Forestry Operations Manager

GREAT BASIN INSTITUTE • Reno, NV

21h • $33 - $41 • Hybrid

About The Position

Great Basin Institute (GBI), founded at the University of Nevada, Reno, is a mission-driven non-profit organization headquartered in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Institute advances ecological literacy, professional development, and environmental resource management through educational outreach and direct service programs. GBI’s Forestry Stewardship Contracting (FSC) program seeks a Forestry Operations Manager (FOM) to collaborate with FSC program leadership, program staff, federal and non-federal partners, and the forestry industry to oversee the implementation of collaborative stewardship projects across multiple national forests. The FOM will have primary responsibility for supporting and growing the FSC program work on forests with smaller or developing portfolios, while providing targeted support to larger, more established units and programmatic systems as needed. This role combines program leadership, project oversight, and operational management, with responsibility for coordinating and overseeing all phases of project planning and implementation in support of forest health and restoration objectives. Depending on experience and qualifications, this position may be filled at a senior level with expanded responsibility for program oversight and development. The FOM independently and collaboratively manages grants and agreements, contract administration, harvest inspection, project planning, and NEPA compliance. The position supports partnership development through coordination of annual work planning, development of requests for proposals, facilitation of bid processes, contract awards, and ensuring project specifications align with best management practices and applicable federal and state requirements. This position serves as a key liaison between contractors and agency partners, while supporting invoicing, financial tracking, and performance reporting across multiple agreements. The FOM also contributes to program development by strengthening partnerships and identifying opportunities to expand stewardship work. The FOM ensures quality and consistency across current projects while helping to build and scale programmatic work in emerging areas. This role requires a collaborative, solutions-oriented professional capable of managing multiple projects across different forests within GBI’s growing FSC program. U.S. Forest Service units currently engaged in FSC projects include the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, Mendocino, Sequoia, and Eldorado National Forests, with emerging work on the Six Rivers and Lassen National Forests. This position operates in a largely remote environment, requiring the ability to effectively supervise staff, coordinate with partners, and manage projects across multiple locations. Regular travel is required to project sites and partner offices to support field operations, maintain partner relationships, and ensure successful project implementation.

Requirements

• Experience working with forestry initiatives within or alongside public/private land management agencies, members of the public, and/or non-profit organizations
• Minimum of three (3) years of applicable forestry project management
• Substantive knowledge of current forestry practices and methods, including project layout, timber cruise, stand exams, harvest inspection and project monitoring
• Well developed cartography and spatial analysis skills using ArcPro and similar software
• Proven skills in contractor oversight and collaborative management
• Effective problem solving skills and ability to share skills and knowledge with others
• College degree in forest management, natural resources, or related discipline
• Proven track record of taking initiative and working independently without direct supervision
• Possess a valid, state-issued driver’s license, an insurable record, and the ability to safely operate a 4WD vehicle on and off paved roads
• Meet requirements of federal agency security background checks (e.g., FBI criminal and National Sex Offender Public Registry, Department of Interior Security Screening)
• Willingness and ability to travel to partnering forests and active projects regularly. Travel will generally taper to less frequency in the non-fieldwork season.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate Degree in Forestry, Ecology, or similar field
• Current status as a Registered Professional Forester in the State of California
• Five (5) years’ experience managing multiple forest stewardship projects and personnel in Region 4, 5 & 6 of the US Forest Service
• Relevant or related field experience – deep knowledge of and/or experience in Sierra Forest types, and/or high desert Great Basin ecology
• Willingness and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the goals and objectives of GBI
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and appropriately
• High level of organization and attention to detail with demonstrated field and leadership skills
• Demonstrated experience in areas such as grant writing and management, project development, training, team building, and problem solving
• Familiarity with regional forest community-based agencies, services and resources.

Responsibilities

• Leadership Serve as the primary program lead for assigned forests, particularly those with emerging or developing bodies of work, supporting program growth, partner engagement, and long-term stewardship planning across a distributed and largely remote work environment. Assist FSC Program Leadership with programmatic needs, including supporting larger forest units as needed and contributing to process and policy development. Coordinate with agency partners to ensure project design and implementation appropriately account for land status, environmental constraints, and applicable NEPA and regulatory considerations.
• Mentorship / Professional Development Supervise and provide leadership to FSC program staff, including Stewardship Coordinators, Forestry Specialists, Sale Administrators, and Harvest Inspectors. Support staff development, performance management, and seasonal workforce planning in a primarily remote setting.
• Project Management Accountability Provide overall management and oversight of active stewardship projects, including contractor coordination, field presence as needed, and resolution of operational challenges. Ensure contractor performance meets contract specifications, productivity expectations, and applicable federal and state requirements; implement quality control measures across projects. Manage grants and agreements, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, timelines, and reporting requirements. Develop and manage contracting packages, review and authorize invoices, and support financial tracking, reporting, and performance documentation across multiple projects and agreements. Oversee collection and management of field and project data to support planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. Provide technical oversight of project planning and layout, including review of silvicultural prescriptions, harvest systems, and operational plans to ensure consistency with project objectives and regulatory requirements. Ensure the accuracy and quality of project documentation, including maps, timber sale appraisals, environmental compliance materials, and reporting deliverables.
• Administration Provide direct supervision of FSC program staff, including hiring input, onboarding, work assignment, performance management, and corrective action in coordination with program leadership and organizational policies. Coordinate seasonal staffing needs, including recruitment support, scheduling, and workload distribution across project teams and field operations. Travel regularly to project sites, partner offices, and field locations to support implementation, conduct oversight, and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and partners.

Benefits

• company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance, as well as $25,000 Life/AD&D policy
• Voluntary short-term and long-term disability policies are available, and voluntary Life/AD&D policies for family members
• Mental health support resources are employer provided, as is 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match, competitive PTO accrual, paid holidays (10 per year), and family leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees