The Conservation Forester leads the implementation of TNC’s forestry programs in Pennsylvania and Delaware to enhance biodiversity, climate mitigation, and people benefits.  The position includes a diverse set of duties including fieldwork in remote areas, statistical analysis of forest inventory data, plan writing and development of forest management prescriptions, frequent communication with colleagues and partners, and meeting with forest landowners.  The Conservation Forester has three main responsibilities: 1) planning and implementing sustainable forest management activities on conserved lands; 2) assisting with the management and growth of the Family Forest Carbon Program and Working Woodlands programs; and 3) collaborating with land management partners to advance climate-smart forestry. 

The Conservation Forester contributes to the management, monitoring, and maintenance of TNC’s portfolio of preserves and conservation easements in PA and DE.  They will collect and analyze various types of ecological information, write forest management plans, use GPS and GIS software to map treatment areas, and develop detailed prescriptions for forest management treatments.  Treatments include but are not limited to chemical control of invasive plants, prescribed fire, timber harvests, tree planting, and various mechanical vegetative treatments.  The Conservation Forester will either implement these practices themself or oversee the contracting and implementation of these practices.  Fieldwork will occur in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.  Frequent and regular travel throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware is required to achieve this responsibility.

The Conservation Forester will be the primary staff person responsible for managing the Working Woodlands program in PA and DE.  This includes maintaining Forest Stewardship Council certification through TNC’s FSC group certificate, ensuring that management occurring on certified properties is compliant with FSC policies and within the terms of a working forest conservation easement.  They will also be responsible for conducting landowner outreach, evaluating prospective enrollees, and assisting with the development of forest carbon programs.  The Conservation Forester will also work with partners to support the Family Forest Carbon Program and utilize the program to support TNC’s forest management strategy.

The Conservation Forester helps establish the Conservancy as a major partner within forest conservation and forest carbon market communities. They develop and advance key partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, private organizations, academic institutions, landowners, and contractors.  They work throughout the forestry community to promote a commitment to long-term forest resiliency while addressing barriers, testing novel techniques, and communicating solutions and best practices.

The preferred location for this position is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with the flexibility for a home-based office within central Pennsylvania. 

TNC’s Pennsylvania/Delaware Chapter comprises forty-five employees who are committed to teamwork; cross-collaboration; professional development; a fun and inclusive office culture; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice learning and practices. Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization.  Passion, innovation, and diversity are key components to advancing our Mission, and we encourage you to apply!

• BA/BS degree in forestry, natural resources management or related field and 5 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with current trends and practices in conservation and forest management
• Experience making ecologically based forest management decisions
• Experience communicating with the public both in writing and verbally to technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience performing physical work outdoors, in variable weather conditions and at remote locations, both in a group and individual setting
• Experience performing tasks with minimal supervision and making independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment
• Must have valid driver’s license
• Communication skills experience via written, spoken, and graphical means in English