Tree Planting & Landowner Engagement Lead

Tree Planting & Landowner Engagement Lead (Contract) About Silva Bio

Silva Bio is restoring America’s forests by developing and distributing disease-tolerant hardwood seedlings at scale, starting with the iconic American chestnut, ash, and elm.

Silva Bio is seeking an experienced forestry or horticulture professional to serve as an independent field lead supporting landowner engagement and tree planting efforts. This is a contracted, project-based leadership role focused on planning, coordination, and on-the-ground execution of orchard, greenhouse, and field planting activities. This role is well-suited for a semi-retired orchard, nursery, or forestry professional.

The engagement is well suited to someone who brings deep practical knowledge of trees and land management, enjoys working directly with private landowners, and values autonomy and mission-driven work. The Field Lead will act as a trusted representative of Silva Bio in the field and help advance our Founder’s Circle and reforestation partnerships.

This is a remote position. However, preference will be given to candidates located within a three-hour drive of McGraw, New York (Cortland County area), to facilitate potential site visits, equipment coordination, or regional project needs.

• Serve as Silva Bio’s primary field-based point of contact for landowners and planting partners
• Conduct site visits, property assessments, soil sampling, and planting feasibility evaluations
• Collaborate with Silva Bio leadership to develop planting plans and establish planting agreements
• Coordinate a small team and to lead on-site tree installation and early establishment
• Support relationship-building with landowners and represent Silva Bio at select regional meetings and events

• Background in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or land management
• Prior experience working directly with landowners, customers, or community partners
• Comfortable working independently and coordinating field activities across multiple sites
• Strong interpersonal communication and judgment in field-based decision-making
  
  Willingness to travel regionally and spend time outdoors
• Experience with outreach, sales, or partnership development is a plus