Forest Recovery Program Zone Coordinator

What We Can Achieve Together

The Zone Forest Recovery Program Coordinator is a position that will work directly and coordinate with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to implement on-the-ground restoration of fire-adapted oak- and pine-dominated forests impacted by hurricane Helene. Specifically, this position will provide accountability and oversight for contracted fuels and silviculture modules, participate in controlled burns, support ecological monitoring, and support resource coordination between partners to support RX projects.

We are hiring three coordinators, one each at the following locations in Virginia;
Abingdon, Blacksburg and Lexington. The positions are funded by a long-term grant that ends in January of 2036.

This position will supervise seasonal/term fire crews and interns. Responsibilities include fire-line construction and maintenance, monitoring fuel conditions, burn implementation and mop up, equipment maintenance, vegetation monitoring, data entry and compilation, and assisting with burn plan development. This position will also coordinate with District/Zone Forest Service staff to support timber stand improvement and non-native invasive species activities, specifically development of program of work for contract solicitations.

This position will also have responsibility for accomplishment reporting of all Helene recovery efforts to include planning and implementation. Accomplishing most of these duties requires effectively communicating between, work with, and often leading diverse teams of other Conservancy or partner agency staff, volunteers, and interns.

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Supervises field, technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including agency partners, program leadership, donors, scientists, and members of the public.
• Ability to establish excellent working relationships with outside partners, state/local/federal agencies, land managers, private landowners and the academic community.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications of Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1)(See TNC Fire Management Manual. ), including meeting the physical fitness standard of moderate or arduous (See TNC Physical Fitness Testingl)
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Experience working in a group or team.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Teams, Excel, Planner, web browsers, etc.
• Must have valid driver's license.

• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, Fuels/Fire management or similar field
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural…