The Nature Conservancy seeks a broadly trained forest professional to lead our efforts in applied forest conservation and management in Alaska. Key objectives of this position are to facilitate a rapid transition to a young-growth forest management regime on the Tongass National Forest and to negotiate, design and implement forest stewardship and carbon mitigation projects to meet economic, ecological and social objectives. We work in partnership with federal and state agencies, local communities, tribal governments and Alaska Native corporations.
The Alaska Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to ensuring the long-term conservation of the coastal temperate rainforests of Alaska, which represent a global treasure with some of the largest remaining old-growth forests on earth, diverse and productive fisheries, abundant wildlife, vast stores of forest carbon, and a thriving culture of Alaska Native people. We use scientific assessment and mapping, engagement with local communities, participation in land management planning, promotion of sustainable economic development, and extended partnerships stretching from Southeast Alaska, south along the British Columbia and Washington coasts.
The Conservation Forester provides leadership and technical support to the Alaska Program by collaboratively developing and advancing sustainable forestry and carbon mitigation projects throughout Alaska and providing technical and scientific support for forest management planning and conservation initiatives. They will engage with community and agency partners to design and implement projects that meet social, economic and ecological objectives. They also support strategies to secure public and private funding for conservation goals. The Forester will engage both in research and applied forestry, including the design and implementation of experimental treatments and forest management prescriptions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Engage and collaborate with diverse partners and staff to accomplish program goals.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- May supervise staff and/or volunteers.
- Under minimal supervision, make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
- Frequent travel (25-40%) within Alaska.
- Experience managing projects.
- Experience communicating with the public and/or media in writing and verbally.
- Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
- Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain Alaska driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduate degree in forestry or related field and professional experience in forestry, resource management or conservation.
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems, database management and/or statistics.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to collect, analyze and interpret scientific data and literature in scientific and popular communication.
- Knowledge of forest carbon offset concepts and initiatives.
- Knowledge of and passion for sustainable forestry practices or familiarity with sustainable, local economic systems.
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.