Forest Sustainability & Certification Manager

Join the vibrant team at American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) The Sustainability and Certification Manager is responsible for leading the forestry sustainability programs and services at AFM.  The position will lead and manage AFM’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI®) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) group certification programs. This role ensures the company and its clients maintain full compliance with all applicable sustainability standards and protocols, leads client environmental reporting services, strengthens responsible forest management practices, and supports continual improvement across the organization. The Manager will serve as the primary point of contact for certification bodies, clients, and internal teams regarding certification requirements, audits, training,  program performance, and environmental reporting. 

About American Forest Management, Inc.  (AFM): 
Founded in 1966, American Forest Management, Inc. is a nationally recognized land and natural resource consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFM provides sustainable land management, consulting, and real estate services for a diverse range of land assets – including timberland, farmland, and other privately held lands – serving landowners throughout the United States, Panama, and Costa Rica.

AFM’s team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand and achieve their objectives through a comprehensive suite of land management and advisory services. With 50 regionally based offices managing almost 6 million acres, AFM offers strong local expertise, while its national platform supports collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of foresters and technical specialists to manage large and complex land projects.
AFM’s services include land and wildlife management; land sales and acquisitions; forest inventory, planning, and design; growth and yield modeling; cash-flow projections; environmental and farmland services; appraisal; forest resource data management; and harvest scheduling.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of the SFI® and FSC® group certification programs, including documentation, reporting, internal audits, external audits and renewals
• Support AFM internal teams and clients with management of client SFI certification programs
• Maintain knowledge and understanding of forest sustainability practices, environmental reporting protocols, and public policy development that impact and affect AFM clients
• Maintain and updates AFM’s sustainability and ESG policies and procedures
• Liaise with AFM clients on matters related to forest certification, ESG, environmental reporting, and responsible investing and lead efforts for AFM to develop and provide services meeting these requirements and needs
• Develop and deliver training programs for staff, contractors, and group members on certification standards, sustainable forestry practices, audit preparedness, and environmental reporting.
• Represent AFM on industry trade associations related to forest sustainability and certification as requested
• Support the development of natural capital projects and opportunities for AFM clients
• Lead on developing and preparing annual AFM Sustainability and Stewardship Report

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of forest certification programs and protocols
• Ability to research, network, and gather information to stay current on new developments in the forestry sustainability, certification, environmental reporting, and natural capital spaces.
• Ability to develop strong team relationships with managers, co-workers, clients, vendors, and customers.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload.

Education/Experience: 

• Undergraduate degree in Forestry or some other Natural Resources discipline required
• Advanced degree in related fields desirable but not required
• Minimum of 5 years experience in the forestry or natural resources sector with a significant portion of that experience in the forest sustainability and certification area
• Experience working with SFI and/or FSC certification programs

Location: Remote (U.S.-based). Optional in-office work available for candidates near AFM office locations.

Travel: 25-35% travel  

Work Environment
Join our team and thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values innovation, integrity, and professional growth. At American Forest Management, we foster a culture of teamwork and open communication, where every team member’s contribution is recognized and valued. 

Salary and Benefits

•    Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
o    Salary Range: $85,000 – $110,000
•    Paid holidays
•    Paid vacation schedule
•    Healthcare and disability plan
•    Parental Leave
•    401(K) retirement plan
•    Eligible for annual bonus plan

To apply, please click here

Why Work at AFM
For 60 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land.  At AFM, employees have the opportunity to make a real impact by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property while building lasting relationships based on trust and shared success.
We are committed to sustainable land and forest management, responsible environmental stewardship and high-quality client service. Our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—guide everything we do and create a culture where employees can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to both the land and the communities we serve.  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.