SME - Reforestation

IEM

17d•$43 - $59•Remote

About The Position

IEM is seeking a Part-Time Reforestation Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our continued growth. The Reforestation SME provides specialized technical expertise to support wildfire recovery and long‑term forest restoration efforts. This role requires deep knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecosystems, post‑fire ecological processes, and evidence‑based reforestation practices. The SME will support the development of defensible technical assessments and SME reports used to substantiate claimant recovery amounts in alignment with program guidelines.

Requirements

Degree: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
Experience: Ten (10) years of combined experience in reforestation, wildfire recovery, land restoration, forestry, or related ecological disciplines.
Demonstrated expertise with Rocky Mountain ecosystems, native species, and post‑wildfire regeneration practices.
Strong working knowledge of: Wildfire ecology and burn severity effects Forest succession Soil stabilization and watershed dynamics Native plant communities of the Rocky Mountain region
Experience preparing technical assessments, valuation summaries, or SME reports related to ecological losses and restoration costs.
Proficiency using GIS, remote sensing platforms, and ecological monitoring tools.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical findings to claimants, FEMA staff, and diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work safely in remote, rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.
Strong customer‑service approach when interacting with claimants and community members.

Nice To Haves

Experience collaborating with federal and state land management agencies (e.g., USFS, BLM, NRCS).
Certification or training in forestry, ecological restoration, fire ecology, or similar fields (e.g., SAF Certified Forester, Society for Ecological Restoration credentials).
Knowledge of climate adaptation strategies in forest recovery and long‑term resilience planning.
Experience with grant development, project budget creation, or multi‑stakeholder restoration partnerships.

Responsibilities

Design and oversee reforestation projects in areas affected by wildfire, with a focus on ecological restoration and long-term forest health.
Conduct site assessments to determine soil stability, species suitability, and prioritize areas for intervention based on ecological and community needs.
Collaborate with land managers, government agencies, community stakeholders, and non-profit partners to develop reforestation plans tailored to Rocky Mountain landscapes.
Provide technical guidance on seed collection, native species selection, planting techniques, and post-planting care specific to post-wildfire recovery in the region.
Monitor project outcomes, adapt management strategies, and report on progress and ecological impacts.
Deliver training and workshops for field personnel and community volunteers on wildfire reforestation methods and safety protocols.