The mountains of western Maryland are a critical link in a globally-significant chain of connected, climate-resilient forests in the Central Appalachians. The Nature Conservancy’s vision is for both nature and people to thrive in this resilient and connected landscape, even as the climate changes. The Maryland and DC Chapter’s Resilient Forests Program implements a variety of science-based strategies to improve the health and resilience of public and private forests through collaborative restoration and management projects. The Forest Science Project Manager is a core member of the Resilient Forests Program team who leads and contributes to priority science and management projects to achieve The Nature Conservancy’s forest conservation goals in western Maryland and the Central Appalachians.
We are looking for a capable individual who can provide forestry and monitoring expertise, science leadership, and practical experience in collaborative forest management to the MD/DC Chapter and its Resilient Forest Program. S/he develops and implements monitoring and forest management projects on Conservancy nature preserves in western Maryland and contributes technical expertise to our engagement with other public and private forest managers. The Forest Science Project Manager will work closely with a variety of Conservancy staff and external partners including scientists, state and private foresters, land managers and policy experts.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Contribute to the design, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management of demonstration projects on Conservancy preserves in western MD, including prescribed fire, reforestation, and ecological forestry. This may involve leading project teams, overseeing contractors and vendors, supervising seasonal staff or volunteers, and ensuring that preserve management meets Forest Stewardship Council certification standards.
- Contribute to the Conservancy’s engagement on public land management in western Maryland by providing 1) technical expertise in forest, wildlife, and landscape management and 2) practical and creative problem solving to address management challenges.
- Recommend priority science needs (planning, analysis, evaluation) to further the strategic goals of the MD/DC Chapter’s Resilient Forests Program. Contribute to or lead projects to meet these needs in close collaboration with Conservancy science and conservation staff (within and beyond Maryland/DC) and partners (including government agencies and academic institutions).
- Build collaborative relationships with outside parties to accomplish program goals.
- Respond to requests from team members to review and evaluate technical aspects of policy proposals or strategic options.
- Financial responsibilities to include managing a project budget and assisting with annual program budget development.
- Draft request for proposals, select contractors, negotiate contracts, and oversee contract implementation.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Work effectively as part of a geographically dispersed but interdependent and interdisciplinary team.
- Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding situations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3 years’ experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience managing a project team, staff, or volunteers.
- Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners across disciplines, e.g. scientists, agency staff, government officials, media.
- Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
- Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
- Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Training and experience in landscape modeling and forest monitoring, including the application to decision making.
- Understanding of Eastern Deciduous forest ecosystems and science-based silvicultural systems applied for forest management
- Experience using GIS, forest data software, field-based technology and drones for research and monitoring.
- Familiarity with standards and methods for Forest Stewardship Council certification.
- Knowledge of current science on the impacts of climate change on forests and wildlife.
- Knowledge of current trends and practices in land management and natural resource conservation.
- Ability to engage effectively with a broad range of stakeholders including foresters, wildlife biologists, rare species ecologists, and public land managers.
- Ability to explain scientific concepts and conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Skills to manage teams to complete projects with high quality of work, within budget and on time.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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.