Field Coordinator: Biochar Project

Temporary, Part-Time Contract Opportunity
Contracted through CORRIM; Project led by Circular Spring
Location: Based in Kittitas, Chelan, or Okanogan County, WA
Term: October through December, 2026 (possible extension into spring 2027 depending on project needs and funding)
Hours: 10–30 hours per week, variable based on project needs, flexible scheduling
Rate: $40–55/hour, based on experience, plus mileage reimbursement at standard IRS rate (drive time billable at the hourly rate)
Apply by: Priority review begins September 29, 2026; open until filled.
About the project
Circular Spring is leading a USDA Forest Service–funded project to advance on-site biochar production as a tool for forest health, wildfire risk reduction, and carbon removal across Chelan, Kittitas, and Okanogan Counties. Instead of hauling or pile-burning slash from forest thinning, the project helps landowners convert it into biochar right where it's generated, using low-emission flame-cap kilns. The project is administered through CORRIM, a nonprofit research consortium, and brings together private landowners, conservation districts, foresters, and agency partners.
About the role
The Field Coordinator serves as a primary local contact in North Central Washington, focused on landowner inquiry response, application intake, and site readiness support across Chelan, Kittitas, and Okanogan Counties. Working with conservation districts, forestry contractors, and participating landowners, you'll guide landowners from initial inquiry through enrollment, gather site details, and ensure project paperwork is complete. Note that the Field Coordinator observes site conditions and supports project administration; this role does not operate kilns or act as a burn boss. Project orientation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) documentation, and the opportunity to observe a kiln demonstration will be provided, along with regular check-ins with the Principal Investigator at Circular Spring for project alignment. This role suits someone comfortable moving between a remote forest road, a district office, a landowner's kitchen table, and detailed documentation records.
Why this role
Get in early on carbon removal. Gain hands-on experience with a project designed for carbon removal crediting from the ground up, on one of the first multi-landowner, on-site biochar projects of its kind.
Learn biochar from people who helped shape it. Work with a team that designs flame-cap kilns, leads a global community of practice for on-site biochar, and advises projects across the West.
Real impact, real connections. Help reduce wildfire risk and store carbon in North Central Washington forests, while building relationships with conservation districts, foresters, and partners that carry into future forestry, fire, and climate work.
Flexible schedule. Outside of regular check-ins and partner meetings, set your own hours and mix remote work with a few field days a month.
Key responsibilities
Partner coordination and SOP support
Serve as a local point of contact for conservation district staff, supporting intake, timeline tracking, and project reporting requirements
Support conservation districts with landowner inquiry response, outreach, and application intake
Coordinate with forestry contractors on scheduling, site access, and documentation requirements
Help districts and contractors stay on track with project SOPs, including explaining updates as they occur, and flag questions or concerns to the Principal Investigator
Support conservation districts and other partners in delivering outreach events, kiln demonstrations, and trainings, including logistics, participant communication, and on-site help
Assist landowners and contractors with completing the Landowner Orientation and Application, gathering cost estimates, and facilitating the execution of the Landowner Participation Agreement (without negotiating contract terms or binding CORRIM or Circular Spring)
Landowner relations
Build trusted relationships with participating landowners as a reliable local point of contact
Explain project goals and next steps, and relay landowner questions and concerns to the project team
Coordinate site access and scheduling, and follow up to collect signatures on agreements and other paperwork
Field work and documentation
Conduct pre-project site visits as needed (a few days a month), noting site access, slash availability/volume, and potential hazards; many site reviews can be conducted remotely using satellite imagery
Document initial site conditions, access considerations, and site photos
Research county parcel data to confirm ownership and site details (orientation provided)
Maintain intake records, landowner applications, enrollment paperwork, and project logs accurately and on time to support grant reporting and carbon accounting
Project team coordination
Participate in regular check-ins with the Principal Investigator and project team for ongoing alignment
Contribute field observations, status updates, and data to project reports
Required qualifications
Based in or near Kittitas, Chelan, or Okanogan County
Active Washington UBI, or willingness to obtain one before contract start
All-wheel-drive vehicle with traction tires and moderate clearance, valid driver's license, personal auto insurance with business-use coverage, and business liability insurance
Willingness to travel across the three-county area, including to remote sites
Track record of building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as agency staff, contractors, landowners, community members, or clients, and communicating clearly and respectfully
Experience managing paperwork, records, or processes where accuracy, follow-through, and compliance matter
Comfort explaining procedures to others, and good judgment about when to escalate an issue
Fluent in English, with strong writing skills for clear emails, field notes, and project documentation
Comfortable working independently and managing your own schedule, while maintaining regular check-ins and meeting project milestones
Own computer and smartphone, with proficiency in email, spreadsheets, video calls, online maps or satellite imagery, and smartphone photo/GPS documentation (Google Workspace familiarity a plus)
Ability to maintain strict data confidentiality for landowner and parcel information stored on personal devices
Preferred qualifications
Experience with landowner outreach, intake, site assessment, or program enrollment in forestry or conservation programs
Familiarity with forest thinning and slash management in dry forests of the eastern Cascades
Background in forestry, natural resources, or a related field
Understanding of how conservation districts or other natural resource agencies operate
Existing working relationships with conservation districts, foresters, contractors, or landowners in North Central Washington
GIS skills (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS, or Google Earth)
Familiarity with biochar or carbon removal projects
Wildland firefighting experience or familiarity with burn plans and burn permitting
Don't meet every qualification? We'd still like to hear from you. Strong relationship and organizational skills matter most; project-specific methods will be provided.
Working conditions
Most work happens remotely by phone and video, with a few field days a month. Field work involves uneven terrain and variable weather. Attendance at kiln demonstrations or trainings may involve exposure to heat and smoke; proper PPE (long sleeves and pants of natural fibers, closed-toe boots, leather gloves, and eye/head protection) is required when observing active burns. Fall and early winter conditions may require good judgment about road and weather safety. Contractors provide their own computer, smartphone, and field gear.
To apply
Priority review begins September 29. Send a resume, a brief cover letter describing your experience building relationships with stakeholders and managing paperwork or processes, and contact information for 2–3 professional references (required) to apply@circularspring.com. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Questions? Email apply@circularspring.com. This is an independent contract with CORRIM, funded through and limited to this USDA Forest Service project.
Nondiscrimination & Equal Opportunity Statement: Circular Spring and CORRIM commit to compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination in contracting and equal opportunity.

Work arrangement
Yes