Staff Forester

New England Forestry Foundation

The New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) stands at a pivotal moment of opportunity for advancing cutting edge forest-based climate solutions across New England and beyond. NEFF is an advocate for forest-climate solutions; a generator of new information and science on how Exemplary Forestry can advance the integrated goals of ecological health, forest carbon, and a dynamic bioeconomy; a conservation landowner that actively manages forestland; and an active collaborator in support of ecologically aligned forestry.

This position posting comes in the context of a significant period of growth for NEFF focused on how climate-smart forestry can be implemented across New England and as a national and international model for climate-smart forestry on private lands. The USDA recently awarded NEFF a $30 million grant under their Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program for the New England Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership project. This program represents an unprecedented opportunity to pilot scalable, carbon-saving forest management practices as part of a systems approach including forestland protection, wildland preservation and building with wood to store carbon and displace carbon-intensive materials. Through this program, NEFF will define and implement a groundbreaking and nationally relevant pilot program in New England to build a climate-smart, forest-based economy as a powerful tool for climate action.

Position Summary
Under the guidance of NEFF’s Senior Forester, the Staff Forester will be responsible for implementing NEFF’s Exemplary Forestry standards across NEFF’s lands and have lead responsibility for management of NEFF’s forestlands, including 160 properties and 40,000 acres located in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. This position will be responsible for developing forest management and harvesting plans for NEFF lands as well as supervising consulting foresters for management and harvesting operations.

The Staff Forester will also play a key role in NEFF’s Climate-Smart Commodities work by providing forestry related expertise to inform engagement of small landowners in NEFF’s programs and interfacing with NEFF’s forestry team to demonstrate sourcing of climate smart wood supply for pilot projects across the region. The Staff Forester will also manage existing and future carbon projects on NEFF forestlands and pursue new carbon opportunities as they emerge. The Staff Forester will also manage NEFF’s forestry committee for the Board of Directors.

Duties & Responsibilities

Management of NEFF Forestlands

• Plan and recommend forest silvicultural actions on NEFF lands including development of forest management plans that integrate Exemplary Forestry standards.
• Track and analyze NEFF’s forest portfolio and develop an annual harvest plan for NEFF fee lands.
• Contract for and supervise forest management activities including timber sales on NEFF lands.
• Manage NEFF’s Forestry Committee of the Board.
• Lead forestry tours on NEFF’s demonstration forests.
• Coordinate NEFF’s forest certification activities, including FSC and American Tree Farm System.
• Prepare and implement operating and capital budgets for the forestry program and special projects.
• Represent NEFF regarding forestry and forest management on NEFF lands.
• Develop positive relationships with the academic and professional forest management community, as well as timber harvesters, wood manufacturers, and landowners.

Climate-Smart Commodities and ‘30 Percent Solution’ Program

• Provide forestry expertise to support implementation of NEFF’s Climate-Smart Commodities program for small forest landowners in southern New England, including definition and implementation of relevant forest practices and support of monitoring work.
• Interface with NEFF’s forestry team to demonstrate sourcing of climate-smart wood supply for pilot projects across the region.
• Coordinate and track existing and future carbon projects and pursue new carbon opportunities.
• Advance understanding of NEFF’s Exemplary Forestry standards among landowners and in the professional forestry community in the context of NEFF’s 30 percent forest-climate solutions work.

Experience & Requirements

• Familiarity with New England’s forest ecosystems and forest industry.
• Master’s Degree in forestry or forest science with at least 2-3 years of experience working on natural resource and/or climate mitigation issues.
• Preference for a current forestry license in one of the New England states.
• A passion for forest conservation, forestry, and climate change action with a clear understanding of those issues and their relationships to forests, forestry, and natural resource management.
• Written and verbal communication skills, including experience with effectively communicating complex scientific and technical information to a wide range of audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively with NEFF staff, project partners, and outside stakeholders to build strong partnerships and achieve common goals.
• Organizational skills with fluency and nimbleness in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

Compensation, Location & Other Information

• Salary range for this position is $80,000 – $100,000 commensurate with experience.
• New England Forestry Foundation offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including health/dental/vision insurances, paid time off, parental leave, retirement plan with employer match and vesting and a congenial and flexible working environment.
• Location for this position is flexible within the New England region. It will require travel across New England and to the organization’s Prouty Woods headquarters in Littleton, Massachusetts.

New England Forestry Foundation is an equal employment opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. NEFF commits to respecting and learning from different perspectives, reflecting the diverse citizens and communities of New England. In hiring, mentoring, and managing staff, the organization seeks to maintain a diverse, supportive, friendly, and discrimination-free workplace.