Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist in Southern West Virginia

LiKEN Knowledge seeks to contract a Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist in Southern West Virginia

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Contract Position:
Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist in Southern West Virginia

Organization: Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN Knowledge) – Community Wealth Projects Position Type:
Contract (Part-time or Full-time. Hours flexible depending on availability. One-year contract with possibility of renewal)

Location: Southern West Virginia

Reports To: Forest Livelihoods Program Director

About the Role: LiKEN is seeking a knowledgeable and committed Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist for our Community Wealth from Healthy Rivers and Forests project, serving southern West Virginia. Our goal is to give small landowners the tools and resources they need to manage their forests, and support and grow forest-based livelihoods in Appalachia.

LiKEN has a special emphasis on agroforestry rooted in Appalachian traditional practices. These include the stewardship and cultivation of edible and medicinal plants and fungi, hunting, and integrating livestock with forests. We also support management for timber, wildlife, conservation, and recreation.

• Forest management plans and practice plans for small landowners
• Implementation of conservation, sustainable forestry, and agroforestry practices
• Helping landowners enroll and navigate cost-share programs and LiKEN’s Forestry Fund
• Helping connect producers to markets for timber and non-timber forest products, and ecosystem service markets
• Producing educational materials and workshops on Forestry and Agroforestry for our service area
• Documenting how communities we work in value and use forests

The candidate will work closely with LiKEN’s local Community Engagement Coordinators and landowners and producers in our Forestry Stewardship Group to achieve these goals, as well as consulting foresters, contractors and local representatives from state and federal agencies.

• Conduct site visits, conduct initial forest assessments, and help landowners and producers articulate their goals for their properties or businesses
• Connect participants to resources and programs that can help achieve their goals
• Assist in management and production planning for landowners and producers
• Write implementation/practice plans for some agroforestry and conservation projects
• Provide on-the-ground assistance to landowners implementing sustainable forestry, conservation and agroforestry practices
• Coordinate with consulting foresters and other forestry contractors, and local agencies providing technical assistance, forest management plans and practice implementation
• Represent LiKEN at local and regional meetings related to forestry and agroforestry
• Assist the Forest Livelihoods director and communications team with writing reports and educational materials

• Facilitate workshops, demonstrations, and trainings for community members
• Assist in identifying and expanding market opportunities for forest-based products
• Document project activities and outcomes
• Build and maintain strong working relationships within local communities

• Passion for and experience in sustainable forestry and agroforestry
• Bachelors degree in Forestry, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture or related field
• Familiarity with Appalachian ecosystems and conservation priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to write plans and educational materials
• Ability to work independently and travel locally for fieldwork
• Residence in or adjacent to our service area

• Knowledge or experience working with…