The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with California Tahoe Conservancy, is recruiting one (1) Project Management and GIS Specialist to provide project management, GIS, and data management activities for the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative (TCSI).

The Project Management and GIS Specialist manages the Tahoe-Central Sierra (TCS) Project Tracker (https://projecttracker.tahoecentralsierra.org/), which is a public web-based tool designed to enhance the planning, monitoring, and reporting of restoration and management projects across the 2.4 million-acre TCSI landscape. The position is responsible for collecting, managing, and updating data from projects occurring between 2017 to 2034 from partners including federal, state, and local agencies, non-profits, and private landowners. This position uses ArcGIS to conduct data management and analysis, as well as develops maps to effectively communicate information. The position develops presentations for a variety of audiences and supports TCSI workgroup projects that are in alignment with the TCSI 10-year regional plan and state initiatives. The incumbent will report to the TCSI Coordinator.

About TCSI

The TCSI is a 2.4-million-acre landscape-scale effort to restore resilience to forest ecosystems and communities, increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, and increase the use of restoration wood byproducts. It is a multiagency, multijurisdictional effort composed of the California Tahoe Conservancy, Sierra Nevada Conservancy, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, National Forest Foundation, and California Forestry Association. As a regional effort, TCSI is poised to elevate the needs of partners and local entities, lead regional coordination, and champion policies that advance forest restoration across landownerships. A hallmark of TCSI is its innovative core, and ability to pilot new approaches and establish frameworks for future initiatives and projects. More information about the TCSI can be found here: https://www.tahoecentralsierra.org/.

Primary Responsibilities:

Manage the Tahoe-Central Sierra (TCS) Project Tracker: 

• Complete bulk data entry for partners across the TCSI landscape including but not limited to: the U.S.F.S., counties, resource conservation districts, land trusts, private landowners, non-profit organizations, Tribes, etc.
• Lead continuous data collection for TCS Project Tracker including integrating data from the Lake Tahoe Environmental
• Improvement Program Project Tracker and annual data requests, management, and input.
• Maintain the TCS Project Tracker, including data quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and assisting partners with data entry into the TCS Project tracker.
• Enhance the TCS Project Tracker, including but not limited to working with a hired contractor to build in geospatial and reporting enhancements.
• Train users and project implementors on how to use the tracker.
• Conduct satisfaction surveys for partners using the TCS Project tracker.
• Conduct outreach and communications to socialize and present the TCS Project Tracker, including presentations, reviewing outreach materials, and tabling at events.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with collaboratives, partners, Tribes, and communities within the TCSI landscape.

Provide GIS and data management expertise to TCSI:

• Collect, analyze, and display spatial data using ESRI GIS software to support priority setting and work plan development.
• Conduct analyses and develop reports using TCS tracker data for TCSI and additional partners.
• Assist with monitoring, tracking, and reporting on TCSI efforts and progress.
• Use geodatabases and file structures to manage and organize spatial and tabular data for TCSI priorities in a manner that is easily understood and accessible to other staff.
• Create and update metadata.
• Create maps to share TCSI information with partners and stakeholders. 

Support TCSI project management and workgroups:

• Develop agendas and materials, present updates at quarterly TCSI steering committee meetings, prepare meeting notes, track and follow-up on action items, and schedule calls and other meetings.
• Coordinate quarterly workgroups, including the Enabling Forest Infrastructure workgroup, Project Tracker workgroup, etc.
• Support program staff in managing work plans, writing annual reports, and hosting annual retreats.
• Attend relevant conferences, meetings, tabling events, and trainings that will allow them to stay current with the latest trends, research, and best practices in the field and result in new skills and knowledge to improve their performance and productivity.
• Perform other duties assigned by the TCSI Coordinator.

Supervision

The position may serve as a work manager to interns or staff to assist with efforts.

Timeline:

• Annual appointment, beginning as early as February 2026.
• Full time, 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• This position is a two-year term, with possible extension pending available funding and positive performance review.

Location:

This is expected to be a telework position. Candidates should be located within 30 miles of the TCSI landscape (see map here:  https://www.tahoecentralsierra.org/about). The Project Management and GIS Specialist will use their personal vehicle for transportation to periodic in-person meetings with partners.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation: $31.00-$35.50/hr depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance.
• $25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost.
• Competitive PTO accrual and paid holidays.
• Eligible for 401(k) retirement savings with up to 4% GBI match.
• Access to Pro Deals.

Housing: Will not be provided and the selected participant will be expected to procure housing on their own.

Per diem: Reimbursement will be provided for miles driven within the California border when using a personal vehicle for in-person meetings with partners.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with coursework and/or experience that demonstrate understanding of the principles of natural resources management, forestry, and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Strong proficiency with GIS software- particularly the ESRI suite, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcMap with demonstrated experience using tools and workflows to develop high-quality maps, manage and analyze geospatial datasets, and organize complex spatial layers.
• Experience with managing large datasets of tabular and spatial data.
• Working knowledge of Python and R and committed to continued skill growth in data analysis and scripting.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, projects, and timelines.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Proficient using Microsoft Office.
• Strong interactive skills and ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and trusting working relationships.
• Experience working collaboratively in a multi-organization environment is desirable.
• A willingness to quickly build working knowledge in local CA natural resource and forestry issues.
• Adaptability and sense of humor.
• Willingness and ability to consistently enact high performance standards and a strong work and team ethic in support of the mission of GBI and the goals and objectives of the Tahoe-Central Sierra Initiative Program.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is primarily computer- and office-based, requiring prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and viewing screens. Occasional travel within the TCSI landscape is required, including driving a personal vehicle and attending meetings or events that may involve brief standing, walking, or carrying materials up to 25 lbs. Rare outdoor site visits may involve uneven terrain and variable weather. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

Notes:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Disclaimer:

Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice.