Forest Conservation Coordinator South Tri-State

HEALTHY FORESTS ABUNDANT WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ETHIC

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is a national organization with a 65-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS is seeking a motivated individual to manage wildlife forestry projects associated with grants and agreements in a portion of the Southern Appalachians Region, including (but not limited to) landscape-scale GIS analysis and management plan writing, contract and prospectus preparation, forest management prescription writing, directly supporting and delivering field-based forestry activities in collaboration regional staff and contractors, and providing limited program-level support to the Forest Conservation Director when relevant for work in this part of the Southern Appalachians.

This position will be based out of a home office and will have core coverage areas in Georgia, upstate South Carolina, and Western North Carolina. This will include both office and field work (working in the field up to 30% of time per year), with field responsibilities and some overnight travel in the three core states, along with infrequent travel elsewhere in the Southern Appalachians and beyond.

• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field, with experience in forest management, timber sale, and project administration. A bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience or a master’s degree with 3+ years of experience is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of active forest management and wildlife habitat including connections between forest management and wildlife needs, project bidding and contract administration, forest product markets, forest harvesting systems, silviculture and ecology, forest habitat improvement practices, and environmental regulations.
• Professional skills, knowledge, and experience in utilizing active forest management to meet desired silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives, preferably in the Southern Appalachians.
• Experience developing and implementing site-specific forest management plans or practices.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Knowledge of USDA Forest Service and NRCS processes, regulations, and programs preferred.
• Experience developing forestry contracts and prospectuses preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and leading staff preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and solve problems.
• Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office software preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work in physically challenging environments under occasionally strenuous conditions.
• Willingness and ability to drive 4WD vehicles on remote mountain roads and trails.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as state and federal government agencies.

The Forest Conservation Coordinator will work remotely, with regular travel required for field work and meetings. The Coordinator is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in its work. The Coordinator will be supervised by RGS & AWS’ Southern Appalachians Forest Conservation Director. There will be a 6-month probationary period.

The Forest Conservation Coordinator will help manage and maintain a regional network that implements forest habitat work through various partnerships. Specifically, the coordinator will:

• Produce active forest management deliverables for RGS & AWS grants and agreements.
• Develop forest management prescriptions based on inventory data, best available science, and industry best practices.
• Prepare contracts and prospectuses for active forest management projects.
• Seek prospective bidders and lead competitive bidding…