Tonto Program Coordinator

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: As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in the last few years in programmatic impact, revenue and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF is forward-thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.

Position Function: The Tonto Program Coordinator reports to the Arizona Program Manager. The Coordinator will help develop, implement and manage restoration projects in partnership with the US Forest Service, local communities, conservation NGOs, and private sector partners to support NFF’s initiatives and long-term goals on the Tonto National Forest and as needed, strategically support the implementation of key projects throughout the state.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Tonto Program 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 in trails and recreation, forest restoration, invasive species management, and riparian health.
• 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 sustainable trail and recreation infrastructure construction, forest restoration and hazardous fuels removal, invasive species treatment, and other implementation needs.
• Work with the FS and NFF staff to develop federal agreements for project work.
• Oversee 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 Northern Arizona Forest Fund project implementation.
• Work with the Southwest jobshiringnearme.org Partnerships Coordinator and the Southwest team to expand the base of private and public-sector supporters and partners by actively pursuing funding opportunities, including partnership building and grant writing.
• 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 key point of contact at the NFF for conservation and development activities on the Tonto National Forest in Arizona, including providing regular updates to Forest Service staff, organizing and participating in partnership meetings, and representing NFF at events and community meetings.
• With the Southwest team, 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 the Southwest Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Tonto Program 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 projects and related community-based collaborative conservation that includes a strong knowledge of and experience in FS policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A foundation in collaboration, responsible recreation, forestry, silviculture, invasive species, 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 Tonto Program 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 act as a contract administrator and liaison between project contractors and the FS.
• Ability to collaboratively manage projects 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 work remotely (e.g. home office).
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.

Location: The location for this position is Arizona, with a preference for Payson, Pine, Strawberry, East Mesa, Cave Creek, Fountain Hills, or other communities near the Tonto. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout the Tonto National Forest. This position is a work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation and benefits. The salary range for this position is $63,440 with the ability to grow to $73,008 and above.

Benefits: NFF is proud to offer our staff:

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year, predicated on coverage type.
• Generous paid time off ranging from 35-45 days of combined vacation, sick, personal leave, and holidays.
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply by May 16th. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer – meaning we provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, we prohibit discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, benefits, training, and termination. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly. This statement reflects our unwavering dedication to fairness, respect, and equality in employment practices and sets the foundation for a positive work environment.