National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time, and exempt position that will manage the development and implementation of recreation infrastructure projects on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) in western Colorado.

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 GMUG Recreation Coordinator reports directly to the Rocky Mountain Region Program Manager and works closely with other Colorado-based field staff to cooperatively plan, develop, and implement priority projects on the GMUG National Forests, with an initial focus on initiatives with the Great American Outdoors Act program of work. Specific efforts may include projects to enhance sustainable recreation, protection of resources impacted by recreation, and increase and enhance recreation opportunities and settings. This work requires close coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, community organizations, and implementation partners to accomplish identified goals and activities.

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The GMUG Recreation Coordinator will:

• Coordinate with the U.S. Forest Service and partners to implement scopes of work for large-scale recreation improvement and enhancement projects, including campgrounds, trails, trailheads, kiosks, restrooms, and more.
• Lead the advertisement, negotiation, and awarding of multiple contracts for services related to the on-the-ground implementation of recreation infrastructure projects.
• Work directly with contractors, consultants, nonprofit organizations, and agency partners to coordinate the on-the-ground implementation of recreation projects effectively and efficiently.
• Oversee construction projects through their full life cycle - project initiation, planning, managing schedules, tracking budgets, construction site management, quality assurance, and safety. Serve as the NFF’s on-the-ground point of contact for daily project management needs.
• Manage service agreements, invoices, and finances for relevant GMUG projects.
• Work with the U.S. Forest Service to help develop, modify, manage, and track large-scale Participating Agreements and Challenge Cost Share Agreements associated with projects.
• Potentially manage seasonal NFF staff to help meet shared stewardship goals across GMUG National Forests.
• Work with NFF staff to solicit funds from government sources, foundations, corporations, and individuals to support all aspects of project preparation, implementation, and oversight.
• Manage budgets and reporting associated with grants from federal, state, and local government sources, as well as philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and individuals. Prepare associated grant and funding reports.
• Work with NFF staff to communicate project needs and the community benefits and accomplishments.
• Conduct ongoing communication with partners on the status of project planning, implementation, and project successes.
• Maintain a breadth of knowledge about current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in the field of conservation programming to enhance the NFF strategic efficacy.
• Serve as a point of contact for the NFF conservation activities on and near the GMUG.
• Assist as necessary with the NFF program of work in the Rocky Mountain Region, which may include the management of diverse, short-term projects.

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

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree, in recreation planning, construction management, engineering, natural resource management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of three (3) years’ experience in conservation programs, construction contract administration, engineering, project planning and/or coordinating project implementation.
• A strong knowledge of and experience in U.S. Forest Service land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• A strong understanding of recreation and natural resources issues.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.

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

• Ability to work independently, performing fieldwork, attending meetings, and managing projects with minimal oversight.
• 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 effectively manage a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Must have valid U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently within the communities around the GMUG National Forests, particularly during project implementation periods.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.

Location: The location for this position is in a community near the GMUG National Forest in western Colorado. This position is a remote/work-from -home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace. The Coordinator must be able to frequently work at a GMUG National Forest office. Locations could include Grand Junction, Montrose, Gunnison, Delta, Norwood, Ouray, or Paonia.

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 $63,280 to $85,428 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: Applicants must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Position is open until April 9^th. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

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