Description

Under the direction of the Associate Director of Forestry Services, the Area Manager leads and manages an integrated, geographically dispersed team to deliver CSFS programs and services within an assigned Area. The role directs program implementation, interagency partnerships, and applied, sciencebased forest management to achieve agency priorities. Area Managers have responsibility for the operations and the staff out of 3-6 field offices and satellite offices and are the direct supervisor for Supervisory Foresters.

The Area Manager is a member of the CSFS Management Team, coordinating work across divisions to allocate resources, address operational issues, and ensure consistent implementation of policies and practices. The position oversees multiyear, multisource budgets (typically ~$2–$5M; may administer larger portfolios depending on funding cycles), supervises professional and hourly staff, and manages facilities, fleet, equipment, and safety for the Area.

Requirements

Essential Job Duties and Oversight

Lead Area operations and program delivery: set priorities, goals, and targets aligned with CSFS strategic direction; develop annual and longrange work plans; ensure consistent delivery across field offices. 
Supervise and develop staff (typically 3–7 Administrative Professional personnel, 1-3 State Classified personnel and 1–5 student/hourly employees); establish expectations, conduct performance reviews, mentor, and ensure a safe working environment. 
Manage Area budgets and fiscal practices; ensure adherence to CSU/CSFS financial policies; track and report accomplishments/expenditures; ensure grants and service agreements are planned, implemented, certified, and reimbursed to agency standards. 
Oversee Area infrastructure—facilities, vehicles, equipment, and IT/GIS tools—to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant operations. 
Represent CSFS with local, county, state, and federal officials; cultivate partnerships; communicate Area and Agency priorities and outcomes. 
Guide staff on professional forestry services (forest management, watershed protection, wildfire mitigation, hazardous fuels, community forestry, outreach); review reports and geospatial data to inform adaptive management. 
Serve on the CSFS Management Team to coordinate problem solving, budgeting, operating procedures, and resource allocation across program areas. 
Independent Decisions (examples):

Prioritize the Area’s program portfolio and allocate staffing, equipment, and budget to meet annual targets and emergent needs. 
Approve technical approaches, solicitations, contractor selections, and change orders within delegated authority; elevate broader policy issues to leadership. 
Authorize facility, fleet, asset, and safety actions to ensure compliance and operational readiness. 
Develop and approve scopes of work, agreements, reporting systems, and data practices to meet CSU/CSFS and funder requirements. 

Supervision:
Does this position directly supervise any positions? Yes.
If yes, list job titles and FTE: Administrative Professional personnel (typically 3–7 FTE); 1-3 State Classified personnel staff as appropriate; oversight of student/hourly staff (1–5);