Forest Recovery Program Zone Coordinator

What We Can Achieve Together

The Zone Forest Recovery Program Coordinator will work directly 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. This position provides accountability and oversight for contracted fuels and silviculture modules, participates in controlled burns, supports ecological monitoring, and coordinates resources 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 2036.

We’re Looking For You

This position supervises 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 also coordinates with District/Zone Forest Service staff to support timber stand improvement and non-native invasive species activities, specifically developing programs of work for contract solicitations. This position also has responsibility for accomplishment reporting of all Helene recovery efforts, including planning and implementation. Accomplishing these duties requires effectively communicating with, working alongside, and often leading diverse teams of 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 Fire Fighter Type 1 (FFT1) qualifications (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 timelines.
• 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 a 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, two-way radios, portable pumps, hose lay, etc.
• Faller 2, Intermediate sawyer qualified.
• Database managing, maintaining, and populating databases and manual files.
• Experience 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.

Pay

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 falls within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Geographic location will be confirmed during recruitment.

Benefits

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, an employee assistance program, and other life and work well-being benefits.