PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOREST HEALTH AND FIRE RESILIENCY

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for someone who cares about natural resource management and community-led conservation. Someone
that will work shoulder to shoulder with community partners to improve upon natural resource concerns and address
challenges on the horizon. If you are someone who loves variety, thrives being active, enjoys developing and sharing
expertise, likes to work in a fast-paced environment, and has a strong detail orientation...this job may be a great fit for
you!
BACKGROUND
The Colusa County Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) is seeking a full-time Program Coordinator (PC) to lead key
components of its Forest Health and Fire Resiliency Program. Resource Conservation Districts (RCDs) across California
serve as local hubs for conservation, connecting communities with the technical, financial, and educational resources
needed to manage and protect natural resources. RCDs work with landowners, land managers, public agencies, and
other stakeholders to voluntarily conserve, restore, and enhance natural resources on both private and public lands.
CCRCD’s current initiatives span forest and fuels management, soil health, water conservation and quality, and natural
resource education. The Program Coordinator will play a central role in building and maintaining partnerships,
developing and managing projects, and supporting long-term conservation planning.
CCRCD collaborates with a broad network of partners, including CalFire, NRCS, UC Cooperative Extension, neighboring
RCDs, local landowners, and schools.
Position Summary
The Program Coordinator (PC) will support the Program Manager in the development, implementation, and expansion
of CCRCD’s Forest Health and Fire Resiliency Program. This role includes coordinating fire mitigation and evacuation
planning, supporting the development of California Vegetation Treatment Program (VTP) plans, and facilitating the
activities of the newly established Colusa County Fire Safe Council.
The PC will play a key role in building program capacity, developing partnerships, and ensuring effective collaboration
with local communities, landowners, and land managers to address forest health and wildfire risk across the region.
This is a full-time position (40 hours/week), with potential for continued employment based on successful grant
acquisition and program funding. The Program Coordinator will report to the Executive Director and Program
Manager, and will work closely with a Registered Professional Forester, landowners, agency staff, and a wide range of
partner organizations.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES
The Program Coordinator will support the Program Manager in advancing the Colusa County RCD’s Forest Health and
Fire Resiliency Program, including work under the California Department of Conservation (DOC) and California Fire Safe
Council (CFSC) grants. This role includes planning, coordination, partnership building, and technical assistance to
increase the pace and scale of wildfire resilience projects across the county and region.
Program and Project Coordination
• Assist in the planning and implementation of forest health and fuels management projects, including
environmental compliance, permitting, and contractor coordination.
• Lead the development and maintenance of the Colusa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and
support the creation of a countywide Fire Emergency and Evacuation Plan.
• Coordinate the CWPP Toolkit Workshop and assist in preparing a CWPP Development Roadmap to guide future
updates.
Partnership Development and Regional Representation
• Represent CCRCD in the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program and Firescape Mendocino
stakeholder groups.
• Work closely with CAL FIRE LNU to align local planning, develop shared outreach materials, and enhance
interagency coordination.
• Build and sustain relationships with local, state, and federal fire agencies, neighboring RCDs, and conservation
partners.
Fire Safe Council and Community Engagement
• Provide administrative and strategic support to the Colusa County Fire Safe Council, including stakeholder
coordination and long-term planning.
• Facilitate meetings three times a year to discuss current issues, funding opportunities, project priorities and
local needs.
• Create an agenda that includes relevant guest speakers and presentations that enhance the knowledge and skills
of the Fire Safe Council that guide wildfire mitigation and protection projects in the county.
• Execute the councils' decisions on program and project direction.
• Present project goals and updates to the Colusa County Board of Supervisors and other community forums to
encourage public engagement and leadership buy-in.
Funding and Capacity Building
• Research and pursue grant opportunities to support forest resilience programming and increase organizational
sustainability.
• Assist in regional and local capacity-building activities such as workshops, trainings, and public education
events.
• Support CCRCD staff in coordinating tasks, managing deliverables, and participating in relevant professional
development opportunities.
Additional Responsibilities
• Represent CCRCD at outreach events, community meetings, and regional coordination activities.
100 Sunrise Boulevard,
Suite A-3
Colusa, CA 95932
(530) 473-9346
• Develop reports and updates for the CCRCD Board of Directors that highlight program accomplishments,
milestones, and challenges.
• Assist CCRCD staff with other projects and programs as needed.
• Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities.
• Contribute content to the CCRCD quarterly newsletter and/or local media outlets.
APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS
Successful applicants will “wear many hats” at the RCD. They will be able to work across many disciplines and therefore
have the potential to further develop technical, administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills. Applicants with
experience in developing, planning, implementing, and monitoring conservation and restoration projects preferred.
Minimum Qualifications
• Detail orientation and sense of urgency
• Motivated self-starter, action-oriented, ability to work independently and strong desire to learn
• Effective communication, organization, and time management skills
• Valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, and current auto insurance
• Physically able to work in the field (climbing in and out of streams, over/under fences, hiking, lifting, carrying
supplies and equipment, planting, etc.) during all seasons
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (4 or more years professional experience) in Natural Resources
Management, Ecology, Agriculture Science, Biological or Environmental Science or related field.
• Applicant must be able to pass a thorough Homeland Security background check, pre-employment physical and
drug test
Desired Qualifications
• Grant writing and management experience
• Basic knowledge of forestry, vegetation management, wildfire behavior, watershed conservation, resource
management, hydrology, soil science, native plant and animal communities, and/or restoration
• Basic familiarity with agriculture, forestry and natural resource concerns
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and GPS
• Basic understanding of local, state and federal permits requires for restoration projects
• Experience working with community-led organizations such as fire safe councils, watershed groups, or other
conservation groups
COMPENSATION
Starting pay is $30-$35 (depending on experience) per hour with an increase in 12 months with favorable job
performance and cost of living wage adjustment. Benefits available upon meeting CCRCD’s employment and time
requirements. Employee benefits include a monthly lump sum additional pay ($3.00/hour) and up to 5% 457 retirement
plan employer match. Full time employees will receive paid leave hours including holiday, sick, and vacation. In addition,
this position offers a flexible schedule with the ability to work remotely in a fun, fast-paced, positive environment.