The Forest Stewards Guild, a national organization of foresters and allied natural resource professionals, is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible forestry as a means of sustaining the integrity of forest ecosystems and the human communities dependent upon them. The Guild has 600 members, over half of whom are professionals who manage over 42 million acres of forestland in the United States and Canada. The Guild maintains regional offices in New Mexico, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, and Wisconsin.

The Forest Stewards Youth Corps (FSYC) Field Coordinator will help administer the FSYC program with a combination of field, logistics, and administrative support. FSYC is a program of the Forest Stewards Guild that provides employment and job training for youth in rural communities around New Mexico. FSYC has summer and fall programs with crews based out of U.S. Forest Service Ranger Stations and Jemez Pueblo. The Field Coordinator will split their time between field visits with FSYC crews around the state and in an office setting.

The Field to office ratio is approximately 75% field and 25% office. The successful candidate will have experience in outdoor education and/or leadership. The fall FSYC program emphasizes wildland fire fighter training and implementing prescribed burns. The successful candidate will either have NWCG qualifications as a FFT2 or the ability to become qualified (training provided). Must follow and enforce all FSYC COVID safety protocols such as pre-employment testing, mask wearing, social distancing etc.

Position details

• Position lasts from May 3rd through November 19th. The exact start date is negotiable.
• Pay rate: $17.00/hour
• Mandatory overnight trainings June 2nd-4th, June 8th-10th, August 11th-13th, and August 16th-20th. Overnight trainings are dependent upon status of the COVID pandemic. 
• Will provide logistical support, oversight, and supervision to FSYC Crew Leaders.
• An all-wheel drive vehicle will be provided for the Field Coordinator's use and all gas expenses will be paid by the Forest Stewards Guild.
• Due to long days in the field and long travel distances, this position has a flexible schedule. The Field Coordinator will be expected to work 40 hours a week with overtime only being authorized on a very limited basis. A typical week may be four 10-hour days or three 12-hour days with a 4-hour office day. 

Job duties

• Help deliver FSYC Crew Leader and Crew Member trainings. Trainings are overnight and last 3-5 days.
• Act as a mentor and role model for FSYC Crew Leaders and Crew Members.
• Maintain clear and frequent communication with Guild staff overseeing the FSYC program.
• Provide logistical support to summer and fall FSYC crews ensuring they have tools, equipment, and training they need to accomplish their projects.
• Act as the FSYC liaison between host units (US Forest Service Ranger Districts and Jemez Pueblo) and Forest Stewards Guild staff. 
• Provide logistical support for fall crews assigned to prescribed fires.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in a leadership position working with youth. 
• A passion for outdoor leadership and working with youth to help them grow as leaders and future natural resource professionals. 
• Qualified Wildland FFT2 OR the ability to pass an arduous pack test and become certified as a FFT2 (training provided).
• Chainsaw use: Have taken S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw Use or being willing to take S-212 (training provided). 
• Ability to perform strenuous work outdoors for long hours in rough country and inclement weather.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Pass a background check.
• Possess a valid drivers license and safe driving record.
• Experience performing natural resource management projects.
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work both independently and with a team
• Effective knowledge of common software applications such as Microsoft office.

Preferred qualifications

• Qualified as FFT1.
• Previous wildland firefighting or prescribed fire experience.
• Possess a valid Wilderness First-Aid certification or higher. 
• Qualified, or have been qualified, as an Intermediate Faller (FAL2) with accompanying field experience.

Paid leave and paid holiday benefits are provided. Employer sponsored comprehensive health care and dental care coverage is available on the first day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. Participation in a retirement plan with an employer match is available after 90 days. The Forest Stewards Guild is an equal opportunity employer.

The Guild is dedicated to providing an open, transparent, and just organization and workplace. We strive for clear, open, and kind communication and are committed to recruiting, hiring, mentoring, and supporting practitioners from underrepresented communities. We are dedicated to building a work culture that recognizes the inherent value of our employees, supports a healthy work-life balance, and provides an environment that supports personal growth.

Location

The FYSC Field Coordinator will spend most of their time travelling throughout New Mexico visiting FSYC crews based in Grants, Jemez Pueblo, Mountainair, Las Vegas, Coyote, and Espanola, NM. Days not spent in the field will either be spent in the Guild's office in Santa Fe or working from home. 

Contact Us

Interested applicants should visit this job posting on SmartRecruiters.com, and click “I’m Interested” below to submit one-page cover letter, resume, three professional references, relevant certifications, and earliest available start date by 3/31/21. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Note: After clicking “Next” on the initial application page, you will have an opportunity to upload the resume, cover letter and reference documents.

Questions can be directed to Matt Piccarello at (505) 470-9725 or matt (at) forestguild.org.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.