Forest Conservation Coordinator
Southern Appalachians - All Lands

Employer: Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society

Location: Preference for remote or home office in eastern Tennessee/western North Carolina (greater Asheville-Knoxville-Johnson City area)

Posting Open Date: January 13, 2025

Posting Close Date: Until filled

Background and Primary Duties:
The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) are a national, nonprofit organization with a record of over 60 years of forest wildlife conservation. We are seeking a dedicated conservationist to coordinate forest wildlife habitat efforts in the Southern Appalachians. The coordinator will be part of a Southern Appalachians team working with the regional Forest Conservation Director, helping manage our regional program across the mountains of NC, SC, GA, TN, KY, and southwest VA.

Qualifications:

• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field with experience in forest management and project administration. A bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience or a master’s degree with 2+ 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.
• Experience working with the U.S. Forest Service, state forestry agencies, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Strong project and grant management skills including budgeting, tracking, and reporting.
• Business development experience including grant writing and drafting funded agreements.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to think strategically and see projects to fruition.
• Experience working with ArcGIS Pro.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel throughout the region.
• Passion for forest and wildlife conservation.

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

• Help build capacity with regional project partners across federal and state agencies.
• Oversee day-to-day implementation of RGS & AWS agreements through Shared Stewardship and Challenge Cost Share programs.
• Pursue and administer state, federal, and foundation grants.
• Provide operational support and budget oversight for projects.
• Seek prospective bidders, draft contracts, and administer work to be completed.
• Prepare and execute agreements and contracts and establish reporting schedules.
• Share project details to ensure impactful communications.
• Participate in public lands stakeholder collaboratives to promote forest management.
• Recognize opportunities for RGS & AWS to engage on legislative issues.
• Pursue opportunities to advance forest management with forest industry, agencies, consulting foresters, foundations, and private landowners.
• Participate in local fundraising to increase conservation mission impact.
• Keep up to date on research and policy relevant to forest and wildlife management.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment with minimal oversight.
• Supervise specialists, technicians, or interns and assist with staff support and project implementation on-the-ground.

Compensation:
Salary range of $50,000 – $70,000 commensurate with experience, plus benefits, health insurance, and retirement options. An RGS & AWS vehicle or a vehicle stipend will be provided for business travel. A purchasing card for business and travel expenses, computer, cell phone, and office supplies will be provided.