Climate-Smart Forestry Program Specialist

Location: Remote

This 26-week program is a rigorous work and learning experience that provides exposure to the Forest Service, development and training opportunities, and notable contributions to initiatives established by the Inflation Reduction Act. This position requires a detail-oriented and highly organized individual. The internship will focus on competitive grants for cost-share and payment initiatives supporting climate-smart forestry, with targeted investments for underserved landowners. This position will be part of the climate Resource Assistants and specific climate training will be provided to all candidates

Duties:

Participate in a national team managing competitive grant programs for entities that 1) support participation of underserved and/or small-acreage landowner participation in emerging private markets for climate mitigation or forest resilience, 2) provide cost-share for landowners that implement climate mitigation or forest resilience practices, and 3) provide payments for implementation of forestry practices that provide measurable increases in carbon sequestration and storage.

Assist with management of proposal review and cooperative agreements with awardees.

Draft briefing and communication materials.

Contribute to communities of practice for awardees and Forest Service staff, including best practices for addressing the needs of underserved landowners.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate degree in natural resource management or natural sciences.

Coursework and/or experience associated with climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Strong writing and organizational skills.

Experience with underserved and/or small-acreage landowner engagement (preferred).

Benefits:

$750/ week

$1,000/month Housing Stipend

Up to $2,750 available for Forest Service work travel, orientation, trainings, professional development opportunities that align with RA role and goals

Direct Hire Authority (DHA) Eligibility – after completing minimum of 960 hours, DHA status provides special non-competitive hiring status when applying for Forest Service positions

Option for health insurance coverage during full-term

Training by leading Forest Service experts in foundational concepts of climate change impacts, adaptation, carbon stewardship, sustainability, and environmental justice

*This is a 1099 position. Persons paid on a 1099 basis are independent contractors and are self-employed. Independent contractors are required to pay all self-employment taxes (Social Security & Medicare) as well as income tax. Independent contractors generally do not receive any type of employment benefits from the client. For more information, please refer to www.irs.gov or talk with a tax professional.