Our Mission in Action 

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. To support this work, we are looking for a Senior Manager, California Cone Corps to join our Forest Restoration team and lead the development and implementation of the California Cone Corps program under the Reforestation Pipeline Partnership (RPP). 

About the California Cone Corps Program 

The California Cone Corps program works across public and private lands to support federal, state, and local practitioners in their cone collection efforts. The program is creating and refining a cutting-edge workforce development support framework to increase the available reforestation workforce for state and federal partners and other stakeholders, including the U.S. Forest Service Region 5 (USFS R5), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  

What You’ll Do 

As a part of the team, you will be responsible for coordinating program logistics; fostering partner relations; grant writing and reporting; overseeing recruitment, selection, onboarding and supervision of Cone Corps participants; providing guidance to junior American Forests RPP/Cone Corps staff; and assisting with activities critical to American Forests’ mission. Major responsibilities include: 

Program Management of the Cone Corps Program (50%) 

• The Senior Manager, California Cone Corps will be responsible for managing the program while working closely with American Forests colleagues and partners to develop, design and deploy its essential functions. 
• Increase workforce capacity for the USFS R5, CAL FIRE, BLM and others in their cone collection operations – and other reforestation needs – through strategic position creation and placement, and program structure.
• Collaborate with junior AF staff in the recruitment and hiring of Cone Corps members; and in the provision of logistical and technical assistance through mentoring, regular communication, developing and leading orientations, trainings, and regular meetings and events as appropriate.
• Ensure efficient recruitment, application development, wage distribution, professional training, and career development processes.
• Create and sustain partner relations with participating Corps programs and host sites.  

Development and delivery of Cone Camps (15%) 

• Coordinate closely with RPP staff, agency personnel, and contractors to develop Cone Camp schedules, agendas, and related educational materials.
• Supervise logistics coordination including advertisement, registrations, camping, transportation, meals, etc. 
• Report on Cone Camp outcomes to funders and via American Forests communications channels as appropriate. 
• Serve as facilitator or co-facilitator at Cone Camp events. 
• Lead the development of contracts for Cone Camp support. 

Program Fundraising (15%) 

• Work closely with the California Director and RPP staff to identify critical workforce needs.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for the Cone Corps program and RPP at-large.

Project Administration (15%) 

• Manage programmatic budgets including but not limited to budgeting, preparing invoice and match documentation, submitting reimbursements and grant and agreement modifications, and participating in related programmatic meetings.

Other Duties (5%) 

• Build and maintain relationships with key agencies, regional stakeholders, and funders. 
• Assist staff in the delivery of relevant in-person meetings, conferences, and events. 
• Conduct public presentations at conferences and events. 
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of trends, best practices, scientific research, and new developments in silviculture, reforestation, forestry, and natural resource management.

What We’re Looking For 

We don’t expect you to check every single box. If this role excites you, we want to hear from you! We’re interested in your ability to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh perspectives. 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, or other related field with at least three (3) years of experience; or a Master's degree in relevant field with at least two (2) years of experience.
• Working knowledge and experience with Corps and/or workforce development program management and operations. 
• Experience supervising teams of people, ideally in field-based and remote environments. 
• Working knowledge and experience in project and partnership management. Partnership or project experience with USDA Forest Service and/or CAL FIRE preferred.
• Forestry and/or reforestation experience a plus, specifically related to seed and seedling operations and production.
• Strong organization, project management skills, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Possess a current First Aid certification or be willing to be sponsored in obtaining.
• A valid driver’s license, as travel to work sites will occasionally be required.

Reporting and Supervision 

The Senior Manager, California Cone Corps reports to the Director, California and will co-supervise Cone Corps members, some of whom may be full-time, term American Forests staff. Most will be hired by workforce program partners, with the Cone Corps Senior Manager and RPP Manager acting as host site supervisors. 

Working Conditions 

This is a remote position in the state of California. The Senior Manager must be able to travel up to 25% of the time to work sites, field locations, in-person meetings, and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington D.C. may be required.  

The individual must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer, including recordkeeping, contract administration, attending meetings, writing reports, and emailing. 

In the field, the Senior Manager will be expected to stand, walk, or sit for long periods of time. The work does require lifting materials weighing up to 40 lbs. Field work includes exposure to various risks, including, but not limited to: varying terrain, dense vegetation, and wildlife risks (exposure to bears, mountain lions, snakes, ticks, poison oak/ivy, mosquitos, etc.), hot, wet, and cold conditions. 

Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience. 

Compensation & Benefits 

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position for an 18-month term, with the possibility for extension. The budget salary range is between $60,000 and $80,000 annually. Our benefits package includes: 

• Health and Wellness 
• Work-Life Balance 
• Financial and Retirement 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• 401(k) 6% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Parental Bonding Leave
• Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Bereavement Leave
• Pet Benefits
• Military Leave

Our Core Competencies 

Attitude - Communication - Organization - Problem-Solving & Creativity - Representing the Organization  

About Us 

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.  

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.