Forest Conservation Director Atlantic Coastal/Piedmont

Region: Coastal Plain and Piedmont of NC, SC, southeastern VA and eastern GA

Location: Remote or home office centrally within specified geography

Posting Open Date: February 8, 2024

Posting Closing Date: March 29, 2024 (or until filled by an exceptional candidate)

Background:

For over 60 years, the Ruffed Grouse Society has promoted active forest stewardship. Our vision is to create landscapes of diverse, functioning forest ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for people to experience them.

Across most of their range, ruffed grouse live alongside the American woodcock, a migratory bird that also occupies a unique geography during migration – the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain and Piedmont.

Ten years ago, we expanded our mission by founding the American Woodcock Society. Today, the dual force of RGS & AWS has a footprint in 38 states and is seeking to expand conservation impact and our knowledge of this bellwether species across the Southeast.

The Forest Conservation Director builds and manages a network to achieve forest habitat improvement goals across several states.

Qualifications:

• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field, with 5+ years of practical experience in forest management.
• In-depth understanding of forest management and wildlife habitat including:
  • connections between forest management and wildlife needs
  • forest products and emerging markets (i.e., carbon, biodiversity, etc.)
  • forest management operations
  • silvicultural systems
  • third party certification
  • environmental regulations
• Experience in acquisitions, easements and similar land conservation transactions.
• Ability to lead and motivate. Excellent spoken and written communication skills. Well organized. Experience managing complex projects under deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region and all RGS & AWS territories.  
• Ability to establish a remote work location or home office.
• A passion for forest and wildlife conservation.

Position Summary:

• Strategize and oversee landscape initiatives, including habitat restoration, active management, and land conservation.
• Participate in planning for public forestlands and statutory/regulatory processes affecting forest and wildlife management.
• Pursue grants to fund the network, including staff and contracts for habitat work.
• Identify opportunities with foundations, public funding program officers, corporations, and other donors capable of magnifying the RGS & AWS mission.
• Ensure maximum impact of locally raised chapter funds.
• Utilize all forms of media to increase public awareness of the ecological and social benefits of forest management.
• Coordinate strategy with communication staff to ensure impactful communications.
• Serve in a lead role among agencies, forest owners, industry representatives, conservation groups, and interested parties to promote forest conservation.
• Commit to local, on-the-ground involvement with people and communities.
• Participate on regional and national boards and stakeholder groups to promote forest conservation.
• Advise policy staff of opportunities for RGS & AWS to engage on legislative issues at local, state and national levels.
• Prepare and deliver testimony as an upper-level RGS & AWS representative.
• Engage others through dynamic enthusiasm and shared vision.
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff who plan and implement projects.
• Participate in fundraising to increase conservation mission impact.
• Keep up to date on scientific research relevant to forest wildlife management.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

Compensation:

Competitive compensation; health insurance including medical, dental and vision; retirement options including employer match; a company vehicle or vehicle stipend for business travel; a purchasing card for business and travel expenses; computer and printer; cell phone; office supplies and support will be provided.

The salary scale for this role accounts for a range of considerations including skill set, experience, training and certifications as well as business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the starting salary range is $75,000 to $85,000 commensurate with experience. With time on the job and optimal performance, salary could extend beyond $100,000.