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.

About the Sierra Institute:
The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work supports initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. Sierra Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within an area referred to as “Indian Valley” that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community events and is surrounded by public lands including Plumas National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

About Taylorsville:
The position is based in the very rural northern Sierra town of Taylorsville, where the Collaborative Forestry Crew will be one of a few talented field crews implementing natural
resource management plans to promote landscape restoration and community well-being in the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade. Taylorsville, CA (pop. 154) lies within a large mountain meadow referred to as “Indian Valley,” that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Taylorsville is a historic small town, with a long history dating back to the construction of the first flour mill in the Pacific Northwest in 1856. Downtown Taylorsville is home to two historic establishments: the Taylorsville Tavern, a favorite watering hole for loggers; and Young’s Market, a revitalized country store and sandwich shop that first opened its doors in 1862 that is– debatably– home to the oldest working cash register in the nation manufactured in 1914.

Taylorsville is a blended community of long-time residents, ranchers, loggers, and newcomers, drawn to the area for its scenic beauty and cultural richness. Taylorsville offers unique, rural community events that bring the community together, such as the Silver Buckle Rodeo held over the 4th of July, the Holiday Light Parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving; and New Year’s Eve fireworks in the fields across from the Tavern. Taylorsville is surrounded by many outdoor recreation opportunities such as Lake Almanor, Plumas and Lassen National Forests, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Although much of the forest was burned at mixed severity in the 2021 Dixie Fire, many areas remain accessible and beautiful. These adjacent public lands feature backcountry routes in winter, and endless, empty dirt roads to explore in summer. Adventure lies just out the back door of the office!