Forest Recovery Program Zone Coordinator

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is hiring three Zone Forest Recovery Program Coordinators to work with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests for on-the-ground restoration of hurricane-impacted oak- and pine-dominated forests in Virginia. Responsibilities include supervising fire crews, supporting ecological monitoring, coordinating with partners, and ensuring timely reporting of recovery efforts.

Requires FFT1 qualifications and a valid driver’s license; locations Abingdon, Blacksburg, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field.
• FFT1 qualification and meeting physical fitness standards.
• Experience managing staff or volunteers.
• Experience working in a group or team.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timelines.
• Experience with English and other relevant languages; strong written/spoken communication.
• Proficiency with Word, Teams, Excel, Planner and web browsers.

Responsibilities

• Supervise seasonal/term fire crews and interns.
• Conduct fire-line construction and maintenance, monitor fuel conditions.
• Execute burn implementation and mop up; perform equipment maintenance.
• Coordinate with District/Zone Forest Service staff on timber stand improvement and invasive species.
• Prepare accomplishment reporting for Helene recovery efforts.
• Communicate and lead diverse teams of Conservancy staff and partners.

Skills

Fire management

Staff management

Team leadership

Communication

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Planner

GIS software

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

The Zone Forest Recovery Program Coordinator is a position that will work directly and coordinate with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to implement on-the-ground restoration of fire-adapted oak- and pine-dominated forests impacted by hurricane Helene. Specifically, this position will provide accountability and oversite for contracted fuels and silviculture modules, participate in controlled burns, support ecological monitoring, and support resource coordination between partners to support RX projects. We are hiring three coordinators, one each at the following locations in Virginia: Abingdon, Blacksburg and Lexington. The positions are funded by a long-term grant that ends in January of 2036.

We’re Looking for You

This position will supervise seasonal/term fire crews and interns. Responsibilities include fire-line construction and maintenance, monitoring fuel conditions, burn implementation and mop up, equipment maintenance, vegetation monitoring, data entry and compilation, and assisting with burn plan development. This position will also coordinate with District/Zone Forest Service staff to support timber stand improvement and non-native invasive species activities, specifically development of program of work for contract solicitations. This position will also have responsibility for accomplishment reporting of all Helene recovery efforts to include planning and implementation. Accomplishing most of these duties requires effectively communicating between, work with, and often leading diverse teams of other Conservancy or partner agency staff, volunteers, and interns.

Responsibilities & Scope

Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context. Supervises field, technical, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and assisting with budget development. Ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including agency partners, program leadership, donors, scientists, and members of the public. Ability to establish excellent working relationships with outside partners, state/local/federal agencies, land managers, private landowners and the academic community.

What You’ll Bring

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to obtain the qualifications of Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) (See TNC Fire Management Manual), including meeting the physical fitness standard of moderate or arduous (See TNC Physical Fitness Testing). Experience managing staff or volunteers. Experience working in a group or team. Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages. Experience using common software applications such as Word, Teams, Excel, Planner, web browsers, etc. Must have valid driver's license.

Desired Qualifications

3-5 years' experience in natural resource management, Fuels/Fire management or similar field. Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. Knowledge of ecological land management principles. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation. Qualified NWCG Single Resource Boss (FIRB, CRWB, ENGB, HEQB preferred). Willingness and ability to obtain additional training and qualifications in fire management. Experience operating various types of equipment and machinery, including UTVs, Chainsaws, Leaf Blowers, 2-way radios, portable pumps, hose lay, etc. Faller 2, Intermediate sawyer qualified. Database managing, maintaining and populating databases and manual files. Experience with producing maps and/or other graphic products and reports and operating GIS software. Experience and knowledge of UAS operations. Experience presenting information to groups, such as teaching courses, briefing resources or leading meetings. Experience planning and organizing low or moderate level events. This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC'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. To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $55,000 - $70,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Benefits and Perks

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. If you have military experience, visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Global Impact

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.