Summary 
The RCD of Monterey County seeks a full-time Program Specialist to join our expanding Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Program and our dynamic team of conservation professionals.  The Program Specialist will work closely with RCD staff and partners to lead forest health and wildfire resiliency projects throughout Monterey County, providing technical assistance and planning services for large and small-scale projects to facilitate fire resiliency, fire prevention/preparedness, and improved natural resources.  

The Program Specialist will work closely with partners including CAL FIRE, State Parks, tribal groups, neighboring RCDs, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, US Forest Service, and public and private landowners and land managers. The work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and creative. 

This position is funded through contracts between the RCD and local, state, and federal agencies. This position will report to the RCD Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Program Manager and will work closely with other district staff to fulfill the RCD mission and the scope of work from the local, state, and federal contracts, as summarized below.  

Primary responsibilities:  
Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to plan and implement priority forest health, fuel reduction, and post-fire recovery projects such as strategic fuel breaks, pile burning, forest stand improvement, invasive species removal and management, reforestation, and habitat restoration. Specific tasks include: 

• Conduct or oversee monitoring activities, including photo, biological, and archaeological monitoring. 
• Help FHWR Project manager with coordination of development of project designs and logistics for project implementation. 
• Help FHWR Program Manager with developing environmental documentation and permitting as needed or directed. 
• Assist with Landowner Agreements. 
• Assist with invoicing and reporting. 
• Manage communications between project partners and stakeholders. 
• Manage contracts with funders, consultants and subcontractors. 
• Provide oversight of implementation activities/project management. 
• Respond to landowner requests for technical assistance as appropriate. 
• In collaboration with landowners, support contracted Registered Professional Foresters with development of Forest Management Plans and prescriptions.  
• Contribute to grant proposals as part of the RCD team. 
• Help submit deliverables to meet grant requirements. 
• Conduct outreach and build relationships with landowners and community groups. 
• Deliver educational presentations at RCD and partner events. 
• Represent the RCD, its partners and funders in a positive and proactive manner. 
• Contribute to additional RCD projects as appropriate based on skills and interests. 
• Perform additional tasks or responsibilities as directed by supervisor. 

Other  
RCD of Monterey County employees are expected to be flexible and to take on additional duties as assigned, according to the organization’s needs and the staff member’s skills and abilities.