Wildfire Resilience System Specialist

• Work closely with NFF Staff to plan and support cross-boundary fire resilience efforts across multiple years including landowner and partner engagement and technical and financial assistance. 
• Design, implement, and refine analytical systems that generate output- and outcome-based performance indicators, including tools for tracking, modeling, and evaluating program efficiency, scalability, and long-term impact.
• Conduct research and systems analysis to improve operational processes, strengthen program delivery and support adaptive management across a diverse landscape portfolio.
• Develop, maintain, and disseminate a coherent suite of tools, data systems and resources to support cross-boundary wildfire resilience planning and implementation. 
• Provide technical expertise and effectively communicate internally and externally to support program goals.
• Drive innovation of new approaches tailored to local landscape dynamics while ensuing broader applicability and replicability. 
• Work closely with NFF Staff to leverage partnerships locally and nationally.  
• Build and develop a close and mutually beneficial relationship between the U.S. Forest Service, the NFF, and other state, federal, local government, and NGO partners.
• Inform outyear program budget and capacity forecasts and, as applicable, develop capacity building efforts to align with current and projected on-the-ground needs. 
• Provide leadership and potential supervision for staff performing related systems and program support functions. 
• Lead team meetings, synthesize lessons learned, identifying system bottlenecks, and coordinating troubleshooting across teams.
• Support NFF’s Advancement team in identifying, pursuing, and stewarding new and additional program funding opportunities.
• Review and provide due diligence for incoming and outgoing grants, contracts, and agreements ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance requirements.   
• Work closely with Enterprise staff to integrate applicable systems, processes, and tools that institutionalize lessons learned and enhance organizational efficiencies and impact. 
• Effectively communicate with and engage the public in caring for their National Forests and Grasslands through community-based conservation initiatives.
• Stay current on emerging trends, policy developments, and innovations in conservation, wildfire resilience, and systems-based program design to strengthen NFF’s strategic effectiveness. 

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Wildfire Resilience Systems Specialist possess the following educational and experiential qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in a natural resources-related field (or equivalent experience). 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with proven results in conservation programming and success in developing data driven analyses, tools, and methodologies to advance landscape scale work. Proficiency in GIS applications preferred. 
• Strong knowledge of and experience with fire risk reduction activities across jurisdictions, including the U.S. Forest Service.  
• Experience in project planning, management, accomplishment, budget tracking, and project operations management that involve multiple implementation partners, contractors, contracts for services, and funding sources. 
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management. 
• A deep understanding of natural resources and conservation issues across the Western U.S. 
• Familiarity with and knowledge of the history and peoples the Western U.S., including lived experience, work, and/or training based in or connected to Native communities and/or other groups underrepresented in conservation. 
• Familiarity with social marketing approaches and best practices.  
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects simultaneously and clearly bring projects to completion. 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States. 

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Wildfire Resilience Program Manager to possess the following proven abilities and skills: 

• Strong analytics and innovative problem-solving skills, focused on producing measurable results. 
• Both personable and flexible with the ability to work under pressure and adapt based on what is learned through experience 
• Results-oriented with a keen understanding of the steps necessary to achieve goals on deadline and within budget. 
• Time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, coordinate and manage multiple priorities. 
• A sound work ethic with the ability to act both independently and in a team-oriented environment. 
• Strong initiative; a self-starter with tenacity, resilience, and high energy. A strong team player. 
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to effectively plan and problem solver. 
• Ability to understand and clearly communicate about community-based conservation and forest restoration projects. 
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to always maintain neutrality. 
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly, work in outdoor conditions, and maintain a flexible work schedule, including participation in weekend and evening events. 
• Ability to represent the NFF in a clear and professional manner through excellent written and oral communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean driving record.