to audit data systems;
5. Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and/or Google suite of programs (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access, Project;Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive) to manage, present and track program information;
6. Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, with diverse audiences;
7. Strongly developed organizational skills and ability to self-motivate;
8. Familiarity and alignment with mission-driven nonprofit organizations strongly preferred;
9. Willingness to travel occasionally to conduct site visits at service locations principally in CA and NV;
10. Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic office environment, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of the BRF Program and the mission of GBI;
11. Valid, state-issued driver’s license and familiarity with safe-driving practices, preferred; and
12. Ability to pass an FBI criminal background and National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR) check.

TO APPLY

Please submit an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter and contact information for three professional references. Qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. For questions regarding this position, please contact bmartin@gbinstitute.org

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

The overall nature of the position is sedentary, requiring little physical effort and occasional light exertion. There is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes.

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Disclaimer: Although the Company has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, the Company reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the Company, at any time, with or without advance notice.