Planning Specialist - FS ACES Program

CWI Works is recruiting for a Planning Specialist position through the Forest Service Experienced Services (FS-ACES) Program. This grant-administered program provides experienced professionals with an opportunity to support the mission and operations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service.

Role and Responsibilities

The Planning Specialist will provide neutral and confidential technical and strategic leadership support for land management plan revision efforts. The position will focus on NEPA strategy, planning processes, regulatory requirements, and developing efficient, defensible plans that support timber outcomes.

Duties include:

• Provide technical and strategic advice on NEPA processes and strategies, including regulatory changes, accelerated timelines, and complex planning issues.
• Develop briefing materials and other documents to support land management plan revision efforts.
• Provide advisory and implementation support to the Forest Service on land management planning, related procedures, processes, and resource-specific planning needs.
• Interpret and communicate applicable laws, regulations, policies, planning authorities, and procedural requirements to personnel involved in planning activities.
• Develop and disseminate information on planning tools, resources, processes, and related authorities.
• Provide technical expertise and facilitate knowledge transfer to teams with limited experience applying the Planning Rule and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
• Review planning-related work and advise staff on policies, regulations, and related processes necessary to complete planning efforts efficiently and effectively.
• Recommend approaches to improve planning efficiency, strengthen the defensibility and usability of plans, and support effective implementation of projects under approved plans.

Qualifications

Successful candidates must be 55 years of age or older and eligible to work in the United States; must have a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 20 years of relevant experience in a related field; possess skills, licenses, in at least one of the following areas: land management planning, silviculture and timber, minerals and leasing, ecology, botany, species management, data analysis, modeling, geographic information systems (GIS), scientific information dissemination, project management, adaptive management, or objections. 

Hours & Compensation:

Part-Time position working up to 29 hours per week @ $96.35 per hour.