Resilient Forest Management Specialist

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Vermont Chapter of the Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks a skilled and knowledgeable forest ecologist for the position of Resilient Forest Management Specialist to engage private landowners, foresters, and public land managers in improving forest conditions to benefit biological diversity and carbon storage and sequestration. The Forest Specialist will engage with individual family forest landowners and groups of landowners/organizations to provide information and support in implementing climate-smart forest management and forest conservation. They will specifically support landowners enrolling in the American Forest Foundation/TNC Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), maintain and develop TNC carbon projects, and work within TNC VT’s strategic framework to identify, promote, and implement projects that incentivize landowners and land managers to manage forests using climate-smart forest practices that increase carbon stocking and improve forest resilience. They will collaborate with other TNC chapters to develop strategies for scaling resilient forest management solutions for northern Appalachian Forest ecosystems. The position is located at the Montpelier, Vermont office with the option to work from home up to 4 days a week. The position responsibilities will require frequent and regular travel throughout the state and occasional travel within New England and North America.

We’re Looking for You:

Essential Functions

• The Resilient Forest Specialist is the TNC VT point of contact for the FFCP, including providing technical assistance to family forest owners interested in the FFCP, and representing TNC interests in Vermont for all matters involving FFCP implementation. This includes answering landowner questions as they move through the enrollment process and assisting with eligibility determinations (for example, by reviewing management plans and/or through site visits).
• Maintains TNC forest carbon projects and develops additional projects where feasible in conjunction with land protection projects.
• Promotes opportunities for using carbon markets to finance conservation outcomes by following the latest developments in carbon markets, financing, and methodologies and collaborating across the VT chapter on opportunities.
• Maintains familiarity with forest management and forest conservation programs in Vermont, including current use tax programs, landowner incentives like those provided through the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), and land protection programs. Works with Land protection team to engage landowners and other interested parties about these programs.
• Follows latest research and developments on resilient forest management and natural climate solutions, promoting opportunities to implement these practices throughout VT.
• Identifies and promotes best practices that support forest resilience and seeks strategic opportunities to advocate for and facilitate their use on private and public lands.
• Travels frequently within the region to present information and/or meet with landowners, estimated 25-50% travel.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Provides climate-informed forest science and technical leadership to VT chapter and the Appalachians Program of TNC
• Acts as a key member of the FFCP (Northeast) Implementation Team, leading project development, education and outreach, and compliance across VT and collaborating with other chapters across the Northeast on FFCP.
• Represents TNC in strategic partnerships, public forums and one-on-one landowner engagements.
• Identifies and promotes best forest management practices and pathways to adoption to enhance climate resiliency throughout VT and the Northeast, in collaboration with other TNC chapters.
• Completes projects within budget and scope and on time.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including annual monitoring and reporting.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years’ experience in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of, and experience working with, current trends and practices in carbon markets, natural climate solutions, and resilient forest management, ecological forestry prescriptions, conservation practices and/or conservation science.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven experience in partnership development and relationship building with people from diverse backgrounds (e.g. landowners, scientists, conservation partners, media, community officials, and foresters).
• Project management experience, planning and completing tasks independently within scope, budget, and timeline.
• Excellent written, spoken, and graphical communication in English including to the public.
• Experience using common software applications such as Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel; GPS and ArcGIS; and/or similar applications.
• Flexibility and innovative skillset for shaping a role in an evolving field.
• Willingness to travel, including occasionally on evenings and weekends.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s or PHD
• Experience communicating ecological forestry practices and forest carbon projects, as well as translating peer-reviewed scientific literature to managers and non-technical audiences
• Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring improved forest management and carbon projects.
• Experience writing grant proposals, tracking, and completing deliverables, and writing programmatic grant reports.
• Experience with other nature-based climate protocols in North America and internationally.
• Self-starter with an eagerness to learn and innovate new approaches.
• Vermont Licensed Forester and/or qualifications already in place to pursue registration in first year of employment preferred though not required.
• Experience performing physical work outdoors in all conditions.
• Knowledge of the natural history and ecosystems of the Northern Appalachians.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto-Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $68,000 - $72,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.