The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Forest Management Specialist will have a primary role in the development and implementation of forest management, as well as restoration in the Clinch Valley Conservation Forestry program, which includes 22,000+ acres of diverse Appalachian forestland in Southwest Virginia. The Forest Management Specialist will also develop partnerships and work collaboratively with Agencies, NGO’s and Private entities to advance the mission of the Conservancy.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
In collaboration with the Conservation Forestry Program Manager, coordinates the forest management, including management planning, timber harvest preparation, timber sales, harvest supervision, and long-term monitoring on all forestlands included in the Conservation Forestry Program. Leads implementation of forest management plans, which may include ecological monitoring and research, riparian restoration, exotic species control, boundary posting, building maintenance, trail and/or equipment maintenance, field trips and volunteer stewardship workdays. Builds collaborative partnerships with Agencies, NGO’s, and Private Partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
May supervise volunteers and interns.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing volunteers and contractors.
Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
Experience using GPS and GIS Software
Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources
Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and potentially hazardous terrain.
Must have valid driver’s license and safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or equivalent from an SAF accredited university and Certified Forester Certification
3-5 years’ experience in active forest management or restoration, preferably in hardwood systems.
Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., other agencies, landowners, internal scientists.
Familiarity with principles of sustainable forest management, preferably Forest Stewardship Council.
Familiarity with Forest Carbon Project Principles.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in sustainable forestry, conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.
Experience with prescribed burns and/or basic wildfire training and experience.
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
Experience working in physically strenuous settings sometimes to the point of physical fatigue, in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and potentially hazardous terrain.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 44184, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 15, 2016.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.