Urban Forestry Project Manager

OFFICE LOCATION

New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Hybrid position. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Urban Forestry Project Manager provides technical and operational support to the Connecticut Chapter’s Urban Conservation Program, with a focus on planting trees where they are most needed. This role will develop, manage, and implement urban forestry projects to advance the Program’s strategies and initiatives including analysis, development, and implementation of local and multi-scale tree planting projects in collaboration with a diverse set of partners. Their work will result in the implementation of tangible place-based tree-planting projects, policies, and practices that incorporate ecological and social co-benefits to improve local and regional water quality, air quality, and quality of life for the benefit of both people and nature in a changing climate.

The Urban Conservation Program builds on the Conservancy’s science-based, collaborative, results-oriented approach, and its record of contributing creative and effective solutions, such as tree planting, to conservation challenges in cities. We work to improve the quality of life for residents and communities using equitable nature-based solutions (i.e., tree planting) to reduce storm water runoff, reduce urban heat island effect and flooding, improve air quality, and increase access to nature for all residents in cities. Our program operates with an equity-minded approach and a desire for continued learning about socio-historical context of historic underrepresentation, questions assumptions, and makes evidence-based decisions a regular practice. This position will be a key addition to a highly effective and motivated cross-functional team helping to address urban challenges across local, state, national, and international scales. This position will report to the Connecticut Urban Conservation Director. This is a 1- year term position, with the possibility to extend contingent on performance and available funding.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Urban Forestry Project Manager works across scales, including at the municipal and state levels, on projects including leading tree plantings, supporting community capacity for urban forestry planning, and identifying high-impact opportunities in new places in need of urban forestry support. They will serve as a key contact and collaborator with city agencies, local organizations, businesses, institutions, and communities to lead the advancement adaptation-based, socio-ecological centered urban forestry projects (i.e., tree planting) in response to climate change. They will also help develop and provide data analysis, planning, project management, and technical support to the team while working to cultivate strong partnerships and jointly funded projects. This position involves a mixture of office and fieldwork, which varies seasonally. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Urban Forestry Project Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of CT, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We’re looking for a passionate, dedicated person to lead our Chapter and work within our Division. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.  
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists. 
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.