Forest & Climate Specialist

OFFICE LOCATION

Juneau, Alaska, USA

Communities in Southeast Alaska, USA

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 Forest & Climate Specialist provides leadership and technical support to the Alaska Program by collaboratively developing and advancing sustainable forestry and carbon mitigation projects throughout Alaska and providing technical and scientific support for forest management planning and conservation initiatives. Key objectives of this position are to facilitate a rapid transition to a young-growth forest management regime on the Tongass National Forest, to support community visions for land management and stewardship, and to negotiate, design, and implement forest stewardship and carbon mitigation projects to meet economic, ecological, and social objectives. We work in close partnership with federal and state agencies, local communities, tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations, therefore excellent collaboration and communication skills are necessary. They will also provide support in defining and engaging in Tongass National Forest policy priorities and support strategies to secure public and private funding for conservation goals. The Specialist will design forest management projects and experimental treatments based on the best available science and communicate the results to promote informed and innovative land management practices across the region.

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 & Climate Specialist! We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to join our Alaska team and work within the Western US and Canada Division of TNC to meet TNC’s ambitious 2030 Goals. The Nature Conservancy seeks a broadly trained conservation professional to lead our efforts in applied forest conservation and management in Alaska. Collaboration, communication, and creativity are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today! 

• The Forest & Climate Specialist is part of the Southeast Alaska Program, which covers a large geographic region that is nested within the TNC-Alaska Business Unit, and the Emerald Edge whole system geography, including Alaska, Canada, Washington, and Oregon. The Southeast Program has worked for nearly 20 years to advance sustainability and community-led conservation in the Tongass. 
• Programmatic work requires cross-boundary work and relationships with partners across state and country borders within the coastal temperate rainforest, as well as connections with relevant TNC global teams such as the Indigenous Peoples, Lands, and Communities team. 
• In addition to teamwork, the Forest & Climate Specialist will work independently on projects with external partners and, under minimal supervision, will need to make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context. 
• Partnerships make this work possible. We rely on the person in this role to support and engage with collaborative networks and external parties to help accomplish program goals, and to approach conservation and relationships with a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. 
• The Specialist will ensure TNC’s Voice, Choice, and Action framework for supporting Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities is upheld in our work on the ground as we work to support Indigenous stewardship initiatives such as the Hoonah Native Forest Partnership, the Keex’ Kwaan Community Forest Partnership, and the Seacoast Guardians. 
• As a project manager, they may supervise volunteers or staff and exercise financial responsibility which may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Field work and domestic travel are components of the Forest & Climate Specialist’s work, and they may encounter variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Travel, primarily within Alaska, will vary seasonally and may be up to 25-40% of their time depending on field work and in-person collaboration.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in Forestry, Land Management, Biology or related field and 5 years relevant experience in environmental management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects on varying timelines.
• Experience negotiating and managing complex funding agreements and/or contracts. 
• Experience fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain Alaska driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and passion for sustainable forestry practices or familiarity with sustainable, local economic systems
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), database management and/or statistics.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice including experience with, or interest in, applying a racial equity/decolonizing lens to conservation strategy.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected in this Southeast Alaska based position is generally within the annual range of $67,500 to $71,000. 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.