Program Manager, Forest Ecosystem Health

Worker Category :Regular Full-Time

Job Class

TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

JOB TITLE:                   Forest and Ecosystem Health Program Manager

FLSA STATUS:              Exempt

REPORTS TO:              Environmental Improvement Division Manager

PAY RANGE:                PL 4

SALARY RANGE:          $74,541 – $111,752

HIRING RANGE:           DOQ

Date Posted: 10/19/2017, Application Deadline: Open until filled

THE TAHOE REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY

The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA)—created in 1969 by a Compact between the states of Nevada and California, then ratified by the U.S. Congress—protects and restores the environment of Lake Tahoe. The Agency is the nation’s first and oldest Bi-State regional environmental authority. TRPA is a one-of-a-kind organization; not purely federal, state, or local, but a unique hybrid organization. The Agency works at the intersection of private and public interests to protect and restore Lake Tahoe, its environment, and its communities for generations to come.

The Bi-State Agency is charged with regional planning, development and redevelopment oversight, implementation of environmental protections, and restoration programs for the Region. TRPA has both planning authority and the land use regulatory authority to implement and enforce regional-scale plans. Agency executives, managers, and employees lead programs that weave together science, policy, public and private financial investment, and collaborative partnerships as foundations critical to Lake Tahoe’s long-term preservation. Agency staff functions at the complex crossroad of environmental protection, land use planning, and real estate development in a highly sensitive environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE FOREST AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH PROGRAM MANAGER

The Forest and Ecosystem Health Manager works as part of the Environmental Improvement Division, which manages and oversees the basin-wide Environmental Improvement Program (EIP). Launched in 1997, the EIP is a partnership of federal, state, and local agencies, private interests, and the Washoe Tribe, created to protect and improve the extraordinary natural and recreational resources of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Modeled after a capital improvement program, the EIP is a strategic program of projects and funding necessary to implement the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan and for the basin to reach its collective environmental restoration goals. EIP partners implement projects that include everything from new bike trails to creek restorations to programs that protect the lake from aquatic invasive species. Forest and ecosystem health is a major component of the EIP with over 20 agencies working together to reduce the threat of catastrophic wildfire and restore forest ecosystems. This is done through the implementation of forest fuels reduction projects, assisting communities with defensible space, responding to emerging threats such as drought and tree mortality, and implementing restoration projects to restore resilience to the basin’s forests. For more information about the EIP visit: https://eip.laketahoeinfo.org/

Under the general direction of the Environmental Improvement Division Manager, this position will manage the Forest and Ecosystem Health program. This includes a range of complex duties to ensure the TRPA mission and its regulatory processes are incorporated into program and project planning and that restoration goals set out in the Lake Tahoe Regional Plan are achieved through project implementation. In addition to the responsibilities surrounding Forest and Ecosystem Health, the Program Manager assists the Division Manager in management of the EIP including standing in for the Division Manager when needed, conducting strategic planning for the program, reporting, and program evaluation.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the lead for the TRPA Forest and Ecosystem Health strategic initiative to extend forest management actions in the Basin beyond the Wildland Urban Interface to accomplish large, landscape scale, multi-benefit restoration.
• Supports the TRPA Environmental Threshold Update strategic initiative to update the basin-wide standards and goals for environmental restoration.
• Manages and oversees special projects pertaining to the Environmental Improvement Program.
• Plays an active role in the multi-agency Tahoe Fire and Fuels team.
• Represents TRPA and leads interagency teams in the Lake Tahoe West Restoration Partnership.
• Serves on the Lake Tahoe Tree Mortality Task Force and interfaces with the California Tree Mortality Task Force.
• Assists in permitting, prioritization and implementation of basin-wide forest fuels reduction projects and ecosystem health projects.
• Facilitates implementation of the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-Jurisdictional Fuel Reduction and Wildfire Prevention 10 Year Strategy.
• Seeks funding sources that supports the Forest and Ecosystem Health Program, works collaboratively to submit multi-agency funding application packages and provides grant administration as needed.
• Manages and tracks all EIP performance measure data related to forestry and ecosystem health.
• Works with partners to achieve TRPA regulatory compliance and “thinks outside of the box” on how to streamline processes and meet mutual project goals.
• Proactively looks for collaborative solutions to project implementation challenges and leads strategic program improvements.
• Assists in guiding decision-making and policy-making surrounding land management and restoration in the Tahoe Basin.
• Works to ensure current policy and regulation are continuously reviewed and updated as needed to meet the needs and goals of the Lake Tahoe Basin.
• Prepares and presents staff reports to the TRPA Governing Board and a variety of workgroups and committees.
• Produces high quality reports for program partners, the public and elected officials

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in forestry, forest management, natural resource management, public administration, or related field, plus 6 or more year’s related professional work or equivalent education and experience. A Masters or Doctorate Degree may substitute for two years of experience. A Master’s Degree is desired, but not required.

Certification as a Registered Professional Forester is preferred but not required.

Knowledge and Skills

• A natural resource background and interdisciplinary expertise focused on forest and/or ecosystem management including forest fuels reduction projects, forest restoration and conservation practices designed to protect water, soils, and wildlife habitat.
• General knowledge of forest ecology, silviculture, dendrology, economics, or a combination of these subjects.
• Experience working with public land management agencies or organizations such as the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Park Service, regional and/or state and local departments.
• Working knowledge of applicable laws and policy including the National Environmental Policy Act, California Environmental Policy Act, California Forest Practice Rules, and TRPA regulations.
• Strong project management skills including planning and oversight of all aspects of a project from beginning to end.
• Experience in group facilitation, meeting management and/or conflict resolution.
• Experience in planning and implementation in collaborative multi-partner projects.
• Strong leadership skills to lead internally and externally to move the program forward towards collective goals and to deliver program results.
• Working knowledge of TRPA threshold standards (desirable).
• Ability to set and manage budgets, and hold others accountable to financial plans/constraints.
• Working knowledge of public improvement programs (capital improvement, restoration programs) including project selection, prioritization, funding strategies, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and equipment including computer hardware and software necessary for modern office practices. GIS experience is a plus.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Self-Development

Committed to personal growth and self-reflection. Self-regulates emotions and understands motivations of self and others. Constant learner; curious. Seeks, receives, and incorporates feedback. Demonstrates strong social skills. Is able to empathize with others. Has a strong public service orientation and is committed to success. Provides highest level of service to customers and demonstrates fairness and integrity in interactions with peers, customers, and stakeholders. Maintains composure under stress, is pleasant and courteous, and handles setbacks with grace and renewed determination. Uses appropriate tools for self-organization and planning. Asks for assistance when needed. Demonstrates willingness to be flexible and adaptable.

Critical Thinking and Continuous Improvement

Understands and aligns actions with the Agency’s vision and mission. Can think and execute both strategically and tactically. Maintains focus on the “big picture.” Takes intelligent risks. Connects the dots: recognizes important information and interprets and organizes ambiguous data into successful approaches. Uses sound judgment and demonstrates political savvy; considers alternatives and consequences, tests practicality of decisions; involves others in decisions to gain diverse perspectives.

Collaborative Relationships and Teamwork

Maintains positive relationships even under difficult circumstances. Builds and strengthens constructive internal and external coalitions; demonstrates collaborative leadership. Treats others with respect. Engages in constructive conflict resolution and problem solving. Inspires trust by demonstrating a high degree of responsibility, dependability, and authenticity. Is open-minded and able to perceive, honor, and work with other perspectives to resolve issues. Values and acknowledges the contribution of others; works to remove barriers to collaboration; shares credit with others. Discourages “us” vs. “them” thinking. Remains open to others points of view even when those conflict with Agency goals and programs. Effectively influences and negotiates.

Initiative and Results Focus

Produces quality products, processes and outcomes that are complete, on time, and thorough. Effectively and proactively manages the resources of the Agency to optimize results. Demonstrates sound project management skills, including responding skillfully when priorities, information, and resources change. Takes responsibility and is accountable for meeting the performance targets associated with the specific tasks for his/her position. Appropriately prioritizes and completes work programs and assignments; sequences tasks and processes effectively. Delivers products on or ahead of schedule, exhibits an appropriate sense of urgency when responding to service needs, and focuses on key tasks when faced with limited time and/or resources. Consistently meets deadlines.

Communication

Has excellent written and oral communication skills. Delivers high quality written work and presentations. Demonstrates active listening and a positive outlook. Strives first to hear, then to be heard. Takes initiative to communicate. Exhibits situational awareness when communicating with others. Maintains necessary confidences.

People Leadership

Recognizes strong talent; assembles strong teams with necessary complementary knowledge and skills; builds bench strength. Manages people well; mentors, shares knowledge and resources, promotes a sense of belonging, removes obstacles to success, finds creative ways to make work challenging and rewarding, and delegates appropriate. Actively supports career development. Holds regular goal reviews, provides constructive feedback, rewards positive performance, and effectively addresses group and individual performance and morale issues.

Agency Leadership

Focuses on priorities, identifies critical goals, shapes successful strategy, and drives execution. Translates goals into practical strategy and action plans. Anticipates risks and obstacles and adjusts appropriately. Exercises long-term, visionary thinking and seasoned judgment. Deals well with ambiguity; course corrects. Brings fresh perspective and creative thinking to complex issues while demonstrating an Agency-wide perspective. Builds and maintains strong relationships with outside leaders and stakeholders; demonstrates political awareness and sensitivity; effective at influencing. Practices diplomacy. Facilitates discussion and debate skillfully; arrives at solutions in partnership with stakeholders.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT 

1. Office environment
2. Bending, stooping
3. Ability to lift 25 pounds
4. Using office equipment, computer, monitor, key board, telephone

AGENCY BENEFITS

Agency staff members receive 27 days of Paid Time off (PTO); paid health, dental, and vision insurance plans; and membership in the Agency retirement plan.

APPLICATION PROCESS

 This position is open until filled.

Submit a resume of your qualifications and cover letter describing your interest in the position. Candidates will be screened and subsequent interviews may be conducted by a panel that could include representatives from other organizations, in addition to TRPA managers and staff.

Please visit our website at http://www.trpa.org/about-trpa/employment/ to read more about our Agency and to complete an employment application through our Career Center. Within the Career Center site, select the “Apply Now” link and submit a completed employment application along with a cover letter describing your interest in the position, and a resume of your qualifications.

RECRUITMENT COMMUNICATION:  Human Resources may contact you at various stages of the recruitment process if you meet the qualifications for the position.  This contact will be via email only, even if you have chosen U.S. mail for the delivery of your application materials.  Please make sure your email address is accurate.