Appalachian Forests Project Manager, West Union (OH), Ohio, United States

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Appalachian Forests Project Manager leads Ohio's conservation program staff to establish a vision that defines a broad array of strategies aimed at improving the health of Appalachian forest and grassland communities. The Project Manager promotes cross-site learning and engages public and private partners in a landscape approach to forest and grassland management that conserves biodiversity while delivering tangible benefits to people. A core function is to work with staff to develop and implement a forestry program geared toward habitat improvement on TNC's 16,000-acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve and use this work and the management experience gained as a platform for larger scale forest conservation on both public and private land. The project Manager supervises two full-time staff, may also supervise seasonal staff and volunteers, and will coordinate with other TNC staff in the state and the larger region. This position is based at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve office in West Union, Ohio and reports to the Ohio Director of Conservation.

The Project Manager has the following responsibilities:

• Establishes the Conservancy as a leader in forest and grassland restoration and defines restoration priorities in the Appalachian Forests Region; develops key partnerships to identify and implement best conservation practices that includes focus on ecological timber management; evaluates strategy effectiveness with defined measures.
• Develops and implements a forest management plan for the Edge of Appalachia Preserve with a focus on conservation of habitat, but with additional goals of sustainable forestry and tangible public benefit.
• Manages timber stand improvement projects of relatively small scale on TNC lands and demonstrates ecologically-sound forestry practices with potential to be implemented at a larger scale on TNC or partner lands.
• Advances strategies to engage private forestland owners in sound conservation management in and around TNC priority areas of conservation.
• Helps secure both public and private funding for Conservancy priorities for the Appalachian Forests Project.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree and 5 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects, including staffing, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
• Experience with written and verbal communication.
• Supervisory experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in forestry, ecology, natural resources, or related areas of study, and at least 5-7 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of natural systems, silviculture, and forest restoration principles.
• Demonstrated experience in applying science to develop conservation plans and implementing land management strategies in forests.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in forest management (including Forest Stewardship Council certification process), restoration ecology, and natural resource conservation.
• Ability to manage time and diverse activities to meet deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Successful experience working effectively with colleagues and conservation partners, managing landowner relations, and communicating effectively with the public and/or media.in partnership development (partners, community, government, etc); political savvy.
• Working knowledge and experience using common software such as Microsoft Office and ArcMap; ability to collect field data using GPS equipment and utilize data to create maps and reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT

The Appalachian Forests Project Manager may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:

• require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain
• present occasional possibility of injury
• require long hours in isolated settings
• require ability to achieve physical fitness standard as determined by local Fire Manager

This position may also:

• require frequent travel domestically and/or internationally
• require evening and weekend hours

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered 'high risk drivers.' Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 42514, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submited in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 21, 2014.

Click “submit' to apply for the position or “save for later' to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. LI-MS1

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.