Vanessa Robertson-Rojas

Vanessa Robertson-Rojas

The Understory Initiative & Vesper Meadow Anchor Circle

Purpose: The Understory Initiative envisions a world where ecological justice and climate resilience are achieved through transformative understanding and human stewardship of understory ecosystems.

  • Applied Restoration Circle (AR)

    Purpose:

    Planning, implementation, and adaptive management of on-the-ground restoration activities across ecosystems.

    Accountabilities:

    • Assess JEDI within the circle on a regular basis

Restoration Capacity & Networks Circle (RCN)

Purpose: Utilizes partnership as a strategy to support region-wide native plant material capacity and share risks to develop a robust native plant material economy.

  • Large-Scale Seed Production Manager

    Purpose:

    Facilitates and manages partnerships with large-scale seed producers and contractors to ensure the reliable production of native seeds that support TUI’s restoration and conservation goals.

    Domains:

    • Contracts and agreements with large-scale seed production partners.
    • Seed production plans and sourcing strategy for large-scale growers.
    • Quality control and specifications for seed grown by contractors.
    • Relationship management with seed growers, ensuring alignment with TUI’s ecological and restoration standards.
    • Tracking and reporting system for large-scale seed production (e.g., yield estimates, contract compliance).

    Accountabilities:

    • Identifying and securing partnerships with large-scale seed producers to meet regional restoration needs.
    • Coordinating seed production contracts, ensuring compliance with ecological and project-specific requirements.
    • Developing long-term sourcing strategies to ensure a stable and diverse seed supply.
    • Monitoring and assessing production timelines, yield expectations, and quality control measures.
    • Maintaining clear documentation of agreements, production schedules, and seed availability.
    • Collaborating with finance and grantwriting roles to ensure sustainable funding for seed procurement.
    • Acting as the liaison between seed producers and TUI, ensuring smooth communication and problem-solving.
    • Supporting research and development efforts related to large-scale seed production, including emerging best practices and industry trends.

  • Seed Collection & Scouting Coordinator

    Purpose:

    Prioritize seed collection effort to meet the needs of ongoing grants, the Applied Restoration circle's seeding projects, NPPs and partner orgs.

    Domains:

    • Seed collection site selection and scouting records.
    • Seed collection plans, permits, and regulatory compliance.
    • Seed collection data management, including species lists, harvest records, and GIS mapping.
    • Equipment and tools used for scouting and seed collection.
    • Scheduling and coordination of seed collection efforts, including volunteer and partner participation.
    • Annual seed collection plans and priority species list.

    Accountabilities:

    • Identifying, scouting, and assessing potential native seed collection sites.
    • Developing and implementing seed collection plans that align with TUI’s restoration and conservation goals.
    • Working with the Large-Scale Seed Production Manager to determine collection priorities for cultivated production.
    • Collaborating with the Outreach Coordinator to engage the public and partners in seed collection events.
    • Monitoring seed availability and providing updates to the Seeds & NPPs Circle on collection outcomes.

Vesper Meadow Circle (VM)

Purpose: Strengthening local networks through community engagement in science, restoration, nature-inspired art, and Tribal Partnership

  • Restoration Stewardship and Monitoring Coordinator

    Purpose:

    Oversee and implement restoration stewardship and monitoring activities.

    Domains:

    • Authority over monitoring protocols and data management systems.

    Accountabilities:

    • Designing monitoring plans, collecting and analyzing ecological data, and reporting on project outcomes.

Applied Restoration Circle (AR)

Purpose: Planning, implementation, and adaptive management of on-the-ground restoration activities across ecosystems.

  • (1. Planning) Fieldwork Capacity Cooridnator

    for Rogue & South Coast

    Purpose:

    Assesses needs for field work, documents skills and FTE required for projects, and communicates need to TUI staff as appropriate.

    Domains:

    • Scheduling and coordination of fieldwork activities, including staff and volunteer assignments.
    • Fieldwork equipment inventory, maintenance, and allocation.
    • Transportation and travel logistics for field crews.
    • Safety protocols and procedures for fieldwork activities.
    • Fieldwork data collection tools and documentation processes.

    Accountabilities:

    • Assessing annual workload and planning the needed fieldwork schedules to align with AR circle project timelines.
    • Ensuring that all necessary equipment, tools, and supplies are available, in working condition, and allocated appropriately for each field project.
    • Coordinating transportation logistics, including vehicle assignments and travel planning for field crews.
    • Implementing and enforcing safety protocols to minimize risks during fieldwork activities.
    • Providing AR project related personnel with necessary logistic planning support. Enables crew members to book lodging for remote projects, purchase supplies when appropriate, and track personnel working in remote locations where cellular service is limited
    • Serving as the primary contact for troubleshooting logistical challenges that arise in the field.
    • Communicating with project managers and field staff to adapt logistics as needed for changing conditions or unexpected challenges.
    • Check in with project leads about fieldwork expenses related to travel, equipment, and other logistical needs.

  • (1. Planning) Grant Designer/Coordinator/Reviewer

    for South Coast

    Purpose:

    Reviews all project designs at the proposal stage before submission to a funder and offers support. This role also must observe and discuss any actions or components of a proposal that do not meet the TUI mission or comply with policy as described in the TUI employee handbook. Coordination of AR related grant proposals to secure funding for applied restoration projects, ensuring alignment with ecological goals, organizational priorities, and funding requirements.

    Domains:

    • Grant proposal drafts and submission process for applied restoration projects.
    • Grant tracking database and documentation related to applied restoration funding.
    • Deadlines and submission schedules for applied restoration grant applications.
    • General grant alignment with AR circle, related projects, campaign, and collaborates with Fieldwork Capacity Planner when needed
    • Reviewing and providing comments
    • Sharing important conflicts between project plans and compliance with TUI policy with the proposal lead writer, and the AR circle lead.

    Accountabilities:

    • Identifying relevant grant opportunities that align with applied restoration goals and funding needs, sharing grants with all AR circle personnel. Reviews AR related grants written by TUI and at a minimum comments on proposal alignment with AR circle.
    • Facilitating collaboration among restoration circle members to develop grant proposals.
    • Checks that grant applications align with ecological priorities and restoration strategies.
    • Supports proposal drafting, budget development, and collection of supporting documents. Provides comments in a timely manner.
    • Managing internal approvals and submission timelines for grant applications.
    • Tracking deadlines and ensuring all necessary grant components are submitted on time.
    • Supporting post-award coordination, including grant reporting and liaising with Legal Compliance Liaison as needed.
    • Maintaining organized records of submitted proposals, awarded grants, and reporting requirements (where? Google drive or bloomerange? Both?).
    • Communicating with finance roles to ensure accurate budget projections and financial tracking for grants.
    • Collaborates with Public Engagement Coordinator to align grant narratives with public messaging.
    • Provide comments in a timely manner that are thorough, comprehensible, and productive.
    • Flag important conflict between the proposal and TUI policy to the appropriate roles in a timely fashion.

  • (1. Planning) Legal Compliance Liaison

    Purpose:

    To ensure that activities performed are within the law as defined by the state of Oregon, and that activities performed are in compliance with TUI's insurance and liability coverage.

    Domains:

    • Communication around legal compliance within the AR Circle
    • Documentation of legal compliance workflows pertaining to restoration activities

    Accountabilities:

    • Provide legal compliance guidance to AR Circle personnel on a case by case basis when supporting documentation is not currently available
    • Alerts AR Circle personnel of violations of legal compliance they may have performed unknowingly, reports violations performed knowingly to the governance circle.
    • Ensures that subcontracting activities within the AR Circle are within the law as defined by the state of Oregon.
    • This role will also review and discuss activities performed within the AR Circle that occur outside of the state of Oregon. In cases where legal compliance questions arise this role facilitates communication with the governance circle as appropriate.
    • Documents all lessons learned, associated workflows, and make them shareable in a format agreed upon within the AR Circle

  • (1. Planning) Plant Materials Coordinator

    for Rogue and South Coast

    Purpose:

    Helps procure native seed mixes for restoration projects. Ensures provenance documentation, ecological/genetic integrity, site-specific suitability, and alignment with restoration goals.

    Domains:

    • Seed mix formulation and specifications for all AR projects.
    • Seed sourcing and in-situ application strategy based on restoration project needs.
    • Seed mix data and documentation, including records of past and current seed mix specifications.
    • Ecological and functional criteria used for species selection in seed mixes. Documents selection project as deemed appropriate by project leads.
    • Communication with project managers and partners regarding seed mix specifications.

    Accountabilities:

    • Designing and refining seed mixes that align with project-specific ecological conditions and restoration objectives.
    • Selecting species based on ecological function, climate adaptation, cultural importance and habitat restoration goals.
    • Ensuring genetic diversity and local adaptation in all seed mix formulations.
    • Managing seed sourcing and availability to ensure adequate supply for restoration projects.
    • Tracking and maintaining documentation of seed mix compositions and their performance in various projects.
    • Collaborating with project managers and restoration ecologists to integrate seed mixes into implementation plans.
    • Coordinating with the seed production and procurement teams to align seed mix needs with available supply.
    • Adjusting formulations based on monitoring feedback, site conditions, and emerging best practices.
    • Providing guidance and recommendations to partners on seed mix design for restoration.

  • (2. Implmentation) Restoration Treatment Implementor

    Purpose:

    Plans and coordinates site preparation and restoration activities to ensure successful native plant establishment and long-term ecosystem recovery.

    Domains:

    • Site preparation protocols and methodologies for TUI restoration projects.
    • Restoration implementation plans, including sequencing of site prep and planting.
    • Selection and management of tools, equipment, and materials used for site preparation.
    • Coordination and scheduling of site prep activities with project teams and partners.
    • Documentation and tracking of site preparation outcomes and restoration progress.

    Accountabilities:

    • Developing and implementing site preparation strategies tailored to project-specific ecological conditions and restoration goals.
    • Assessing site conditions, including soil health, hydrology, and existing vegetation, to determine the most effective preparation methods.
    • Selecting and managing appropriate techniques such as mowing, tilling, prescribed burning, or herbicide application.
    • Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and best practices in site preparation.
    • Coordinating logistics, timelines, and resource needs for restoration implementation.
    • Collaborating with project managers, seed mix planners, and field teams to align site prep efforts with planting and seeding schedules.
    • Monitoring and documenting site conditions before and after preparation to assess effectiveness.
    • Adjusting site prep methods based on feedback, site monitoring, and evolving best practices.
    • Providing training and guidance on site prep techniques for staff, volunteers, and partners.

  • Circle Lead

    Purpose:

    Planning, implementation, and adaptive management of on-the-ground restoration activities across ecosystems.

    Domains:

    • Assigning and/or removing people from roles that have been created through the circle’s governance process.
    • Acting in unfilled roles as needed
    • Defining priorities and strategies for the circle
    • Overseeing the allocation of resources, including budget and personnel, to support the circle’s objectives. This includes deciding which roles are essential and which may be reduced or eliminated in response to budget constraints and managing discretionary funds.
    • Prioritizing roles based on their strategic importance and contribution to the circle's purpose.

    Accountabilities:

    • Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
    • Prepare reports for staff and board members and external partners as needed.

Ecological Research & Monitoring Circle (ERM)

Purpose: Provides leadership and strategic direction for the Ecological Research & Monitoring (ERM) Circle, ensuring that research efforts support restoration goals, inform adaptive management, and contribute to broader ecological understanding.

  • Applied Restoration Link

    Purpose:

    Provides a link to the applied restoration circle

    Accountabilities:

    • Maintain general awareness of Applied Restoration circle
    • Recognize and speak to possible synergies with Applied Restoration efforts

  • Interagency & Practitioner Liaison

    Purpose:

    To communicate with external partners and funders on a project-specific level. Showcase accomplishments and advocate for broader awareness among TUI Board, partner organizations, and funders.

    Domains:

    • TUI Website - ERM summary page
    • Day-to-day communication with external partners

    Accountabilities:

    • Oversees the communication of research findings to TUI staff & circles
    • Keeps the board, funders, project partners informed about research progress and its application to TUI’s goals
    • Builds partnerships with external researchers and ensures findings are integrated into TUI’s work
    • Communicates with external partners/funders about project deliverables, milestones
    • Reviews invoices created by admin prior to submission

  • Partner Liason

    Purpose:

    To communicate with external partners and funders on a project-specific level

    Domains:

    • Day-to-day communication with external partners

    Accountabilities:

    • communicate with external partners/funders about project deliverables, milestones
    • review invoices created by admin prior to submission
    • elevate conversations to Lead/Outreach Link as needed

  • Peer Reviewer

    Purpose:

    Ensure reports, grants are high quality

    Accountabilities:

    • Provide quality control/peer review of reports, grants, other end products
    • Ensure reports are as consistent and high quality as possible

Large-Scale Seed Production Manager

Purpose: Facilitates and manages partnerships with large-scale seed producers and contractors to ensure the reliable production of native seeds that support TUI’s restoration and conservation goals.

  • Applied Restoration Circle (AR)

    from TUI & VMEP Anchor Circle

    Purpose:

    Planning, implementation, and adaptive management of on-the-ground restoration activities across ecosystems.

    Accountabilities:

    • There are no accountabilities defined for this role.

  • Circle Lead

    Purpose:

    Facilitates and manages partnerships with large-scale seed producers and contractors to ensure the reliable production of native seeds that support TUI’s restoration and conservation goals.

    Domains:

    • Assigning and/or removing people from roles that have been created through the circle’s governance process.
    • Acting in unfilled roles as needed
    • Defining priorities and strategies for the circle
    • Overseeing the allocation of resources, including budget and personnel, to support the circle’s objectives. This includes deciding which roles are essential and which may be reduced or eliminated in response to budget constraints and managing discretionary funds.
    • Prioritizing roles based on their strategic importance and contribution to the circle's purpose.

    Accountabilities:

    • Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
    • Prepare reports for staff and board members and external partners as needed.

Small-Scale & Collaborative Seed Production Manager

Purpose: Supports the development and success of small-scale and emerging seed producers by facilitating training, collaboration, and contract management to increase regional capacity for native seed production.

Seed Collection & Scouting Coordinator

Purpose: Prioritize seed collection effort to meet the needs of ongoing grants, the Applied Restoration circle's seeding projects, NPPs and partner orgs.

  • Applied Restoration Circle (AR)

    from TUI & VMEP Anchor Circle

    Purpose:

    Planning, implementation, and adaptive management of on-the-ground restoration activities across ecosystems.

    Accountabilities:

    • There are no accountabilities defined for this role.

  • Circle Lead

    Purpose:

    Prioritize seed collection effort to meet the needs of ongoing grants, the Applied Restoration circle's seeding projects, NPPs and partner orgs.

    Domains:

    • Assigning and/or removing people from roles that have been created through the circle’s governance process.
    • Acting in unfilled roles as needed
    • Defining priorities and strategies for the circle
    • Overseeing the allocation of resources, including budget and personnel, to support the circle’s objectives. This includes deciding which roles are essential and which may be reduced or eliminated in response to budget constraints and managing discretionary funds.
    • Prioritizing roles based on their strategic importance and contribution to the circle's purpose.

    Accountabilities:

    • Monitor and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards.
    • Prepare reports for staff and board members and external partners as needed.