The Lead Forester is responsible for developing, planning and implementing GALT’s forest policy and administering GALT’s forest related initiatives.  Current initiatives include working with landowners to implement forestry related practices that will sustain, expand and enhance longleaf ecosystems, including bottomland components of those systems.  The Lead Forester will also implement GALT’s forest carbon initiative, including providing support for non-governmental organizations in our region.  The Lead Forester will be involved in identifying new forest-related initiatives as opportunities evolve and change. 

A strong background in forestry and land management is required.  The candidate must be technologically proficient, having experience in mapping and natural resource data collection/management software.  Strong interpersonal, communication and leadership skills, as well as business experience are desirable. The job will require some travel, primarily in Georgia and Alabama with some overnight travel.

General Background Considerations:

• Experience with
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and other land and business management software
  • Carbon sequestration and quantification
  • Longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood ecosystems, including prescribed fire
  • Project management and budgeting
  • Outreach and leading land management discussions
  • Grant administration
• Works well remotely, collaborating using TEAMS, ZOOM and similar platforms.
• Enjoys and feels comfortable being with landowners from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Enjoys working in GALT’s collaborative style work environment

Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in forestry/natural resources, or associated curriculum.  Ideally, three or more years’ experience in related areas; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

About the Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Inc.:

The Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Inc. (GALT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to enriching life through land protection.  Over the 30 years since GALT’s founding, GALT has protected over 460,000 acres of land, primarily in Georgia and Alabama, making GALT the largest land trust exclusively protecting land within the Southeastern U.S. GALT serves to protect land and water through conservation easements, ownership of land, and enrollment of properties in supporting programs. This provides a wide variety of benefits to society, including conservation of wildlife, native species, natural communities, watershed function, forestry and agriculture, historic and cultural values, and recreational opportunities.

GALT is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  The Georgia-Alabama Land Trust, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Travel / Work Locations:

Remote (to be located within Georgia or Alabama). Travel, including overnight, will be at times required within the Land Trust’s area of operation.

GALT also maintains an office at:

226 Old Ladiga Road

Piedmont, AL 36272

Strong Employee Benefits*:

• Salary in the $65,000 to $85,000 range and/or commensurate with experience
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Health Insurance (currently through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama), with strong employer share of cost.
• Dental Insurance options available.
• Allocation of Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Land Trust provided materials, such as a work vehicle and/or stipend and computer

* Further details are provided for within GALT’s Standard Operating Procedure.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Work is often performed both in an office and on-site in remote, outdoor locations.  Work may require some physical exertion typical within an office setting such as standing/reaching, lifting small items, and filing; at on-site locations, work may involve movement over significant distance upon uneven or unmaintained terrain and away from roads and trails.