Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator

The Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator is a dual-focus position sitting at the intersection of traditional forestry and conservation science based out of a negotiable location in Georgia. Approximately 50% of this role supports TNC’s Georgia Stewardship and Fire Team, while the remaining 50% supports TNC’s North America Natural Climate Solutions Team by managing the organization’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Group certificate (PBN-FM/COC000238). This is an opportunity for a forester who is eager to apply technical skills in service of ecological outcomes — working deliberately away from conventional commercial forestry and toward landscape-scale restoration while ensuring the highest and most rigorous standards are met.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator provides technical leadership and hands-on management for forest restoration programs in Georgia and across North America. In Georgia, this position focuses on restoring fire-dependent ecosystems — primarily longleaf pine and the mixed pine/pyric hardwood systems of the coastal plain, piedmont, and southern Appalachians— using forestry tools to achieve ecological rather than commercial goals on TNC owned lands and working with partners including federal and state agencies, land trusts, and private landowners.

In addition, the Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator administers TNC’s FSC Group certificate ensuring that forest management and operations across TNC’s United States’ portfolio meets or exceeds FSC standards. The position works closely with TNC Business Units, certification bodies, and others outside of the organization to initiate engagements, build networks, and provide technical and administrative support. This includes gathering and organizing data, planning and providing training, and coordinating annual auditing and reporting. The position must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

What You’ll Bring:

BA/BS in Forestry, Forest Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field, and 5 years’ experience in forestry, land stewardship, or ecological restoration, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience negotiating complex agreements.

Demonstrated experience in timber harvest planning, silvicultural prescription writing, or forest management planning.

Experience training and communicating with partners, landowners, contractors, and/or the public, both in writing and verbally.

Desired Qualifications

Proficiency in GIS, forest inventory tools, and standard office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers), including database and content management systems.

Experience with or willingness to engage and support FSC certification programs, including familiarity with FSC Principles and Criteria, Group certification, and third-party auditing.

Licensed Forester (SAF Certified Forester or state-equivalent) or eligibility to obtain licensure.

Familiarity with longleaf pine ecology, wiregrass groundcover systems, and the Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiative or comparable regional restoration programs.

Knowledge of Southern Blue Ridge forest ecosystems, including upland hardwood, mixed pine-hardwood, and high-elevation communities.

Experience with prescribed fire as a land management tool, including NWCG FFT2 certification or willingness to obtain it.

Demonstrated ability to translate complex ecological or forestry information for non-technical audiences, including landowners, partners, and donors.

Experience developing and implementing complex, often unstructured, projects within set timeframes and with concentrated attention to detail.

Strong commitment to, and genuine interest in, conservation-based forest management, FSC certification, and departing from traditional commercial forestry practices in favor of ecologically-driven approaches.

Knowledge of current trends, technologies, and practices in forest restoration, conservation forestry, and natural resource stewardship and management.

Excellent written, verbal, and graphical communication skills; ability to complete tasks independently within established timelines. Valid driver’s license and ability to work in remote field conditions, including rugged terrain and variable weather.

Ability to work in remote field conditions, including rugged terrain and variable weather.

Salary Range: $59,400 – $75,650

Tagged as: Conservation