Restoration Program Manager

Restoration Program Manager

Position Type: Full Time / Short Term (3 years)

Job Description: The Restoration Program Manager will (1) assist landowners in enrolling in various Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs, such as ACEP, ALE, WRE, etc.; (2) organize and promote various gatherings and outlets that will provide guidance on habitat restoration and enhancement to private landowners for longleaf pine and associated habitats; (3) manage grant funded restoration projects that involve restoration, application of prescribed fire, and invasives eradication on private partner lands.

The ideal candidate will have a background in forestry, land management, and/or biology, with experience in the below identified areas.

NRCS Program Enrollment Support

• Serve as a liaison between LTL, NRCS, and landowners;
• Working closely with NRCS staff, evaluate potential qualifying properties for suitability for enrollment in NRCS programs;
• Explain the various NRCS restoration and easement programs to private landowners;
• Assist landowners in completing associated enrollment forms and related due diligence activities;
• Coordinate with NRCS and landowner to facilitate implementation of practices and follow-up with landowners to ensure compliance on properties subscribed in NRCS programs.

Longleaf Pine Restoration and Enhancement Support

• Obtain guidance from LTL project consultants and other restoration experts in longleaf pine habitat restoration.
• Lead a collaborative effort with other NGOs and agency personnel to engage forest landowners throughout southeast Louisiana in efforts to restore and conserve existing stands of longleaf pine and associated ecosystems;
• Provide opportunities for landowners to receive guidance on forest management habitat restoration and land conservation/protection options through workshops, field trips, and training;
• Provide administrative assistance in production of longleaf restoration educational video;
• Build and maintain relationships and work cooperatively with conservation partners and other agencies.

Oversee Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Activities on Select Properties Supported by LTL Grant Funds

• Assist landowner in securing contracts for various land management practices (tree planting, burning, invasives control) and ensure timely payment;
• Perform on-site monitoring and track and report progress of grant-supported objectives;
• Perform all associated grant administration, reporting, and invoicing in coordination with Operations Manager.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, natural resources, conservation biology or similar curriculum. Ideally, three or more years’ experience in related areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additionally, strong interpersonal and communication skills are imperative.

Preferred Background:

• Experience with land management/conservation programs available to private landowners.
• Experience managing longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood ecosystems.
• Experience in prescribed fire (FFT1 or FFT2 qualifications).
• Experience in outreach and leading land management workshops.
• Project management and budgeting experience.
• Experience with grant administration.
• Experience in team collaboration and leading teams.
• Experience in the practice of forestry, ecology, or wildlife biology in longleaf or southern pine ecosystems.
• Ability to communicate technical forestry and restoration concepts and information to diverse audiences through oral and written means.
• Experience with outreach activities targeting forest landowners and the public.
• Knowledge, experience and regular use of desktop Geographical Information Systems (GIS) programs (ESRI product suite) and Microsoft Office.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with conservation organizations, agency personnel and the public.
• A valid driver’s license and driving record acceptable to LTL.

About the Land Trust for Louisiana

The Land Trust for Louisiana is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to conserving our state’s lands and waters using tools like conservation servitudes (easements) and land acquisition. We work cooperatively with landowners, communities, businesses, governmental agencies, and other non-profits to protect riverbanks, save family farms, manage storm water, create wildlife corridors, protect habitats for migrating birds, and much more.

LTL provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Travel/Work Locations: The office is located in St. Tammany Parish. Travel, including overnight, will be required within the Land Trust’s area of operations which includes primarily St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, and Washington Parish and occasionally, other regions of the state.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Health Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance options available
• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Leave
• Flexible schedule

Salary commensurate with experience.