Job Tag: Conservation

The Watershed Agricultural Council, a non-profit organization working to protect the NYC Watershed, while supporting farm and forest land uses, is seeking an Easement Program Stewardship Specialist. The Stewardship Specialist stewards assigned conservation easement properties and projects and ensures that landowners are following the terms and conditions of their conservation easements. This position works under the direct supervision of the Easement Program Stewardship Coordinator.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies or related field.
Knowledge of the legal and technical aspects of conservation easements.
3 years related experience in land conservation or natural resource management.
Knowledge of regional agriculture and forestry.
Strong written/verbal communication skills.
High degree of computer literacy.
End User experience with GIS.
Interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse demographics.
Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.
Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with landowners.
Work with the Stewardship Coordinator and the Program Manager to develop and implement conservation easement stewardship program initiatives.
Work closely with landowners to steward their conservation easements and aid in the development and implementation of stewardship activities on their conservation easement encumbered properties.
Effectively communicate any potential conservation easement issue to the Stewardship Coordinator.
Assist in the development of the annual monitoring calendar with the Stewardship Coordinator.
Maintain or develop, when applicable, Baseline Documentation Reports (BDR), property binders, stewardship files, and stewardship records database for all assigned properties, including mapping.
Conduct annual monitoring of 40% of the easement portfolio as assigned.
Process reserved right requests from assigned properties.
Process and manage violations and notifications from assigned properties.
Coordinate with DEP, DEC, Agriculture and Forestry Programs and other agencies, as necessary.
Assist in the development of stewardship policies, guidelines and SOPs with the Program Manager and Stewardship Coordinator.
Provide input to Acquisition staff regarding development of land plan maps and easements.
Coordinate with Executive Assistant to ensure proper administration, documentation and filing of all stewardship activities.
Complete and record all necessary stewardship program reports.
Other related duties or projects as assigned by the Stewardship Coordinator. Salary: $55,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year

Clean Air Council is dedicated to protecting and defending everyone’s right to a healthy environment. The Council uses advocacy campaigns, community organizing, strategic communications, public education, and legal action to carry out this mission. Since its founding nearly 60 years ago, the Council has established itself as an organization that advocates fiercely, strategically, and pragmatically to defend our communities and stabilize our climate. The Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Position Description

The Trail and Watershed Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for implementing Clean Air Council’s outreach and advocacy work surrounding trails and watersheds in West and Southwest Philadelphia and the surrounding region. The Coordinator will work to engage residents, local groups, non-profits, and government agencies in overcoming barriers to healthy green spaces and provide an understanding of environmental issues affecting trails and watersheds. In addition, the Coordinator will support local community leaders and residents in raising their concerns to decision makers and advocating for sustainable management of trails and watersheds. Project and program responsibilities may change over time.

Responsibilities

Work closely with community stakeholders, partners, non-profits, and municipal agencies to identify and understand barriers to accessing safe and healthy green spaces
Work with the Council’s trails team to grow a diverse coalition of residents and stakeholders to support inclusive and equitable trail and watershed planning to better connect communities to the health benefits of green space
Engage and build trust with community members and government agencies to support their long-term goals and vision for trails and watersheds, including maintenance, programming, stewardship, recreation, and conservation
Plan and promote programs and trail and watershed activities such as walks, education opportunities, bike rides, greening and restoration, community events, trail signage, and stewardship that draw users to green space; recruit & coordinate volunteers to participate

Qualifications

At least 2 years of experience in community outreach and education programs, community organizing, advocacy campaigns, teaching, or similar work
Excellent written and oral communications skills
Experience planning and promoting events
Experience working in or strong interest in parks, watersheds, trails, and the outdoors
Experience collaborating with external partners on multiple projects
Knowledge of community assets and concerns in West and Southwest Philadelphia
Experience creating effective and compelling materials for our constituencies such as flyers, brochures, blog posts, social media posts, newsletters, presentations, etc.
Public speaking experience is a plus

Other Considerations

The Council will prioritize candidates with previous trail, watershed, or park experience and who have worked in West and Southwest Philadelphia.
Some local and regional travel will be required. The Council will cover the cost of public transportation travel.
This position requires being involved in some stewardship activities in a park setting, including some work outdoors. The applicant should be comfortable with the physical demands of stewardship such as clean ups, restoration, and conservation work.
The position requires some evening and weekend work.
The position is conditional on pending grant funding.

Compensation

The salary range is $48,000 to $55,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Will Fraser, Watershed/ Trails Program Manager, at wf*****@******ir.org. Please cc Corinne Bishop (cb*****@******ir.org) and use the subject “Watershed/ Trails Outreach Coordinator Application [LAST NAME].” Your application will be read by a human and we request that it be written by one, too.

The Mathematics, Analytics, Science and Technology (MAST) Division at Babson College is seeking a full-time teaching professor in the natural sciences, with an environmental science focus. The position is non-tenure track, at the Assistant level and the start date is Fall 2027. A successful applicant will have a passion for undergraduate teaching of non-science majors, as Babson only confers business degrees. The successful applicant will also be active in some form of research or applied work, whether traditional discipline-specific research, pedagogical research or interdisciplinary research or applications. Finally, a successful applicant will also demonstrate a desire to contribute to Babson’s mission through service on campus.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Teach natural science to undergraduates. Teaching responsibilities will vary and may include the foundation science courses (multi-science discipline courses with hands-on labs) and our innovative intermediate Socio-Ecological Systems courses, which pair a natural scientist with a social scientist to co-teach integrated sustainability and systems thinking.
Work as a team player and willing to collaborate with faculty across disciplines, both in integrated team teaching and in college service.
Commit to working in ways that will support and enhance the College’s commitment to teaching in an aligned, engaged, and inclusive manner.
Assume additional responsibilities as required.

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

Ph.D. (or an equivalent terminal degree) in a natural science discipline with a strong connection to environmental science, climate science, ecology, environmental studies, and/or energy systems. We encourage applications from faculty of all backgrounds and career stages.
Passionate about teaching and innovative curriculum development in the undergraduate setting.
Demonstrated competency in traditional academic research, scholarship of teaching and learning, or engagement in practice.
A team player, willing to lead and collaborate with faculty from multiple disciplines to co-design and co-teach courses in an integrated, cross-disciplinary context.
Aligned with our values of teaching excellence, collaboration, and inclusion.
Embraces Babson’s mission to educate entrepreneurial leaders who create great economic and social value everywhere.

Salary Range: $74,645 – $78,573

Denver Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking 3 Park Horticulturists in the East, Northeast and Northwest districts of Denver.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity for anyone with a passion for creating beautiful landscapes and natural areas for the citizens of Denver. Park Horticulturists perform restoration, cultivation, care, and management within a variety of natural and traditional park landscapes and gardens. This position is an opportunity for a proven, high-performing park professional to take the next step in their career.

DPR recognizes the importance of diversity in the representation of our organization to best serve our customers and community. To that end, DPR is committed to:

Examining department policies and processes that value diverse perspectives and eliminate barriers to inclusion

Identifying where inequities exist and implementing strategies to ensure equitable outcomes

Strengthening diversity in Parks and Recreation services by transforming policies to institutionalize equity

Reinvesting in resources aimed at ensuring DPR is an equitable and just organization

Specifically, as a Park Horticulturist you will:

Perform cultivation, restoration, management, and general maintenance of flower gardens, lawns, shrubs, trees, ground covers, natural areas, and wildlife habitats

Work outdoors alongside other team members and use leadership skills to guide less seasoned workers to implement best practices in horticulture

Prepare working sketches of flower beds or water conserving landscapes

Prepare, fertilize, amend, or condition soils for different types of plants or plant communities

Participate in the planning and development of planting programs, natural open space restoration projects, and planting management schedules

Make recommendations for the number and types of plants to be grown in assigned locations

Perform weed management

Determine appropriate growing conditions such as soil, sunlight, moisture levels, temperature, and humidity most suitable to the variety of plants under cultivation or restoration

Prepare reports and maintain records of plant maintenance, weed management and restoration activities

Ensure safe handling and proper utilization of hand-powered tools, motorized equipment, and spray equipment

Safely mix, prepare, and appropriately apply chemicals

Develop and modify work plans to align with innovative approaches and best practices

Perform related park maintenance tasks such as trash collection, bathroom maintenance and cleaning, vandalism repair/graffiti removal, and snow removal operations as needed

Our ideal candidates will have:

Annual and perennial design and maintenance experience

Knowledge of a wide range of flower and shrub varieties

Experience performing lead work or guiding others

An eye for creativity and innovation

Strong collaboration and communication skills

The ability to take direction and work independently

Required Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from high school or the possession of a GED, HiSET, or TASC Certificate

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in the cultivation and care of a wide variety of ornamental/native plants OR horticultural/ecological restoration

Licensures/Certification(s): Requires a valid Driver’s License at the time of application. Requires Certification in Pesticide Application by the State of Colorado by completion of probationary period. Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment

Equivalency: Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirement except for one year of experience in the care of a wide variety of ornamental/native plants or horticultural/ecological restoration. For example, successful completion of a Master Gardener Program may substitute up to four semester hours of coursework. Relevant Continuing Education Units (CEU) in horticulture or Naturalist Training Programs may substitute for three semester hours at the rate of forty-five contact classroom hours of seminars, workshops, etc. Additional appropriate experience in horticulture, botany, natural resources, range management, or horticultural/ecological restoration may be substituted for the education requirement

Starting Pay Range: $23.89 – $29.86/hour

The Watershed Agricultural Council (also known as “WAC” or “the Council”) works with farm and forest landowners in the New York City Watershed region to protect water quality on behalf of nine million New York City residents. WAC’s mission is to promote the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes through strong local leadership and sustainable public-private partnerships.

The Stewardship Specialist stewards assigned conservation easement properties and projects and ensures that landowners are following the terms and conditions of their conservation easements. This position works under the direct supervision of the Easement Program Stewardship Coordinator.

Education and Experience Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Knowledge of the legal and technical aspects of conservation easements.
• 3 years related experience in land conservation or natural resource management.
• Knowledge of regional agriculture and forestry.
• Strong written/verbal communication skills.
• High degree of computer literacy.
• End User experience with GIS.
• Interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse demographics.
• Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds.

Duties and Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with landowners.
• Work with the Stewardship Coordinator and the Program Manager to develop and implement conservation easement stewardship program initiatives.
• Work closely with landowners to steward their conservation easements and aid in the development and implementation of stewardship activities on their conservation easement encumbered properties.
• Effectively communicate any potential conservation easement issue to the Stewardship Coordinator.
• Assist in the development of the annual monitoring calendar with the Stewardship Coordinator.
• Maintain or develop, when applicable, Baseline Documentation Reports (BDR), property binders, stewardship files, and stewardship records database for all assigned properties, including mapping.
• Conduct annual monitoring of 40% of the easement portfolio as assigned.
• Process reserved right requests from assigned properties.
• Process and manage violations and notifications from assigned properties.
• Coordinate with DEP, DEC, Agriculture and Forestry Programs and other agencies, as necessary.
• Assist in the development of stewardship policies, guidelines and SOPs with the Program Manager and Stewardship Coordinator.
• Provide input to Acquisition staff regarding development of land plan maps and easements.
• Coordinate with Executive Assistant to ensure proper administration, documentation and filing of all stewardship activities.
• Complete and record all necessary stewardship program reports.
• Other related duties or projects as assigned by the Stewardship Coordinator.

The Illinois Agricultural and Conservation Technical Specialist position offers an exciting opportunity to support the strategic agenda of a growing, forward-looking conservation organization. S/he will have the opportunity to work across teams within AFT’s Midwest Region, as well as with external partners including farmers, landowners, and agricultural professionals.

This is a permanent position that will support and build on AFT producer-led programs in the Midwest, especially in Southeast Illinois. The Illinois Agricultural and Conservation Technical Specialist will work with farmers, farmland owners, state and federal agencies, agricultural service providers, and conservation leaders to coordinate across diverse partners and programs. Several of the programs will directly support the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This is a remote work position based in Southeast Illinois and will report directly to the Midwest Senior Program Manager overseeing water quality initiatives.

Qualifications

The Illinois Agricultural and Conservation Technical Specialist must be entrepreneurial and a self-starter, outgoing and energetic, organized, and capable of working well independently as well as part of a team.

BA or BS degree and a minimum of 3 years of related work experience in agriculture or watershed/water quality outreach and planning. An advanced degree in one or more of the noted disciplines may substitute for 1 year of work experience.
Midwest conservation and agriculture experience with nutrient management, soil health principles, and conservation cropping systems, including the USDA-NRCS conservation planning process.
Certified Conservation Planner and/or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification is preferred.
Experience developing compelling events, outreach tools, and/or programming that are responsive to partner needs and strategically relevant to target audiences.
Experience with public outreach and community engagement.
Must be able to work independently, deliver high-quality work in a dynamic organization under time pressure, and bring a collaborative, outgoing, professional, and innovative approach to tackling these issues.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to translate technical content for distribution to non-technical audiences, with demonstrated commitment to high-quality work.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite. Preferred experience using ArcGIS and other spatial mapping tools.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and knowledgeable about how those principles can be effectively applied in practice.

Working conditions/Travel

Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends to meet program needs and deadlines.
This position requires approximately 40% travel, primarily within Southeast Illinois, including the Embarrass and Little Wabash watersheds, to meet with farmers and partners. Travel will generally occur weekly, with overnight travel approximately once per month, and may include occasional travel throughout the Midwest. Future years may involve more extensive travel across Illinois. Mileage is reimbursed.
Candidates must currently live in or be willing to relocate to Southeast Illinois, within approximately 100 miles of Effingham County.

Compensation
American Farmland Trust offers excellent vacation, medical, retirement and other benefits. The salary range for this position is from $70,000 to $75,000 based upon experience.

Description
Incumbent serves as Urban Conservationist/MS4 Plan Review/Inspector for the Vigo County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), responsible for providing technical assistance and information on erosion and sediment control in urban areas to landowners within the County.

Examples of Duties

Implements and ensures compliance with Rule 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5).
Reviews erosion and sediment control plan submittals for development under Memorandum of Agreement with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Vigo County.
Completes Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Form 1.
Develops detailed tracking system for projects when erosion and sediment plans are received through completion of projects.
Conducts site inspections per County Ordinance and designs guidelines to ensure compliance of rules.
Prepares and distributes detailed written reports, explaining deficiency in plans or during construction and offering recommendations to rectify such deficiencies to maintain compliance.
Develops and provides training to individuals and groups, and develops educational activities and programs relating to urban erosion control.
Assists in developing newsletters and maintaining website.
Provides information to public regarding related conservation issues.
Provides information on soils and limitations to Area Plan and Health Department for plat reviews.
Attends training programs, seminars, workshops, and conferences to maintain current knowledge of conservation issues and establish relationships with other groups and agencies.
Assists with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NCRS) duties when needed. Attends monthly Board meetings.
May testify in legal proceeding/court as required. Performs related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Baccalaureate degree required in agronomy, forestry, natural resources, or related field; Master’s degree or combination of equivalent education and work experience preferred.
Ability to meet all employer and Department hiring requirements, including passage of drug screen.
Working knowledge of processes and practices in land development and regulations, and urban and agricultural conservation practices, Rule 327 IAC 15-5 (Rule 5).and SWCD programs, policies, procedures, and legal requirements, with ability to provide technical assistance to the public.
Working knowledge of standard office procedures and computer software applications used by the department, with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks and operations.
Working knowledge of Standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to prepare correspondence, documents, and written reports as required.
Knowledge of agronomy, soil conservation, forestry, biology, hydrology, including related concepts, principles, techniques, and practices.
Knowledge of area social and economic conditions affecting conservation measures.
Knowledge of basic filing systems and ability to create and maintain accurate and complete department files/records.
Ability to analyze and evaluate area soil and water resources and environmental conditions adversely affecting agricultural and non-agricultural production in urban areas contributing to soil erosion and surface water pollution.

Ability to properly operate a variety of standard office and Department equipment, including computer, calculator, vehicle, camera, and measuring wheel.
Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of Department information and records according to state requirements.
Ability to comply with all employer and Department work policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.
Ability to competently serve the public with diplomacy and respect, including occasional encounters with irate/hostile persons.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Water (IDNR), Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD), Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), Indiana District Employee Association (IDEA), Sycamore Trails Resource Conservation and Development (STRC+D), Farm Service Agency (FSA), and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.
Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written or oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.
Ability to compare or observe similarities and differences in data, compile, collate, or classify data, analyze and evaluate data and make determinations based on data analyses.
Ability to work alone with minimum supervision and with others in a team environment.
Ability to work on several tasks at the same time and work rapidly for long periods, often under time pressure.
Ability to apply knowledge of people and/or locations, and plan and layout assigned work projects.
Ability to read and interpret detailed prints, sketches, layouts, specifications, and maps. Ability to plan and present public speaking presentations, fundraisers, and special events. Ability to count, perform arithmetic calculations.
Ability to testify in legal proceedings/court as required.
Ability to occasionally work extended, weekends, and/or evening hours, and occasionally travel out of town for conferences, meetings, and/or public speaking, sometimes overnight.
Possession of a valid driver’s license and a demonstrated safe driving record.

Salary: $50,114.65 annually

The Water Program Associate advances strategic water resources education, outreach, and advocacy initiatives for the Iowa Environmental Council. The position is ideal for a detail-oriented professional who can bridge environmental science and communications, turning complex research and data into clear, compelling narratives that inform decision-makers, engage the public, and advance clean water in Iowa.

The Associate will support the Water Program Director in conducting in-depth research, producing high-quality reports, and evaluating scientific and regulatory data related to water resources and public health. Technical findings are translated into accurate, accessible, and timely public-facing materials, including fact sheets, digital content, social media posts, presentations, and media resources.

The Associate must also have excellent communication skills for building partnerships, representing IEC at public events, and delivering presentations to small and large audiences. Success in this role requires strong analytical ability, the capacity to manage multiple and evolving projects, and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail across all work products.

Qualifications

Required:

2 or more years of professional experience in a relevant role.
Bachelor’s degree or coursework in environmental science, sustainability, environmental policy, or related field, with experience or coursework in communications, public relations, marketing, and/or community outreach.
Ability to effectively prioritize and coordinate multiple projects in an evolving environment, working both independently and collaboratively to meet water program goals.
Demonstrated experience in writing high-quality reports, fact sheets, or public-facing materials.
Willingness and ability to travel within Iowa to attend statewide meetings and engage independently with partners and organizations, consistent with safety guidelines; must possess a valid driver’s license.
Willingness to present in-person and virtually to large and small audiences and represent IEC at public events, some occurring on weekends or evenings.
Passion for IEC’s mission and commitment to principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Excellent communication and writing skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

Knowledge of Iowa’s environmental issues and political landscape. Interest or experience in public health is a plus.
Experience partnering with stakeholders to build support for environmental policies and initiatives.
Skill at translating technical, scientific, and policy information into accurate and compelling communications and outreach materials.
Experience with content creation for digital, print, and social media.
Background with customer or supporter databases, email marketing software, and mapping software such as ArcGIS.
Interest or experience in graphic design, including use of tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Canva, and others.

Pay: $56,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year

The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for a part-time Restoration Assistant. On average, this position is 60% field-based with travel across the Middle and Upper James River watershed, and periodic travel to other areas of the James River watershed for other events and staff meetings, and 40% office-based, which can be telework from home and/or from the Scottsville JRA office. Ideal candidates would reside 30-45 minutes from Charlottesville. This position will report to the Restoration Manager as a team member of the JRA Restoration Team that engages partners and the community in taking direct action to restore and protect our freshwater riparian areas across the James River watershed. The ideal start date for this position would be November 16th with one to two weeks of flexibility on the start date.

In this role, you will: 1) support field efforts for the James River Buffer Program, James River Stewardship Program, and Live Stake Program and 2) provide coordination support for the James River Buffer Network, a program to connect and support landowners in the long term stewardship of their riparian forest buffers through peer-to-peer learning and maintenance-focused education.

This opportunity is a perfect match for individuals wanting to learn about natural resource management, connect with a broad partnership of conservation professionals, engage a community of riparian landowners through virtual and in-person gatherings, and get their hands dirty while improving the landscape for water quality, wildlife habitat, and human communities. Note that it will include a lot of driving, possibly working in extreme weather conditions and traversing difficult terrain. A shared JRA work vehicle is available for this position.

Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills, detail-oriented, and the ability to track multiple priorities at once.
Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, Canva (or other graphic tools), Mailchimp, and comfort using online communication and research tools.
A successful candidate is someone who is willing to spend time both in the field and in the office.
Strong communication skills with comfort and flexibility in working with a variety of people, including community members and volunteers, landowners in both urban and rural settings, local governments, and other conservation groups
Excellent at problem-solving, meeting deadlines, following schedules, and overall time management.
Ability to coordinate with landowners and partners via email and phone.
Proven ability to create visually engaging newsletters or graphics that translate technical data into easy-to-understand content.

Requirements:

Some experience (education or lived) in restoration, agriculture, or forestry.
Some experience (education or lived) coordinating/leading groups of people.
A valid driver’s license.
Ability to pass pre-employment background checks and participate in JRA’s random drug testing policy for vehicle operators and attendants.
Ability to perform general physical restoration activities, including working outdoors in varying weather conditions, standing for extended periods, walking on uneven terrain, and occasionally lifting and carrying materials or equipment up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Familiarity with principles of watershed management and riparian forest buffers.
Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional-Buffer Certification.
Experience using Geographic information systems, GPS units, and digital mapping tools.
Experience working with a diverse audience including agricultural and residential landowners.
Experience in community building and outreach.

Compensation: JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment. Pay is set at $20/hour, averaging 20 hours a week, with up to 29 hours a week. This position is part-time, non-exempt. JRA is an equal opportunity employer.

The South Carolina Forest Recovery Director will manage a total budget of approximately $4 million over a five-year term to deliver large-scale forest recovery and restoration projects in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. Their work will focus on implementing a forest restoration scope of work under a five-year Hurricane Helene Recovery and Restoration agreement with the U.S. Forest Service on the Long Cane and Andrew Pickens Ranger Districts.

The Director will establish and manage a team of four professional fire and forest restoration specialists. They will be responsible for performance management, professional development, training, mentorship, and career growth while fostering a collaborative, effective, and supportive team environment. The Director will also work collaboratively with contractors and partners engaged in forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and post-storm recovery activities across the project area.

Working closely with the U.S. Forest Service, the South Carolina Forest Recovery Director will help identify and prioritize recovery and restoration opportunities, coordinate silvicultural and prescribed fire projects, troubleshoot implementation challenges, and deliver results while maintaining strong relationships with local communities and partner organizations. During the five-year term, they will strategically sequence recovery and restoration activities to maintain a steady pipeline of work and maximize the ecological and operational benefits of recovery investments. They will have administrative oversight of the agreement, including budget management, grant administration, compliance, and required reporting.

Projects will focus on restoring healthy, resilient, forest ecosystems affected by Hurricane Helene through prescribed fire, silvicultural treatments, invasive species management, habitat improvement, and other forest restoration practices. Success in this role will require expertise in project planning, resource coordination, implementation, monitoring, adaptive management, and evaluation of restoration outcomes. The South Carolina Forest Recovery Director will bring technical expertise in forest restoration and, ideally, prescribed fire management, allowing them to provide strategic guidance and implementation support to the broader team.

The South Carolina Forest Recovery Director will also oversee and coordinate the Southern Blue Ridge Fire Learning Network, serving as a regional leader in advancing collaborative fire management and forest restoration across the Southern Appalachians. Responsibilities will include facilitating peer learning, sharing lessons from project implementation, supporting collaborative planning, and cultivating strategic and authentic relationships among federal, state, Tribal, academic, nonprofit, and private-sector partners. Through this work, the Director will help strengthen regional capacity for prescribed fire and forest restoration and advance landscape-scale conservation objectives across the Southern Blue Ridge.

The South Carolina Forest Recovery Director will report to the South Carolina Director of Forest Conservation. They will work closely with The Nature Conservancy’s Forest Restoration Team and other key staff in South Carolina, as well as colleagues and partners across the Southern Appalachian region. They will connect on-the-ground recovery and restoration work in South Carolina with broader regional strategies by contributing technical expertise, practical lessons, and collaborative leadership that advance forest resilience throughout the Southern Appalachians.

The position may require work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support prescribed fire operations, partner engagement, donor activities, or other organizational priorities. The position is based in South Carolina, with hybrid work options available. This is a full-time, term position that may be extended beyond the 5-year term.

What You’ll Bring:

BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, including forestry, terrestrial ecology, fire ecology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance of professional employees.
Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
Experience negotiating.
Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Wildland Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) (See TNC Fire Management Manual), including meeting the physical fitness standard of moderate or arduous (See TNC Physical Fitness Testing).
Must have valid Driver’s License and be willing to travel to project sites.
Experience performing physical work outdoors in all conditions.
Experience using Microsoft Office; Outlook, Word, Excel, GPS and ArcGIS and/or similar applications.

Desired Qualifications

5-7 years’ experience in Southern Appalachian Forest systems or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven track record of project management and organization of large scale, multi-year projects, including collaborative project sequencing and meeting deliverables on deadline.
Demonstrated experience influencing and developing collaborative priorities, for example between US Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy.
Significant, demonstrated partnership building with non-profits, government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve outcomes.
Experienced team leader.
Experience with prescribed fire and other forest restoration practices. Qualified as a single resource boss preferred (Engine Boss (ENGB), Firing Boss (FIRB), and/or Crew Boss (CRWB)). Other helpful qualifications include Resource Advisor (READ), Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO), Public Information Officer (PIO), and Squad Boss (FFT1).
Knowledge of current US Forest Service policies, procedures, practices, and systems.
Demonstrated experience in public grant management and/or private fundraising.
Creativity to develop innovative and novel solutions to management challenges.
Experience communicating with excellence via written, spoken, and graphical means.
Politically savvy.
Multilingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Salary Range: $65,000 – $70,000