Southeast Reforestation Specialist

Description

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer an exempt, full-time, position that will provide technical support to successfully plan, develop, implement, and manage a complex portfolio of restoration and forest resilience projects on National Forests in the Southern Region. The Southeast Reforestation Specialist will facilitate collaborative efforts, manage complex funding mechanisms, and help oversee the reforestation program, working collaboratively with NFF’s technical advisory and field teams and the U.S. Forest Service.

About the NFF

As the official national partner to the US Forest Service (USFS), the National Forest Foundation was chartered by Congress in 1993. Today, the NFF advances forest resiliency, healthy watersheds and wildlife habitat, and recreation for all by working with communities and organizations across the country. The Foundation has grown significantly in the last few years in programmatic impact, revenue and support, and organizational capacity. NFF leads with impact, deploying roughly 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF is forward-thinking and innovative, with ambitious strategies and goals to advance and prepare forests for a new economy.

Position Function

The Reforestation Specialist reports directly to the Senior Reforestation Specialist and works closely with NFF’s Reforestation and Southeastern Field programs, U.S. Forest Service staff, and other local partners. The incumbent will provide technical support and subject matter expertise for forest restoration and reforestation projects, working in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and partner organizations. In coordination with Reforestation staff on NFF’s National Enterprise and Field Programs, this position will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of reforestation activities that enhance ecological integrity, improve wildlife habitat, increase forest resilience, and support local communities.

Initial priorities include supporting projects aimed at restoring forests heavily impacted by Hurricane Helene. The objectives are to restore desirable tree species and composition in storm-impacted areas in hardwood, mixed pine and hardwood, pine-dominated systems, and high elevation red spruce systems. Other priorities include longleaf and shortleaf pine restoration and oak restoration across other Southern Region National Forests.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

The Southeast Reforestation Specialist is responsible for the following duties:

Project Planning & Guidance

• Work closely with the U.S. Forest Service, and NFF Reforestation and Southeastern-based Field teams to develop and expand the NFF’s scope of reforestation work and activities across the Southeast, with an initial focus on National Forests in North Carolina.
• In geographic areas where NFF Field staff aren’t currently supporting National Forests locally, remotely manage a strategic portfolio of projects through their full life cycle, including project planning and treatment recommendations, contracts, and related budgets for services related to the on-the-ground implementation and coordination with various partners.
• Projects may include, but not be limited to, data collection, site assessments, forest inventories, monitoring, and recommending treatment units and unit sequencing, unit layout.
• Work closely with the Forest Service and partners to develop reforestation implementation plans and associated activities; identify and prioritize reforestation sites using ecological, silvicultural, and climate adaptation criteria.

Technical Support & Guidance

• Serve as a member of a National Enterprise Program to rigorously develop best practices and deepen expertise in all aspects of reforestation, based on a national portfolio of projects, to provide guidance and support to NFF Field Teams and position NFF as a recognized thought leader in reforestation efforts.
• Collaborate within NFF Enterprise team, Field teams, and Forest Service partners to develop a system of national and regional reforestation technical guidance resources for implementing staff.
• Identify and document critical needs and challenges to address reforestation in the Southeastern Region. Provide silvicultural and ecological expertise, recommend adaptive management strategies, and provide seed and species selection guidance.
• Maintain knowledge of scientific advances, current trends, emerging issues, policy interventions, and innovations in reforestation and forest management.
• In coordination with NFF GIS, Impact, and additional NFF teams, support implementing Field staff by collecting, analyzing, and reporting out on impact metrics.
• Work with the NFF Advancement and Marketing teams to support project fundraising and engaging storytelling efforts.
• Build and maintain close and mutually beneficial relationships among federal and state agency partners, local government, tribal partners, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector partners.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ecology, natural resource management, a related field; or, professional certification or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in forestry, ecological restoration, reforestation, and/or project planning.
• Knowledge of southeastern forest ecosystems, native tree species, and silvicultural practices (preferred).
• Experience with nursery operations, seed collection, and tree planting methods preferred.
• Familiarity with federal land management practices, especially U.S. Forest Service procedures.
• Proficiency with GIS, GPS, and data management systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in remote field settings and under varying weather conditions; willingness to travel regionally.
• Commitment to the mission of the NFF and familiarity with National Forest lands management.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills

• Ability and drive for continuous learning and improvement.
• Ability to understand and clearly communicate about forest restoration projects.
• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly and maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to represent the NFF clearly and professionally through written and oral communication.
• Experience with GPS and GIS used for mapping and geospatial data analysis.
• A valid U.S. Driver’s License and clean driving record.

Location

The location for this position is flexible throughout the Southeast region, preferably in NC, VA, or eastern TN. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation

NFF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $83,800 to $101,275, with the ability to grow to $118,750 based on performance outcomes over time.

Benefits

Health and Wellness

• Medical and dental insurance paid at 75% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Vision insurance paid 50% by the organization for you and any dependents.
• Health savings account (HSA) with employer contributions between $1,878-$3,750 per year.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee assistance program (EAP) at no cost.

Financial Wellbeing

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 5% employer match after one (1) year of service.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance at no cost.
• Basic life and AD&D insurance at no cost, with voluntary life insurance options.
• Whole life insurance at a discounted rate.

Flexibility and Time Off

• 35 days of annual leave, sick leave, personal leave, and holidays.
• Family & medical leave for up to sixteen (16) weeks with up to four (4) weeks paid.

Personal Development

• Training & Development Programs.
• Professional development reimbursement for up to $1,000 per year.

To Apply

Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. This posting will close on March 4, or earlier if filled. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to foster a work environment where every individual is respected, valued, and treated fairly.

Salary Description: $83,800 to $101,275