March 26, 2007 to April 20, 2007


JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Forest and Watershed Protection Coordinator

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC), based in Humboldt County, CA, seeks a dedicated person to coordinate our Sustainable Forestry Policy Program. The Forest and Watershed Protection Coordinator is involved in all aspects of this program, including monitoring, education, advocacy, and administrative and legal actions to protect public trust resources on state and private land, with emphasis on private forestlands. Applicants must have a background in environmental law, conservation biology, and/or forest advocacy; excellent written and oral communication skills; and a deep commitment to protecting and restoring ancient forests, watersheds, and native species. (Please see the full job description listed below.)

About the Program: The remote North Coast is celebrated for its towering ancient redwoods, majestic whitewater rivers, and one of the most stunning coastlines in California. However, much of this land is in the hands of large, industrial logging corporations, and clearcutting and other destructive practices are sweeping the hillsides at an alarming pace. The laws that are in place to address these problems, including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act, are not being effectively implemented or enforced, and are now being systematically weakened at both the state and federal levels. EPIC works to hold public trust agencies accountable for the protection of our forests, watersheds, and the species and communities that depend on them. We cooperate with local and regional advocacy groups, concerned citizens and others to provide lasting protection for the redwood region, while setting precedents that help reform forestry policies throughout the state and nation.

About EPIC: Founded in 1977, EPIC is a community-based, non-profit organization devoted to protecting and restoring coastal areas, forests, watersheds, and native species in Northwestern California. EPIC works on a local level, but strives to implement strategies that will help protect wildlands and wildlife throughout the state and country. EPIC pursues its goals using an integrated, science-based approach that combines outreach/education, advocacy and strategic litigation.

Desired qualifications: Experience in the non-profit and/or environmental fields, with a strong knowledge and understanding of policy, law and science as they relate to forest and watershed protection, is strongly preferred. An ideal candidate possesses excellent written and oral communications skills, as well as strong political, networking, and coalition-building abilities. This candidate also has management experience and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others. Desired qualities also include a sense of humor, creativity, public service orientation, strong persuasive ability, facilitation capabilities, persistence, flexibility, and excellent organization and time management skills.

Compensation: Dependent upon experience. May be full-time or part-time. Health benefits and paid vacation are available for full-time position.

Starting date: ASAP.

Location: May be based either in Eureka or Garberville, California, where EPIC maintains offices.

To apply: Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2007. To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, list of references, and two writing samples to:

epic@wildcalifornia.org
and
EPIC, P.O Box 397, Garberville, CA 95542, Attn: Private land position



JOB DESCRIPTION
Forest and Watershed Protection Coordinator

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC)

The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) seeks a motivated, dedicated individual to coordinate the organization's work to reform industrial logging practices on private and state land, with emphasis on private forestlands. Founded in 1977, EPIC is based Humboldt County, California and works to protect and restore natural areas, forests, watersheds, and native species in the Klamath-Siskiyou and North Coast region of California. Applicants must have a background in environmental law, conservation biology, and/or forest advocacy; excellent written and oral communication skills; and a deep commitment to protecting and restoring ancient forests, watersheds, and native species. The fundamental focus of this position is monitoring THPs; more experienced and accomplished candidates will be able to take on the broader challenges of assessing the impacts of private land activities on public resources. Specific duties include:

* Monitor and prepare written comments on proposed timber harvest plans (THPs)

* Work with the Forest Advocate and Public Lands Coordinator to create criteria and steps for action on harvest plan submissions of special concern, and track the progress of those plans

* Communicate with review team agency representatives and participate in second review team meetings when necessary

* Maintain a file with studies, reports, documents and references relevant to the timber harvesting process and maintain records and documents regarding THPs of special concern

* Build a contact list, notify and consult with other groups and activists regarding THPs of special concern, and participate in public education efforts regarding these THPs

* Prepare comments on proposed rule changes to the Forest Practice Rules and other relevant regulations

* Attend agency meetings and hearings, and present testimony at public hearings and other meetings

* Conduct legal research and assist in the development of administrative and legal actions as necessary

* Work with attorneys on litigation concerning logging on private and state land

* Write press releases, articles for EPIC's newsletters, action alerts, fact sheets, miscellaneous publications, and information for EPIC's website

* Serve as EPIC spokesperson to local, regional, and national media outlets

* Give presentations at conferences and other speaking engagements

* Provide information for grant proposals and reports as needed

* This position reports to the Board of Directors, and works closely with EPIC's Staff Attorney, Forest Advocate, and Public Lands Coordinator