Forests Projects Coordinator

About the Alliance: The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) is a regional nonprofit organization whose vision is clean streams and rivers flowing through resilient landscapes, cared for by the people who live, work, and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve our lands and waters. The Alliance was founded in 1971 and has offices in Annapolis, MD, Lancaster, PA, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.

Job Description: The Forest Projects Coordinator (Southcentral Pennsylvania-based) is a fast-paced full-time position working under the supervision of the Forests Projects Manager. The successful candidate will work directly with landowners, farmers, and a diverse set of project partners on water quality improvement and conservation practices, community engagement, riparian and upland reforestation efforts, and more. The Coordinator will also provide strategic support for the Alliance’s broader Forests Program efforts. Substantial outreach and fieldwork throughout southcentral Pennsylvania (Lancaster County focus) is required.

Specific Duties of the Position:

• Plan and coordinate the implementation of riparian forest buffer and reforestation projects in rural, suburban, and urban environments throughout southcentral Pennsylvania.
• Work closely with the Alliance’s Agriculture Team to plan and implement reforestation projects on working farms.
• Build partnerships and work closely with project partners, landowners, volunteers, natural resources contractors, consultants, federal and state agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Support the assessment of existing forestland and provide recommendations for enhancement.
• Participate in and lead various outreach efforts including presentations, events, and similar activities.
• Assist with preparation, planting, maintenance, and monitoring of tree planting project sites.
• Provide direct on-site support as needed. Field savviness and ability to travel is essential.
• Oversee some components of project management, including budgets. As delegated, ensure timely payments, invoices, reimbursements, reporting on associated projects is maintained.
• Pursue funding that enables the Alliance to meet its Strategic Goals through the Forests Program. Includes leading and collaborating in multiple, varied, successful grant proposals.
• Participate in Alliance strategic planning efforts, internal committee, and problem-solving oriented teams as assigned. Contribute to the Alliance’s various Forests Program team efforts.
• Provide event support, meeting coordination, and other administrative assistance as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, wildlife, natural resources, environmental science or a relevant field. A Master’s degree may be substituted for 1 year of experience. Candidates with alternative education, but with extensive relevant professional experience, will also be considered.
• 2+ years relevant professional experience (including any internships) related to this position.
• Technical knowledge of tree ecology, species identification, forest health assessment, and reforestation practices.
• Experience successfully working with various stakeholders in reforestation or similar efforts.
• Strong communications skills, internally as part of a team and also with external audiences.
• Great time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritize tasks.
• Problem-solver, objective decision maker.
• Experience in project management and grant writing is a plus.

Supervision: The Forests Projects Coordinator reports directly to the Forests Projects Manager.

Hours and Location: The Forests Projects Coordinator will be based in the Alliance’s Lancaster, PA Office. Field work will focus in southcentral PA and periodically entail visits to other regions within Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This position also entails periodic travel outside of Pennsylvania, which can include overnight stays. Some weekend work is required. The position is full-time (40 hours per week).

Salary & Benefits: $50,000 – $56,000, commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits include: health, dental, and vision insurance, 403b retirement fund, life insurance, professional development opportunities, vacation, sick, and holiday and other leave, and more.