Forester

Department: Applied Science

Reports to: Lead Forester

Location: Remote within Southeastern United States

Applications will be open until 5pm CT on June 29, with an anticipated start date of August 4.

About Funga

Funga is a public benefit corporation harnessing forest fungal networks to address the climate crisis. We combine modern DNA sequencing and machine learning technology with breakthrough research on the forest microbiome to put the right native, biodiverse communities of mycorrhizal fungi in the right place. This leads to more quality wood created more quickly, more carbon sequestered, and more resilient forests. We serve land partners seeking to implement regenerative forestry practices that improve productivity and sustainability, and corporate carbon buyers building high-quality carbon removal portfolios with strong social and biodiversity outcomes. We’re a team of passionate scientists and builders on a mission to draw down at least three gigatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by 2050.

If you are excited by starting new things, learning as you go, and being hands-on in applying your work to the private sector, you will dig working with us. We encourage you to apply even if only some of the below criteria are met – just make sure to tell us why you’re excited about Funga!

About the Role

We are hiring a Forester to assist in our nursery and field operations within the Loblolly pine footprint of the southeastern US. We seek a Forester who has experience in modern forestry practices and generating high-quality forest dynamics data. Landowners are key company partners, and the Forester will build and maintain strong relationships with these stakeholders and their teams. We need someone who is willing to question traditions in forestry as we develop new ways to understand and manage forests. We expect a significant amount of travel throughout the southeastern U.S.

We are a small team, and each of us operates beyond our roles on a daily basis. We are looking for someone excited to implement new approaches, problem solve, and think creatively. We need a leader who can motivate field crews, with a vision for ultimately scaling our field programs. This role is an opportunity to help develop an on-the-ground forestry team within the southeast and address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

In This Role, You Will

• Assist in managing the scale-up of our operational plantings across thousands of acres.
• Coordinate and execute timber cruise and soil inventories across hundreds of forestry sites.
• Coordinate and assist in nursery and planting operations.
• Lead measurement of field trials – tree height, diameter, and soil sampling.
• Operate a high-precision GPS device to demarcate observational and experimental footprints.
• Perform role requirements with anticipated travel between 60-70% of the time for field work and company offsites.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with our key partners to expand our project footprint.
• Communicate and coordinate seamlessly with our Head of Applied Science and science team to ensure all is going according to plan and help them understand opportunities for further analysis.
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with our partner landholders, including creating feedback loops to Funga leadership so we may best meet their needs.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

• 2+ years of experience in US Forestry.
• Expertise in forestry measurement, analyses, and data management.
• Mapping skills with ArcGIS, QGIS, R Maptools or similar.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new things, roll up your sleeves, and take on new roles to push the company forward.
• The ability to work in physically demanding outdoor environments, including steep or uneven terrain, dense vegetation, and adverse weather conditions such as extreme heat, rain, or cold.
• NOTE – please apply if you feel you are qualified, but don’t necessarily meet all of the above criteria!

Why Join Funga?

• Make a meaningful impact: Contribute to innovative solutions addressing one of the most pressing global challenges – climate change.
• Collaborative environment: Work closely with a diverse team of scientists, foresters, and business leaders who share a common passion for sustainability.
• Career growth: Be part of a pioneering company with opportunities for professional development and leadership within forestry and forestry research.
• Hands-on experience: Apply your forestry skills directly to environmental conservation and forest management.
• Participate in comprehensive healthcare benefits and employee equity programs.

Salary and Benefits

The expected salary range for this role is $60,000-80,000 USD, with actual salary based on qualifications and experience.

Funga offers a competitive benefits package including equity in our fast-growing startup; a flexible time off policy; medical, dental, and vision benefits; and a wellness reimbursement program. Our team is in a dynamic growth phase. By joining us at this stage, you can shape our benefits and culture, and participate in our business success!