Natural Resource Specialist – Sierra Institute for Community and Environment

Taylorsville, California

Natural Resource Specialist

The position is open until filled, with review of applications beginning on February 1st, 2025.

Position Description:
The Natural Resource Specialist will play a key role in a multi-stakeholder environmental analysis team, focusing on projects within the Plumas National Forest and Lassen National Forest. While the primary focus will be environmental analysis for public lands, the role may also involve supporting collaborative all-lands initiatives, including projects on non-industrial private lands, conducting field surveys, and assisting with implementation activities. The initial review of applications will begin on February 1st, 2025.

Job Duties:
The selected candidate will be responsible for analyzing the potential effects of fuels reduction and forest health activities proposed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and other collaborative partners. The position requires working closely with USFS staff to prepare and document National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)-compliant Environmental Analysis (EA), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), or Categorical Exclusions (CEs) as appropriate. The ideal candidate will have a focus area of expertise (e.g., wildlife, silviculture, fire and fuels) that complements existing Sierra Institute staff and enables the candidate to lead analysis on a particular resource area.

Key Responsibilities include:

  • Conducting independent field visits to gather data and assess project areas.
  • Producing accurate maps to represent project areas and key resources.
  • Preparing clear, concise, and technically sound environmental analysis documents in collaboration with other specialists, staff, and project partners.
  • Engaging with USFS specialists to review collected data, assess potential environmental effects, and respond to public comments.
  • Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to establish project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Attending and supporting public meetings and presentations as needed.

Desired Qualifications (Entry Level):

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field (natural resources, forestry, wildlife biology, etc.).
  • Demonstrated technical writing skills for natural resource management.
  • Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • Basic understanding of NEPA processes and requirements.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented and capable of producing accurate project notes.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  • Experience living and/or working in rural settings and a genuine interest in land management and collaborative landscape projects.

Desired Qualifications (Mid Level):

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field (natural resources, forestry, wildlife biology, etc.), or equivalent work experience.
  • 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in natural resource management, environmental analysis, or a related field.
  • Proven experience in conducting environmental analysis in compliance with NEPA, including the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental
    Assessments (EA), and Categorical Exclusions (CEs).
  • Advanced proficiency in GIS and mapping software for spatial analysis, data management, and the creation of visually compelling project maps.
  • Understanding of ecological processes and resource management techniques, with a focus in one or more areas such as wildlife, silviculture, fire management, or fuels
    reduction.
  • Experience coordinating with multiple stakeholders (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, private landowners, and other federal or state agencies) in both planning and implementation stages of projects.
  • Ability to independently lead field data collection, organize assessments, and evaluate environmental impacts of land management activities.
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel to field sites.
  • Experience working in rural or remote environments and a strong commitment to land stewardship and collaborative natural resource management.

Working Conditions:

  • Primarily office-based work, requiring regular use of a computer.
  • Occasional fieldwork, particularly during the summer and fall seasons.
  • Some travel (up to 20%) for meetings, site visits, and workshops, with occasional overnight stays (typically less than 1 night per month).
  • Standard office hours (7:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Monday – Friday), with flexibility for fieldwork and project needs.

Compensation & Benefits:

  • Entry Level – $55,000 – $62,000; Mid Level $62,000 – $70,000
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental insurance.
  • Retirement benefits after one year of employment.
  • Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • Flexible work schedule and a supportive, close-knit team environment.
HOW TO APPLY

Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us  with “Natural Resource Specialist” in the subject line. Please include where you heard about the job in the text of the email (please be as specific as possible).
Position is open until filled, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please call 530.284.1022 or email jobs@sierrainstitute.us  if you have questions. Review of applications will begin February 1st, 2025.

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