Conservation Forester

OFFICE LOCATION

Long Beach, Washington, USA

or within 25 Miles of Long Beach, Washington

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Conservation Forester is responsible for managing contracts that implement forest management plans in the South Willapa Bay Conservation Area (approx. 20,000 acres).  The Conservancy’s primary forest management goal is to restore late-successional forest structure and function to these properties while also generating financial and social benefits. This position works closely with The Ecological Forest Management Team and is responsible for coordinating a wide variety of forest and project management duties including managing contracts and grants related to forest management, implementing and monitoring restoration projects such as commercial restoration thinning, pre-commercial thinning, reforestation, invasive species treatments, stream restoration, forest road improvements, road decommissioning, and road maintenance and general property management and stewardship. To meet the Conservancy’s goals, The Conservation Forester will also help develop and foster strong community and partner relations.

The essential functions of this position include:

Contract Management & Administration (50%)

• Write, prepare, and administer, forestry-related contracts and grants and track spending against approved budgets.
• Develop georeferenced maps using ArcGIS to be used in the field.
• Monitor contracts in the field related to forestry and land management activities on TNC Preserves to ensure forestry management, logging, and heavy equipment contractors perform work to TNC contract specifications.
• Assist and prepare grant applications and develop projects for grant opportunities.

Land Management & Forestry (45%)

• Collaborate with internal and external partners to implement a variety of forest management and restoration projects including commercial and pre-commercial thinning; reforestation; invasive species management; forest road improvements, road decommissioning; general property management; and other forest and stream-related restoration projects.
• Implement ongoing property management activities such as road, trail and gate maintenance, garbage removal, and signing.
• Obtain permits for forest management, harvest operations, road maintenance, stream restoration, and road decommissioning work.
• Assist with third-party audits for certification according to Land Trust Accreditation and Forest Stewardship Council’s standards.
• Collect field data on forest inventory and habitat conditions.
• Travel to existing TNC properties to assist in land management operations.

Community Relations (5%)

• Build and maintain relationships with external partners, contractors, and community groups to ensure community needs are considered and incorporated to maximize project benefits to nature and people.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with TNC staff and a variety of contractors, landowners, community members, the public, scientists, and TNC donors.
• Process landowner use agreements and manage public access and recreational use as necessary.
• Conduct volunteer events and projects at the Ellsworth Creek Preserve.

Work Environment & Schedule

• This position will be based in a home office located within 25 miles from the project sites. Preferred location is Long Beach, WA
• This position requires travel between project areas and overnight travel, primarily within Washington State.
• This is a field-based position with approximately 60% of the work occurring alone, outside in the forest environment, often in harsh weather conditions, at remote locations, on steep, difficult, and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
• This position often requires extended and/or varied work hours, including work outside of normal business hours and on weekends.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose and enjoy being outside, come join our Chapter as the Conservation Forester! Not only will you fulfil conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Washington, but you’ll also contribute to conservation goals through many networks! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to be a part of our forest team which is implementing innovative forest restoration projects on the ground. Creativity, knowledge of forests and natural systems, and the ability to work with people from many different backgrounds are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Project management experience in the field of forestry or natural resources management.
• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experiences conducting field-based projects while working alone, in adverse weather conditions, at remote locations, and on steep, difficult, and hazardous terrain under physically demanding circumstances.
• Experiences using ArcView GIS, GPS, data loggers, and proficiency in Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) software.
• Experiences completing multiple tasks independently concerning timelines, deliverables, and budgets, and collaborating on projects as part of a team.
• Experience communicating effectively both in written and verbal communication among a variety of people and audiences.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to act in accordance with the Washington equity statement; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in both work and workplace, including acting in accordance with our Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples.
• Multi-lingual skills in Spanish and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience writing and managing contracts and grants for forestry or natural resources projects
• Experience tracking financial information and managing budgets.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Knowledge and experience with forest restoration, forest road engineering, long-rotation or uneven-aged forest management in coastal temperate coniferous forests of California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, or Alaska.
• Experience with Washington’s forest practice rules.
• Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, e.g., government officials, scientists, donors, tribes and the local community.
• Current Washington Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license or ability to acquire within 6 months of hire.
• Experience safely using and maintaining tools and equipment, including power and construction tools, chain saws, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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 $56,000 – $62,500 annually for annual base salary. 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.