Position Overview: The Sediment Specialist & Planning Coordinator will play a key role in the early phases of project development for CFC’s watershed restoration and sediment reduction projects. This includes conducting field assessments of rural and forest roads, identifying erosion and sediment sources, estimating sediment loads, evaluating hydrologic connectivity, and developing conceptual treatment recommendations. This position will work across multiple grant funded projects at once. The Sediment Specialist will help coordinate field schedules, track project milestones and deliverables, support communications with private landowners and project subcontractors, and ensure that technical and field components remain aligned with grant requirements and project timelines. This role also supports engineering designs through the collection of accurate field data and contributes to on-the-ground implementation by assisting CFC’s Construction Administrator and the contracted Engineer of Record. This is not an entry level position. The successful candidate will bring several years of relevant experience and the ability to apply field-based knowledge to road assessments, sediment reduction, and watershed restoration planning.

Required Skills

● Strong field assessment skills with the ability to identify erosion processes, drainage patterns, and hydrologic connectivity

● 5+ years of experience in restoration, forestry, hydrology, geology, or applicable field

● Strong knowledge and understanding of Northern California ecosystems and environmental issues

● Ability to evaluate rural road function and common sediment delivery mechanisms

● Ability to communicate technical observations clearly both verbally and through written notes, diagrams, and maps

● Strong organizational and time management skills

● Ability to manage multiple project sites and timelines simultaneously

● Experience coordinating with private landowners, subcontractors, and interdisciplinary project teams

● Comfort working within grant funded project structures, including deliverables and deadlines

● Strong social skills to liaise and work with landowners

 ● Strong technical writing skills, and ability to produce professional, polished documents

● Comfortable driving 4x4 roads and working in remote or backcountry conditions without cell phone service

● Ability to utilize Google Workspace, Microsoft applications, and Adobe PDF Reader effectively

● Skilled in ArcGIS and spatial analysis for planning and assessment purposes

● Ability to develop field operating protocols, that include data collection, organization, and interpretation, and ability to present field findings to other team members in a clear manner

● Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, biologists, planners, and construction staff

● Ability to work safely and effectively in steep, rugged terrain

Key Responsibilities

Preliminary Assessment

● Conduct field assessments of roads, culverts, ditch relief features, gullies, and erosion sources

● Identify hydrologic connectivity and sediment pathways

● Collect GPS points, field notes, photos, and basic sketches

● Evaluate planning-level feasibility of rural road treatments such as rolling dips, outsloping, drainage upgrades, and culvert replacements ● Support early project scoping and engagement with landowners

● Organize field findings to support conceptual planning documents

Preliminary and Conceptual Planning

● Translate field observations into conceptual treatment recommendations

● Draft technical sections of work plans and other planning documents

● Work with GIS staff to refine treatments layouts and quantities

● Prepare simple diagrams or sketches to illustrate concepts

● Participate in internal design reviews and multi-agency and multi-stakeholder Technical Advisory Committee discussions

● Assist in integrating CEQA, LSAA, and 401/404 considerations into conceptual plans

Project Coordination

● Track project tasks, field schedules, and deliverables across multiple grants

● Coordinate with landowners, contractors, biological staff, GIS staff, and the Engineer of Record

● Support the Program Director and Construction Administrator in planning, logistics, and documentation

● Maintain organized project files, notes, and photos in shared drives

● Track tasks, deadlines, and progress in Asana (our task management system)

● Assist with preparation of funder progress reports, including field documentation, summaries, and technical updates

Engineering Design (Supporting Role Only)

This position does not serve as Engineer of Record and does not produce stamped engineering designs. The subcontracted Engineer of Record leads all design phases. The Sediment Specialist will:

● Provide field data and clarifications to support engineering design

● Review draft plan sets for consistency with actual field conditions

● Identify discrepancies and coordinate corrections with CFC staff and engineers

● Support internal understanding of engineering plan sets and design requirements

Construction Support (Collaborative Role)

Construction activities will be led by CFC’s Construction Coordinator. The Specialist will:

● Visit construction sites to ensure implementation aligns with design intent, particularly at the beginning of projects or when working with new construction contractors

● Provide technical field observations to support construction decisions

● Help identify field fit adjustments in coordination with the Engineer of Record

● Document as-built conditions through notes, photos, and measurements

● Support post construction monitoring and reporting

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrology, civil engineering, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, or a related field

● At least 3 years of relevant professional experience

● Demonstrated ability to assess roads, drainage features, erosion sources, and watershed conditions

● Strong field skills and the ability to work safely in steep, wet, remote terrain

● Ability to collect and communicate clear field data and technical observations

● Experience collaborating with interdisciplinary teams

● Comfort working with landowners in rural communities

● Willingness to use personal vehicle for field travel (mileage reimbursement provided) and to travel overnight

● Ability to operate 4WD vehicles, navigate remote areas, and conduct fieldwork with limited cell service

Desired Qualifications

● Experience with rural or forest road assessments

● Familiarity with erosion control, stormwater management, or watershed restoration

● Basic GIS experience (ArcGIS)

● Experience reading engineering plan sets

● Experience working on or around active construction sites

● Coursework in soils, geomorphology, hydrology, or watershed science

● Knowledge of Northern California landscapes, especially Humboldt, Trinity, or Mendocino counties

Supervision and Coordination

The Sediment Specialist will report directly to the Program Director and collaborate closely with the Construction Administrator, GIS staff, biological staff, and the Engineer of Record. This position involves regular coordination across multiple grants and projects. Weekly check-ins and structured task tracking through Asana will be used to maintain schedules, deliverables, field logistics, partner communication, and technical documentation.

Location and Work Environment

This position is based out of CFC’s office in McKinleyville, California. The Specialist must reside in or be willing to relocate to the North Coast region and be available for frequent in-person fieldwork across Humboldt, Trinity, and Mendocino Counties. This is not a remote position. While some flexible or partial work-from-home scheduling is possible, regular fieldwork, team meetings, and partner coordination require consistent on site presence. Candidates must be willing to use their personal vehicle for field work and receive mileage reimbursement.