Watershed Technician

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, 2-Year term position that will support the implementation of watershed restoration and health projects across the National Forest System, with an initial focus on the Colorado River Basin. The Watershed Technician will support program data management and impact metrics tracking, provide back-end administrative support to NFF’s Western Slope In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program, and assist NFF field teams implementing watershed restoration on National Forest System lands., Position Function: The Watershed Technician reports to the Watershed Program Specialist and is a member of NFF’s Enterprise Programs team. The incumbent is responsible for supporting work across three core areas: (1) watershed program metrics and data management; (2) back-end administrative support for NFF’s Western Slope In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Program; and (3) technical support and project coordination for NFF Field Teams implementing watershed restoration projects across the Colorado River Basin and other priority watersheds. The Watershed Technician works closely with the Watershed Program Specialist, Field Coordinators, program partners, contractors, and agency staff to ensure projects are well-documented, well-administered, and delivered effectively on the ground. On ILF Program work specifically, the Watershed Program Specialist leads project development and holds primary external relationships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, contractors, and landowners; the Watershed Technician supports through back-end administration, recordkeeping, and documentation. On field implementation work, NFF Field Teams hold primary ownership and day-to-day project management. The Watershed Technician contributes subject matter expertise to advise field staff and may provide direct project coordination as time-limited bridge capacity in geographies without field team presence.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Watershed Technician to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

Minimum of an undergraduate degree in watershed science, hydrology, natural resource management, environmental science, conservation biology, or a closely related field. Relevant professional experience may substitute. At least three years of work experience with conservation programs, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementation. Demonstrated involvement in project planning, coordination, accomplishment and budget tracking, and project operations management that involves multiple implementation partners, contractors, and funding sources. Experience with data management and environmental monitoring; familiarity with spatial analysis and GIS platforms such as ArcGIS Online preferred but not required. Familiarity with watershed science, riparian or wetland ecology, and/or stream restoration concepts and methods. Familiarity with federal land management, U.S. Forest Service programs, and/or regulatory frameworks such as Section 404/401 of the Clean Water Act is strongly preferred. Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest System management. Strong writing and communication skills. Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Watershed Technician to possess the following proven abilities and skills:

Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks, deadlines, and information streams in a well-organized manner. Proficiency with data management tools, spreadsheets (Excel or equivalent), and database platforms; ability to synthesize and clearly present complex data to diverse audiences. Familiarity with GIS tools such as ArcGIS Online helpful; willingness to build spatial data skills on the job. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, accurate reports, regulatory documentation, and correspondence for technical and non-technical audiences. Ability to work effectively as part of a geographically dispersed team, and to collaborate with partners from federal and state agencies, nonprofit organizations, academia, tribes, and the private sector. Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to maintain neutrality. Comfort with and willingness to work outdoors in varied field conditions, including remote terrain. Willingness to travel regularly within the Four Corners states (CO, UT, AZ, NM) and occasionally beyond, and to maintain a flexible work schedule that includes occasional weekend or evening events. A valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Location: The location for this position is flexible within the Four Corners states of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. Applicants must be able to travel regularly throughout this geography. This position is a work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $75,000 to $86,250, with the ability to grow to $97,500 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually. NFF monitors mandated state minimum wage updates. Individual state conditions will be honored during the offer process.

Tagged as: Conservation