The Forests and Natural Climate Solutions Strategy Manager directs all aspects of The Nature Conservancy’s initiatives to improve forest protection and management within Missouri’s Ozarks while helping define and implement a statewide climate mitigation strategy through high-level engagement with members of the forestry sector across the state.
The Forests and Natural Climate Solutions Strategy Manager will work with private and public-sector partners to understand and address the challenges of adopting better forest protection and management practices in the Ozarks Ecoregion of Missouri. S/he will build a vision and direction to advance forestry, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation practices aligned with TNC’s Shared Conservation Agenda and its strategic pillars focused on Natural Climate Solutions and protecting connected and resilient landscapes. Specifically, the Manager will develop a statewide strategy that will increase and measure the amount of carbon sequestered in MO’s forest protection and management practices, while engaging external partners in developing additional solutions. The scope of project includes sustainable forestry initiatives and close collaboration with key forestry stakeholders, forest inventory and management planning, real estate and conservation easement projects, habitat restoration, demonstration projects, and private lands conservation outreach. The Manager will build on existing achievements with key landowners and stakeholders in the Ecoregion, including the National Park Service, Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Forest Service, LAD Foundation/Pioneer Forest, forest products industry and other key organizations and leaders. S/he will also represent TNC on work groups and at conferences and field days to convey the importance of forest management, protection, greenhouse gas mitigation, and economic productivity.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Uses the power of natural and working lands to i) accelerate climate progress, ii) broaden the constituency for climate action and iii) ensure Natural Climate Solutions emerges as a core pillar of climate action in Missouri.
- Leads the protection of land and water within networks of MO resilient and connected sites that will allow nature to adapt to climate change.
- Advances existing relationships with Missouri Ozarks stakeholders, including private landowners and forest product producers, and develops partnerships to engage the forestry sector to promote and increase the adoption of conservation and climate mitigation practices.
- Facilitates and navigates partnerships to develop successful demonstration practices within TNC properties.
- Implements comprehensive land protection program, including negotiations for acquisition of critical forest lands, development of leveraged forest conservation strategies including conservation easements and conservation buyer programs, and working with partners to provide landowner outreach for best management practices.
- Works in partnership with producer groups, private land owners, agencies, academic institutions and other non-profits in a collaborative capacity.
- Positions the Conservancy as a respected and reputable voice in the Missouri forestry sector.
- Designs, implements, and directs multiple complex projects, while setting and meeting deadlines, and ensuring program accountability.
- Establishes ambitious and realistic goals for the strategy while controlling costs and administering budgets.
- Programmatic scope requires cross-boundary work and relationships within Missouri, the Great Plains Division, North America Region, and other networks.
- Frequently makes independently strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and judgment.
- Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
- Obtains and manages multi-scale federal, state, and private grant funding.
- Experience working within the forestry and/or forest products community, and with current trends and practices in climate mitigation strategies.
- Experience managing projects, including managing finances, with diverse partners, both internal and external.
- Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating complex, multi-party agreements.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans with public and private entities.
- Established relationships with members of the forestry and forest management community in the Ozarks Ecoregion.
- Politically savvy and experience in presenting to and communicating with business, governmental, and community leaders.
- Demonstrated experience in leading complex land acquisition projects, negotiating with buyers and sellers, development of conservation easement language, and annual easement monitoring.
- Experience in ecological management and forest stewardship, including timberstand improvements, property stewardship, exotic species issues, boundary issues, community outreach, neighbor relations, and data collection and reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective representative for the Conservancy by communicating positively and effectively with people of all educational levels to clearly articulate concepts, gain consensus, and achieve results.
- Excellent supervisory and management skills, including volunteer supervision. Ability to lead effectively in complex situations.
- Demonstrated field familiarity with general ecological principles and biological systems. Ability to provide oversight and coordinate logistical support for ongoing research activities. Familiarity with the biota and ecological systems of the Ozarks Ecoregion.
- Demonstrated competency in reading and interpreting maps and aerial photographs. Experience with GIS, regional biological inventories, GPS, remote sensing, and ecological restoration helpful.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.