Background: In September 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria severely affected trees in forests, farms, and urban areas in Puerto Rico. It has been roughly estimated that 20-30% of the trees on the islands have been downed or damaged. Additionally, trees still standing may need to be replaced depending on damage and the location and intended purpose of the planting. Tree planting and planning for tree planting has been the responsibility of a number of federal, commonwealth, territorial, and municipal government agencies, along with nongovernmental organizations, private businesses and private citizens. This project provides an opportunity for large scale multisector planning in forest restoration that can educate stakeholders about the benefits and risks of different planting actions using the best science and an up to date reckoning of current conditions and what kinds of benefits different sectors feel are most important from their trees and forests.

Project description: This effort will require input from stakeholders, established literature, and experts in forestry; expertise in geospatial analyses and forestry; and the ability to synthesize and report on findings.  The project manager will work with the Climate Hub Director and team to organize workshops and develop a report on post hurricane forest restoration for use by agencies and organizations as a baseline on which to prioritize and coordinate tree planting efforts.

Project details: The project manager will be expected to organize workshops designed to gather information, synthesize information, develop spatial and other information on reforestation needs and priorities, and write a report which communicates information on reforestation options, benefits, and resources. The work will be conducted over a 6 month period.

TEMPORARY POSITION: Project Manager – Reforestation Planning

We are seeking an individual with the following skills:

• Based in Puerto Rico with a minimum of 5 years of experience in forestry related project management;
• Ability to produce high-quality technical reports;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in working with a broad range of stakeholders;
• Fluent in Spanish and English;
• Eligible to work as for the federal government and have a SAM and a DUNS number.

Interested individuals should send a resume and a letter of interest explaining their capacity.

• Responses to the Request for Services can be submitted in either Spanish or English and in PDF or Word format to caribbeanclimatehub@gmail.com no later than Thursday, March 15, 2018.
• Use the following subject line: “Application – Reforestation Planning Project”.

For more information or inquiries please contact Dr. William Gould, Director of the USDA Caribbean Climate Hub, at wgould@fs.fed.us or by phone at 787-764-7790.

USDA is an equal opportunity providers, employers, and lenders.