Forest Legacy Program Manager

Arizona Department of Administration•Chino Valley, AZ

1d•$32 - $34•Hybrid

About The Position

The Forest Legacy Program Manager administers all aspects of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management’s Forest Legacy Program (FLP) and Community Forest Legacy Program (CFLP). The role develops and implements strategies, plans, and budgets; recruits projects for national requests for project proposals; conducts stakeholder engagement and outreach; coordinates due diligence and land acquisitions; and monitors and reports on funded projects. The position is 100% grant-funded, with funding reviewed annually. It may be performed remotely within Arizona based on department business needs and continued achievement of expected performance measures. Work must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized in advance. The position is based at one of several listed Arizona locations in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Chino Valley, Payson, or Lakeside.

Requirements

Knowledge of state and federal FLP and CFLP policies, protocols, and grant regulations, including Uniform Guidance 2 CFR 200.
Knowledge of basic forestry measurements, stewardship planning, and best practices.
Knowledge of conservation easements, property titles, boundary surveys, due diligence, and land appraisal standards.
Knowledge of strategic planning and program evaluation.
Skills in legal and process document review, communication, project and budget management, use of project management tools and databases, organizing teams to meet deadlines, document organization, GIS and spatial analysis, relationship-building, research, and analysis.
Ability to understand complex legal and process documents; plan work independently; meet schedules and deadlines; develop and execute strategies; build partnerships and motivate partners; explain complex environmental metrics, property terms, and federal rules to non-technical landowners; and interact tactfully with government agencies and private landowners.
Ability to drive on state business, including possible overnight stays, and undertake some out-of-state travel.
Valid Arizona Driver’s License.
Three years of work experience in a relevant profession, vocation, or activity is listed as an ideal-candidate qualification.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Conservation, or a related field.
Experience with land acquisitions and conservation easements.
Three years of work experience in a relevant profession, vocation, or activity.

Responsibilities

Work with partners to administer FLP and CFLP, and build and maintain relationships with the US Forest Service, local and regional governments, nongovernmental organizations, private landowners, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Oversee grant and budget administration; compile and review applications; draft and submit comprehensive federal funding proposals; manage federal capital and partner-match allocations; track metrics; and prepare annual accomplishment reports.
Negotiate complex land acquisitions with private landowners; draft and review conservation easement documents; coordinate due diligence, including appraisals, mineral evaluations, and baseline documentation; and oversee annual monitoring of funded conservation properties for easement compliance.
Develop, manage, implement, and evaluate the Forest Legacy and Community Forestry Program Strategic Plan; maintain the Assessment of Need Report and state program guidance; participate in annual and five-year program reviews; implement priorities, funding, and policies; and maintain program records.
Administer cost-share awards and related programs, including awards and master agreements; manage pass-through awards, projects, contracts, and annual budgets for staff and special projects; oversee service providers and contracts; track project status in USFS data systems; and conduct site visits.
Co-coordinate and provide oversight to the Forest Stewardship Statewide Advisory Committee with the Stewardship Program Manager, and participate on statewide and national FLP advisory boards.
Perform other duties related to the position as assigned.

Benefits

Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans.
Retirement and long-term disability plans.
10 paid holidays per year.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child, under a pilot program.
Vacation accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first three years.
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly.
Deferred compensation plan.
Wellness plans.
Tuition reimbursement eligibility after one year of employment.
Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS), subject to statutory eligibility and membership criteria; enrollment eligibility after 27 weeks of employment.