Natural Resource Specialist

Employer
Sierra institute for community and environment
Job Description, Responsibilities and Required Qualifications or Skills

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.

 

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.


● 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.

 

How to Apply:

Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF

to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Natural Resource Specialist” in the subject line. Please include

where you heard about the job in the text of the email (please be as specific as possible).

Position is open until filled, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please call

530.284.1022 or email jobs@sierrainstitute.us if you have questions. Review of applications will

begin February 1st, 2025.

Job Field:
Forestry
Job Type:
Full Time
Location Detail:
Taylorsville, CA
Salary:
55,000-70,000
Job Benefits:

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.


 

Application Deadline:

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