Forest Management Specialist at The Nature Conservancy in Abingdon, VA

We’re Looking for You:

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Forest Management Specialist! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Virginia, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks! The Forest Management Specialist supports the implementation of sustainable forest management and restoration practices and has responsibility for general land stewardship on 23,000 acres in the Clinch Valley Conservation Forestry Program, located in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. The position also provides technical support for new forestland protection projects in southwestern Virginia through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant.

What We Can Achieve Together:

Under the supervision of the Conservation Forestry Program Manager, the position helps coordinate a variety of forest management activities on TNC-owned lands and Forest Management Easements included in the 23,000-acre Conservation Forestry Program. The Forest Management Specialist develops and updates management plans and provides oversight of sustainable timber harvesting, stand improvements, and forest restoration activities. They conduct timber, carbon, and other ecological inventories. They have responsibility for boundary posting, infrastructure maintenance, and relationship management with key stakeholders including landowners enrolled in the program, hunt clubs, and agricultural lessees. They also work with volunteers, interns, and agency partners to steward and improve the ecological condition of TNC managed lands. They also assist in maintaining compliance with third-party certification standards including Forest Stewardship Council® FSC® certification.

Through these activities, the Forest Management Specialist assists the implementation of climate resilient forest management. Furthermore, the position also collaborates with other TNC staff to support forest protection projects through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) in western Virginia, assisting in timber and carbon inventories, monitoring, and management plan development.

Responsibilities and Scope:

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, context, and input from the Conservation Forestry Program Manager.
• May supervise volunteers and interns.
• Leads stewardship activities and facilitates stakeholder relationship management relevant to Conservation Forestry Program properties.
• Conducts forest and ecological inventories and develops forest management plans.
• Collects and analyzes various types of data including GPS data and produces maps using GIS software.
• Oversees contractors, forestry consultants and loggers. Monitors logging and general operations on the Conservation Forestry Program, as well as restoration/ forest improvement on partner/private landowner forests as needed.
• 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.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in forestry or another relevant natural resource field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing contractors, or volunteers.
• Relationship building skills and ability to cultivate partnerships with a variety of program stakeholders including rural landowners, neighbors, hunt clubs, agricultural lessees, government agency partners., etc.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience using GPS and GIS Software
• 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. Position will frequently travel to field sites.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Experience working in Southwest Virginia or Central Appalachia appreciated.
• 3-5 years’ experience in active forest management, restoration, and/or land stewardship, preferably in Appalachian landscapes and/or hardwood systems.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Familiarity with principles of sustainable forest management, preferably Forest Stewardship Council ® FSC® certification.
• Familiarity with forest carbon project principles.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in sustainable forestry, conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.
• Professional certifications and/or credentials in forestry (registered forester: preference for SAF Certified Forester (CF) or Candidate Certified forester (CCF), herbicide application (Certified Commercial Applicator or Registered Technician), chainsaw/logging (e.g. S-212, Virginia DCR Sawyer Apprentice, SHARP logger), prescribed/wildland fire (e.g. Firefighter Type 2), or other relevant natural resource topics.
• Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $67,500. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.