Southern Appalachian Forests Program Manager

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer an exempt, full-time position that will provide programmatic leadership to successfully plan, develop, implement, and manage a portfolio of restoration and forest resilience projects.

Position Function: The Southern Appalachian Forests Program Manager reports directly to the Southern Region Director. This position provides facilitation, project management, and program development support for collaborative forest stewardship and conservation efforts in the southern Appalachians. The incumbent will provide leadership in convening and facilitating a collaborative process, while focusing on project management and implementation. The incumbent is responsible for hiring, supervising, and mentoring direct reports, planning for project implementation, and overseeing and supporting complex contracts. The Manager will navigate complex partnership relationships and have demonstrated experience building programs consistent with strategic priorities, oftentimes working independently.

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Southern Appalachian Forests Program Manager to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

Minimum of an undergraduate degree in conservation, forestry, planning, landscape design, environmental science or related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 4 years of experience leading restoration or conservation programs, project planning, and/or coordinating project implementation, preferably on federal lands.
Field forestry and/or reforestation experience, planning, and overseeing forest management actions on federal lands, preferred.
Experience in planning and overseeing recreation infrastructure projects.
Experience leading project planning, accomplishment, and budget tracking, and project operations management that involve multiple implementation partners, contractors, contracts for services, and funding sources.
Experience supervising and managing project-level staff.
Demonstrated success coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
Experience facilitating, building consensus, and securing agreements in collaborative processes that involve the U.S. Forest Service or other land management agencies.
Experience developing and implementing public outreach and engagement strategies and plans.
Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with the U.S. Forest Service purpose and National Forest lands management.
An understanding of southern Appalachian natural resource issues.
Strong communication, project management, interpersonal, organizational, and administrative skills.
Strong writing skills and public speaking experience.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: The location for this position is flexible throughout western North Carolina, eastern TN, and southwest Virginia. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package that reflects our total rewards strategy. The starting salary range for this position is $83,800 to $101,275, with the ability to grow to $118,750 based on performance outcomes over time and assessed annually.

District Technician

Summary: Performs intermediate skilled technical work administering agricultural and conservation programs, inspecting construction, monitoring contracts and easements, assisting landowners/users in applying and maintaining conservation measures, providing education programs, maintaining records and files, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the District Watershed Conservationist.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
•Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of soil and water conservation in rural areas.
•General knowledge of the various guidelines, policies, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to soil and water conservation and land development and management.
•Skill in the use of basic engineering surveying equipment; ability to plan, organize and carry out projects effectively.
•Ability to present the results of research and recommendations effectively in oral, written, or graphic form.
•Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility.
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, land users, state agencies, associates, government officials and the General public.

Minimum Education and Experience: Associates/Technical degree with coursework in soil science, agronomy, natural resources, business, forestry, or related field and considerable experience in environmental conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Water Conservation Specialist

Summary

Perform a variety of activities related to the Water Authority’s conservation program. Provide public outreach to encourage sustainable outdoor water management practices, utilization of incentives and reduce consumptive water loss and avoid water waste.
Minimum Education and Experience

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university or a two (2) year technical certificate with major course work in Horticulture, Environmental Science or a related field, plus two (2) years experience in landscaping, horticulture, environmental enforcement or compliance experience.

Experience such as described in the job description may substitute for education on a year for year basis.
Position Requirements

Must Possess a Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Certificate Within 6 months of Hire
Possess a Valid New Mexico Driver’s License or a Valid Driver’s License from another State converted to New Mexico within 1 month
Driving Record consistent with being issued an Authority Operator Permit by Risk Management

Salary Range

$20.73 – $24.78 Hourly

Manager of Land Protection (Southern Region)

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), the world’s leading waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization, and its supporting organization, Wetlands America Trust, Inc. (WAT), one of the nation’s largest accredited land trusts, are seeking qualified candidates for a Manger of Land Protection to join a dynamic team of professionals located throughout the Southern Region. DU is an accredited land trust with a portfolio of more than 600 conservation easements conserving over 492,000 acres and a revolving fee title portfolio of over 30,000 acres.

The successful candidate will join DU’s talented and growing land protection team and will have the opportunity to participate in conservation efforts across some of the nation’s most coveted landscapes. The position will report to the Managing Director of Conservation Programs and work closely with Regional Lands Program staff to facilitate fee title and conservation easement transactions and to steward DU/ WAT’s conservation easement portfolio. Preferably, this position will be located at DU’s Southern Region Office in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Responsibilities include:

Working with partners, landowners, and regional lands staff on all aspects of land transactions including fee title acquisitions and dispositions, conservation easement acquisitions, wetlands and species mitigation agreements, and other land protection tools.
Conducting all transactional components of land protection projects including drafting and reviewing contracts such as purchase agreements and deeds of conservation easement, reviewing due diligence materials, tracking associated funding, and coordinating transaction closings with regional staff and outside parties.
Coordinating with regional and national lands staff on project evaluation, prioritization, and selection of lands protection projects, including alignment of proposed projects with strategic geographic and programmatic priorities of DU.
Coordinating with national and regional staff to respond to threats to DU’s conservation easement portfolio posed by utility/transmission expansions, condemnation proceedings, road development, etc.
Collaborating with regional and national lands program staff in the development of land protection projects, priorities, and conservation plans, as well as updates to lands program operations.
Assisting with the development of agreements, contracts, and other legal templates in support of DU’s new strategies to accelerate and expand land protection and conservation.
Ensuring DU’s land protection efforts comply with federal and state statutes, all internal guidelines and policies, as well as accreditation standards of the Land Trust Alliance.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree or law degree preferred, but not required) in applicable field with 5-7 years of experience in land use planning, real estate, and/or fee title and conservation easement transactions. Working knowledge of and experience with management of agricultural and conservation lands are important. Successful candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, work effectively within teams, and be highly organized and detail oriented.

Water Conservation Specialist

Job Description:
Under the direction of the city Water Conservation Manager, incumbent performs a variety of field and administrative duties and tasks to support water conservation efforts for Salt Lake City and the Department of Public Utilities’ service area. Assists with planning, organizing, developing, and implementing water conservation programs, data collection and analysis, research pertaining to water conservation, and customer

Key Responsibilities:

Implements and monitor specific water conservation measures to achieve the City’s water conservation goals.
Conducts commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential audits.
Recommend water conservation programs, policies and procedures; prepares technical reports that summarize water conservation activities and issues.
Conducts technical and environmental studies on water use demands, analyze and interpret site and utility data, and assist the water management-oriented tasks and long-term planning.
Uses advance metering infrastructure (AMI) to assist with customer water uses and assist with leak detection and correction.
May interact with City departments to support water conservation objectives and goals.
Provides public information on City’s water conservation and efficiency programs.
Makes public presentations to promote water conservation programs.
May provide technical support and project management for landscape retrofits.
Assists and participates as needed in public outreach and education.
Provides assistance with interviews and coordination of any temporary water conservation staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma plus one to three years’ experience in water conservation, energy/utility sector, environmental science, or closely related field. Related education and experience may be substituted one for the other on a year-for-year basis.
Ability to work independently and as part of a group with minimal supervision.
Possession of a valid Utah driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

Possession of a bachelor’s or current enrollment in a four year degree program from an accredited college or university in water conservation, water resource management, environmental science, or related field.
Technical and computer skills using Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). An aptitude for learning new computer programs/software. ArcView/Map experience is desirable.

Executive Director

Founded in 2003, Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) is dedicated to preserving the rural character, natural habitats and resources, and scenic beauty of the Saratoga County region and the Southern Adirondack foothills. As a Land Trust Alliance accredited land trust, PLAN has helped protect over 14,000 acres of farmland, woodlands, watercourses, wetlands and open space. The non-profit organization maintains 13 preserves with more than 30 miles of hiking trails and has protected over 33 active farms. PLAN maintains key partnerships with multiple organizations aimed at expanding and accelerating conservation activities, creating awareness, and offering a range of educational programs.

Saratoga PLAN is seeking a leader who is passionate about land conservation to join the organization and serve as its Executive Director. The Executive Director will coordinate and oversee all land trust operations and provide leadership and staff supervision to support the achievement of PLAN’s mission and strategic vision.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to review and develop short-term strategies and long-term strategic goals, ensure the financial health of the organization, carry out the organization’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, and will monitor and report progress to the Board and standing committees on a regular basis. The Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day activities of the organization and the management of the organization’s office, budget, staff and properties, as well as its land acquisition, community outreach and fundraising activities. As the principal spokesperson of PLAN, the Executive Director must display the highest standards of professionalism, cooperation, and integrity and maintain positive relationships with landowners, supporters, members of the community, and conservation partners.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated passion for land conservation, natural habitats and biodiversity.
Proven experience in fundraising, non-profit or private business management, and organization leadership.
Strong relationship-building, networking, and communication skills across a diverse range of stakeholders.
Knowledge and experience with land preservation and stewardship activities preferred. Experience with land conservation transactions, real estate, or rural landscapes is a plus.
Successful experience managing staff and working closely with a Board of Directors.
Ability to balance mission-driven work with business realities (budgets, operations).
Demonstrated sound financial management and knowledge.
Strong public speaking, presentation and workshop skills.

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree required.

Compensation:

Saratoga PLAN offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 – $125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, and benefits including medical, dental and retirement.

Location:

Office in Saratoga Springs, New York and field work throughout Saratoga County, with some travel throughout New York and beyond. Weekend work is occasionally required. Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle required; mileage reimbursed.

Seasonal Forest Restoration Technician

NYRP is a non-profit organization that works with residents in communities across the five boroughs to renovate gardens, restore parks, plant trees, promote urban agriculture, and build partnerships that transform the city’s landscape. NYRP values the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings and is committed to creating a greener, more resilient city for all.

The Forest Restoration Technician is a seasonal, field-based position focused on forest stewardship and restoration in Highbridge Park. This role is ideal for candidates who enjoy working outdoors and want to gain practical experience in urban natural area management, restoration, or forestry. The Forest Restoration Technician will assist with planting site preparation, planting, forest stewardship and monitoring in Highbridge Park. This position will directly contribute to the expansion and improvement of New York City’s forest. Additionally, the Forest Restoration Technician will support general park maintenance in Highbridge Park, Sherman Creek and The Harlem River Greenway.

Job Requirements

Ability to do physically demanding outdoor work (lifting up to 50 lbs, working on slopes/uneven terrain).
Ability to learn plant identification;
Reliability: showing up on time, following schedules, and completing assigned tasks safely.
Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, light rain) with proper gear.
Basic teamwork and communication skills to work well with a small crew or independently.
Attention to safety, including following instructions on tools, equipment, and site protocols.
Comfort interacting courteously with the public and volunteers from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in forestry, horticulture, ecology, environmental management or related fieldwork preferred; volunteer, academic, or seasonal experience will be considered.
Knowledge of or interest in learning native and invasive plant identification and urban forest restoration practices.
Conversational Spanish
Comfort interacting with people of diverse backgrounds.

Salary: $21.00/hr

Conservation Initiatives Associate

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI’s land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Summary

This Conservation Initiatives Associate role supports program coordination, grant administration, land acquisition activities, and stakeholder engagement to advance community-centered conservation in the tristate area around Chattanooga, TN. The Associate will work closely with the Director of Capital Grants and collaborate across the organization to implement established conservation strategies, administer grant programs, and strengthen partnerships. This position is full-time and based in Chattanooga, TN, with 10–15% regional travel to meet with grantees, landowners, and partners; assist with monitoring land transactions; support the Resilient Communities program with Thrive Regional Partnership; and provide day-to-day assistance to grantee partners. The Associate will support development of project pipelines, conduct project research and analysis, prepare draft funding recommendations, and help manage projects through closing in coordination with OSI legal staff. As capacity allows, the Associate will contribute to outreach that advances the use of climate science and community resilience practice.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s and/or Graduate degree, or comparable relevant experience, with a focus on environmental studies, business, finance, or related areas such as agricultural economics.
3 years minimum of relevant professional experience in conservation, community development, planning, environmental policy, or a related field.

Pay for this position is $63,000-$83,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skill level and experience.

The role is remote, based in Chattanooga, TN. We will accept applicants from Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.

Land Protection Program Manager

Colorado West Land Trust (CWLT) is the leading Land Trust in Western Colorado, serving a seven-county region from Grand Junction south to Ouray and Gunnison west into Grand County, Utah. CWLT has conserved over 150,000 acres through more than 600 conservation agreements over its 40-year history. CWLT is a private, charitable non-profit organization, accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission and governed by an active Board of Directors. CWLT has offices in Grand Junction and Montrose, Colorado.

JOB SUMMARY

The Land Protection Program Manager advances the mission of Colorado West Land Trust by identifying, developing, and completing land protection projects that meet the goals and initiatives established by the Conservation Director and Conservation Plan. S/he will work closely with landowners, service providers, and funders and must be able to build and maintain friendly relationships, and professional and courteous communications with a diverse variety of constituents and stakeholders. The Land Protection Program Manager’s primary assignment is the Land Protection program, however s/he will also provide support in conservation easement monitoring and stewardship. This position requires technical knowledge and experience with conservation easements and land transactions; proficiency with ArcGIS, database applications, and Microsoft Office suite; the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines; and effective relationship building skills. The Land Protection Program Manager is personable, detail oriented, and flexible with the ability to respond well to changing priorities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree in conservation, natural resources, range management, or a related field.
2-4 years’ experience is required in land conservation and real-estate transactions.
Grant writing and grant management experience preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated ability in the interpersonal skills required to accomplish the duties listed in “Professionalism and teamwork” including communication, collaboration, problem solving, and time management.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, negotiate solutions, and find common ground with diverse constituencies.
Willing and able to speak in public, experience in public speaking preferred.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Power Point, Word, Publisher).
Experience with database applications or a demonstrated proficiency in learning to use software.
Experience with ArcGIS or similar mapping application.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive safely in urban, rural and some backcountry environments requiring 4-wheel drive.
Personal qualities of integrity, reliability, and commitment to the mission.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.
Ability to traverse outdoor terrain such as gravel, packed dirt, and uneven ground, and navigate around obstacles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Environment for office work is temperature controlled.
Outdoor activities may expose individual to weather elements such as rain, snow, wind, heat and cold.
Field work may require employee to be alone in remote, backcountry locations possibly without cellular service.

PROJECTED HIRING SALARY RANGE

$55,000-$63,000/annually

Natural Resource Conservation Technician

Herkimer County Soil & Water Conservation is seeking: A full-time Natural Resource Conservation Technician.

Availability: 40+ hours per week

Approximate Start Date: ASAP

The incumbent will work under the direction of the District Manager and/or the Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors. This employee will assist with the invasive species program, erosion projects, and field work as well as coordinate educational programs, earned income programs, and implement the hydroseeding program.

Brief Description of Duties: This employee is responsible for planning, promoting, carrying out and evaluating projects and programs assigned by the District Manager and/or the District Board of Directors. These may include, but are not limited to:

Coordinating hydroseeding program
Equipment maintenance
Coordinating education and outreach programs
Assisting with newsletters and news releases
Assisting with the website and social media
Coordinating and/or assisting with earned income programs
Assisting in a wide variety of erosion control, water quality, and agricultural field work
Assisting with invasive species program
Coordinating stream/willow program
Culvert assessments
GIS/soil maps
Other duties as assigned by the District Manager

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Working knowledge of principles and practices of natural resource conservation, working knowledge of agricultural operations and practices, good oral and written communication skills, ability to work with maps/aerial photographs. Computer literacy and residency in Herkimer County are preferred. Must have the ability to work nights and weekends as assigned. Must be dependable, enthusiastic, and have the ability and desire to work independently while adhering to HCSWCD policies. Must be mechanically inclined; ability to run equipment, tow a trailer and hydroseeder; willing and able to provide manual labor including lifting 60+ lbs. on a frequent basis.

Minimum Qualifications: Either (A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in environmental technology, mechanical or civil engineering technology, natural resource conservation, agricultural technology, or related field;

Or (B) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s degree in environmental technology, mechanical or civil engineering technology, natural resource conservation, agricultural technology, or related field, and 2 years of experience in natural resource protection, conservation construction projects or land surveying;

Or (C} Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and 4 years of experience described in (B) above;

Or (D) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B),

and (C) above.

Special Requirement: Possession of a valid New York State Driver’s License

Starting Salary: $41,000 – $43,000