Job Announcement: 

RESTORATION & FIRE PROJECTS MANAGER

Posted: August 1st, 2024

Position open until filled, applications will be reviewed starting September 9, 2024. 

 

The Long Tom Watershed Council (LTWC) seeks applicants for the position of Restoration & Fire Projects Manager (RFPM). This new position is responsible for leading all aspects of coordination, planning, and implementation of oak, prairie, and wetland habitat restoration projects and provides coordination and leadership in planning and implementing burns as part of restoration projects. Excellent time management and multitasking skills are a requirement. The RFPM is expected to maintain prescribed burn qualifications through either NWCG (FFT2, FFT1, etc.) or the Oregon Certified Burn Manager program. The RFPM must be comfortable navigating the complex partnership and regulatory landscape inherent to prescribed fire, and will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This position works closely with the four other LTWC staff members that comprise the Rural Projects Team.

Status: Exempt, Full-time (40 hours per week but will consider 32-36 hours per week at a prorated salary)

Compensation: $54,000-$62,000 starting salary (depending on experience) + benefits:

  • Health insurance (LTWC currently pays 75% of employee premium + 20% of dependents paid)
  • 401(k) contribution – 8% of salary plus optional employee contribution
  • 10 paid holidays plus 10 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) to start (sick and vacation days are lumped together as PTO) 
  • Continuing education and training are financially supported in alignment with organizational priorities
  • $40/month stipend for use of personal cell phone

Hiring Equity and Justice

Since 2018, LTWC has invested significantly in exploring what diversity, equity and inclusion mean for the soul of our community and the core of our work.  We believe that the health of the watershed is dependent upon the contributions of all people. LTWC recognizes the disproportionate impacts that systems of oppression have on People of Color and Indigenous People. We believe the organization’s strength depends on breaking down implicit, systemic inequities. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that grows our collective wisdom. 

It is well-documented that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), queer and transgender folks, women, and other marginalized groups often do not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification listed in the job description. Conversely, it is well documented that people with identities overrepresented in our field (white people, men, etc.) do not hesitate to apply even if they do not meet all the stated qualifications and are often still hired into those positions. We are most interested in finding the right candidate for the job and our team, and we encourage all passionate and interested candidates to apply and not discount experience that could be transferable, even if it is outside what we have described. We are committed to working against the structural biases that continue to keep marginalized people excluded from the conservation, restoration and natural resource fields, and to making sure our hiring practices are not reproducing those biases.  

To Apply:

    • Please submit your application materials via email to apply@longtom.org.  Applications will be reviewed starting on September 9. 
    • Applications submitted on and after September 9 may or may not be accepted, depending on whether the position has been filled. 
    • Please email questions about the position or hiring process to apply@longtom.org. 
  • All emails – both application submittals and questions regarding the position – must have “Restoration & Fire Projects Manager” in the subject line.

Application Materials:

    • Resume – include your phone & email address
    • Cover letter of 2 pages or less, and 12-point font, that includes – 
      1. A description of how your knowledge, skills, abilities, and past experiences relate to the position responsibilities.
      2. A description of what approaches and insights help in working with a diverse watershed community, including rural residents, agricultural and forestry landowners, tribal community members, and restoration contractors.
    • Three professional references will be required for finalists – you can provide them now or later on in the process. Please provide contact information, including phone number, and describe your relationship with them.

Position Description: Restoration & Fire Projects Manager 

Status: 32-40 hrs./week (0.8-1.0 FTE), exempt

Compensation: $54,000-$62,000 at 1.0 FTE

Administrative Supervisor: Aquatic Program Manager

Background

The Long Tom Watershed Council (LTWC) is a nonprofit organization serving the Long Tom River Watershed and Upper Willamette Watershed in Lane and Benton Counties, an area approximately 450 square miles, mostly held in private ownership. LTWC was formed in 1998 in response to a call for local voluntary restoration action as part of the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds. Council history, mission, and program information is available on our website: www.longtom.org. 

General Description 

This position is responsible for managing, implementing, and developing habitat restoration projects of the LTWC primarily in uplands (oak, prairie, and wetland) habitats. Project management duties include project layout and design, contractor selection and hiring, budget tracking, grant reporting, monitoring/surveying, and communicating/ coordinating with diverse project partners. A key responsibility of this position is coordinating and participating in prescribed fire implementation as a central component of uplands restoration and stewardship projects. The candidate will either come with prescribed fire qualifications (preferred) or be willing to obtain such qualifications within a year of hire. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. The position may also support project management of riparian and aquatic restoration projects as part of the LTWC Rural Habitats Team. 

The Council only recently began incorporating prescribed fire into habitat restoration projects, recognizing the importance of restoring this process to fire-dependent ecosystems. Maintaining relationships and supporting Indigenous-led fire initiatives with Indigenous partners and area Tribes as the original stewards of the land is a critical piece of this effort. The Council does not currently have a cache of prescribed fire equipment or a dedicated prescribed burn crew – rather, we partner closely with regional partners and community members to implement burns. Flexibility, creativity, and maintaining relationships with regional partners and landowners to establish cooperative agreements and secure resources on burn days is critical to effective burn implementation. 

Because the LTWC is growing its literacy and engagement with the cultural contexts of stewardship, particularly pertinent to Tribal interests and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), experience in, or openness to, exploring these concepts and building relationships to propel this area of work is essential. Tribal sovereignty and partnerships, decolonizing, and DEIJ are central priorities to LTWC, and all program areas are expected to support, integrate, and enhance these efforts across all areas of our work.

Because of the seasonal timing of prescribed burning, plant community monitoring, and other stewardship activities, work may occur on weekends, early mornings, and evenings. Expect to undertake indoor and outdoor activities that require long hours of field work or significant desk time. Arduous days in hot, cold, smoky, and rainy conditions should be expected. Outdoor activities will include navigating work sites with hazards that could include poison oak and steep and uneven terrain. A valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and the use of a personal vehicle for transportation to project and meeting sites are required as driving is an essential part of the position. Mileage is reimbursed. With approval, some remote work is allowed , but the RFPM will be expected to maintain a presence at the LTWC office to build comradery with teammates. Local travel to project sites in LTWC’s service area is necessary throughout the year.  

The position requires essential functions of bending, stooping and an ability to lift 35 pounds for tasks such as dispersing seeds from a backpack broadcaster, carrying jugs of fuel during prescribed burn operations, and installing survey stakes. Occasionally, the position may call for lifting up to 50 lbs as a non-essential function.

Summary of Position Responsibilities 

1.Project Management (35%)

      • Coordinate, oversee, and track all stages of multi-year restoration project implementation. 
      • Draw on regional best restoration management practices to plan activities to be implemented include ecological burning, tree thinning, planting, seeding, slash pile burning, mowing and brush cutting, herbicide treatments, vegetation monitoring, targeted grazing, and other actions. 
      • Contractor oversight: schedule, oversee, write work orders and contracts for, and track contractors carrying out habitat restoration activities as part of oak, prairie, wetland, and riparian habitat restoration projects.
      • Engage volunteers in restoration projects. 
      • Manage project budgets. 
      • Keep project records and GIS files. 
      • Balance several simultaneous projects with distinct priorities and deadlines.
      • Work with landowners to develop management plans in support of land conservation, restoration, and community engagement. 
      • Communication: plan for projects and share project updates with landowners, LTWC staff, Board, partners, funders, and the watershed community. Lead project tours. 

2. Prescribed Burn Coordination, Planning, Preparation, and Implementation (30%)

      • Plan for ecological burning/prescribed fire implementation on restoration sites including hiring contractors, burn unit delineation, burn unit prep, permitting, neighbor outreach, communication with fire districts, and pre- and post-fire monitoring.Identify burn day resources in advance, coordinate mobilization and demobilization logistics, purchase supplies/equipment as needed, maintain supplies/equipment.
      • Serve as upper level personnel during prescribed burn operations as a Certified Burn Manager (ODF), NWCG Single Resource Boss and/or or FFT-1.
      • Write burn plans and/or coordinate with qualified partners to write burn plans.
      • Maintain current fire qualifications.
      • Coordinate activities with regional partners 
        • Represent LTWC in local and regional fire collaborations. 

3. Community Engagement and Collaborations (10%)

      • Meet, schedule site visits with, and talk with landowners, technical partners, Tribal staff, community members, students and volunteers. Plan and lead occasional project tours and volunteer events with assistance from other LTWC and partner staff.
      • Strengthen existing relationships with landowners on behalf of the Council and develop new connections.
      • Represent LTWC at community events, public meetings, and partnership meetings 
      • Track relationships and record project information in LTWC’s databases.

4. Project Development & Grant Writing (10%)

      • Collaborate with landowners and partners to identify and develop additional restoration projects, ecological and cultural fire, and community engagement.
      • Work with LTWC staff to write and submit competitive grant proposals to state and federal agencies, private foundations, and other sources of program funding.
      • Pursue new funding sources and relationships.

5. Monitoring & Stewardship (5%)

      • Assess restoration project efficacy and carry out photopoint monitoring after project completion. Provide management recommendations to other LTWC staff, landowners, and partners.
      • Survey for Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDRR) non-native, invasive plants and track findings.
      • Identify native and non-native plant species as part of monitoring protocols designed to track project effectiveness and progress within riparian and upland habitats.

6. Administrative (10%)

      • Draft and submit final and post-implementation grant reports required by funders.
      • Participate in regular staff and board meetings, and partner meetings.
      • Write and file permits and other project-related paperwork, process invoices and receipts, fill out monthly timesheets and expense reimbursements.
      • Work with LTWC Operations Staff to ensure all administrative and organizational requirements are met.

7. Other Duties as Assigned

      • Nothing in this job description restricts the supervisor’s or organization’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

 

Qualifications & Experience

Required

      • Current NWCG FFT-2 or Oregon Certified Burn Manager qualification or ability to obtain within one year of hire
      • At least three (3) years of experience relevant to the position 
      • Basic familiarity with fire behavior prediction, burn plan development, operational leadership, and/or prescribed fire operations
      • Working knowledge of fire-dependent ecosystems and techniques used to maintain them
      • Ability to identify native and non-native trees, shrubs, forbs, and graminoids in the Willamette Valley and Coast Range; working knowledge of upland, wetland, and riparian plant communities
      • Experience working with diverse partners, including private landowners, staff from government agencies, Tribal members and contractors; and a strong respect for diversity in knowledge types, viewpoints, and perspectives
      • Experience overseeing and inspecting contractor, youth crew, or volunteer work
      • Demonstrated professional skills including work planning, time management, and organization; excellent verbal and written communication
      • Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and personal vehicle for use during completion of work duties 
      • Willingness and ability to work long hours, weekends, and in adverse weather conditions as required
      • Personal and professional commitment to supporting LTWC policies and philosophies on diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice
      • Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and equitable access to fire 
      • Experience with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, Google Suite (docs and sheets)

 

Desired

      • Qualification as FFT-1, Single Resource Boss, Engine Boss, Firing Boss, or Burn Boss (RXB2 or RXB3), and/or Oregon Certified Burn Manager
      • Experience working with Tribal partners and/or community groups that center Indigenous priorities and leadership
      • Demonstrated expertise in fire behavior prediction, burn plan development, operational leadership, and prescribed fire operations
      • Familiarity with plants/wildlife/landscape features significant to local Tribal communities
      • Experience working or living in the Willamette Valley landscape
      • Bachelor’s degree or higher OR equivalent experience in one of the following related fields: fire ecology, ecology, forestry, botany, environmental science, natural resource management, or geography
      • Experience writing and securing grant funding and securing contributions from project partners
      • Experience with Asana