Arizona Forestry Program Manager

National Forest Foundation•Flagstaff, AZ

9d•Remote

About The Position

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) is seeking an Exempt, Full-time Arizona Forestry Program Manager to be located in the Flagstaff, Arizona area. This role will collaborate with the U.S. Forest Service, funders, contractors, and other government entities to lead forest restoration programs throughout Arizona. The NFF, chartered by Congress in 1990, serves as the official national partner to the US Forest Service, focusing on advancing forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all. The organization has experienced significant growth in programmatic impact, revenue, support, and organizational capacity, with approximately 90% of its expenses directed towards projects and programs across the National Forest System. The NFF is characterized by its forward-thinking and innovative approach, with ambitious strategies to prepare forests for a new economy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or another natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience).
A minimum of three (3) years’ experience with proven results in forestry or conservation project management and related community-based collaborative conservation.
Strong knowledge of and experience in U.S. Forest Service policies, procedures, and regulations.
A strong understanding of Arizona natural resources issues.
A demonstrated commitment to the mission of the NFF and the environment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Ability to work independently, perform fieldwork, attend meetings, and manage projects with minimal oversight.
Ability to supervise and manage program staff and to train new staff on NFF policies and field procedures, including timber sale administration.
Ability to act as a contract administrator and liaison between project contractors and the U.S. Forest Service.
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.
Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain strategic partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service, funders, contractors, other governmental entities, and stakeholders to advance wildfire resilience and forest restoration priorities across Arizona.
Lead the development and implementation of forest restoration programs and project pipelines, including annual work planning, partnership coordination, and execution of agreements with the U.S. Forest Service and other funding partners.
Oversee all aspects of forest restoration project implementation, including procurement, contract administration, field oversight, quality assurance and inspections, problem-solving, and project closeout.
Serve as Timber Sale Administrator and Harvest Inspector for forestry projects utilizing all thinning systems, ensuring compliance with project specifications, operational standards, and quality control requirements.
Manage complex program and project budgets, contracts, reporting requirements, timelines, compliance obligations, and standard operating procedures.
Monitor, document, and communicate project outcomes and deliverables through written and verbal reports to funders, partners, and NFF leadership.
Support partnership development, fundraising, grant development, and community engagement efforts to secure resources and expand the pace and scale of forest restoration work.
Develop and coordinate wood utilization and biomass removal opportunities associated with restoration projects, including support for Tribal firewood programs (Wood for Life), in-stream watershed restoration work (Wood for Water), transportation logistics, and long-term supply planning.
Supervise Arizona forestry staff and forestry technician contractors, providing leadership, mentorship, performance oversight, and clear expectations.
Apply advanced forestry expertise and professional judgment to address complex operational, technical, and partnership challenges and ensure the highest standards of project delivery and stewardship.
Serve as a principal forestry subject matter expert and representative in Arizona and the Southwest Region, maintaining expertise in emerging restoration practices, policy developments, funding models, utilization opportunities, and industry trends.
Represent NFF in collaborative groups, public forums, educational events, media engagement, and strategic communications efforts, and providing technical support and guidance to NFF programs across the organization.

Benefits

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.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.
403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.
Employees start with 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave and holidays (annual leave accrual rates increase with years of service).
Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.
Training & Development Programs.
Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.
The opportunity to support an incredible mission and travel to / work in spectacular locations.