Southern Appalachians Red Spruce Restoration Senior Associate

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer an exempt, full-time, 2-year term position to a candidate who will be an integral part of the NFF field team working with partners to restore red spruce to the Southern Appalachians and provide strategic collaboration, content, and overall program support. 

About the NFF: The National Forest Foundation inspires all people to embrace and protect our awe-inspiring natural world. In cooperation with hundreds of partners, we lead natural solutions that restore the health of our people and planet.

Position Function: The NFF, in partnership with the Southern Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (SASRI) and the United States Forest Service (USFS), requires focused capacity to expand the pace and scale of spruce restoration work across Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee on federal, state, tribal and private lands. 

The Southern Appalachians Red Spruce Restoration Senior Associate will support SASRI coordination and restoration project implementation. The Senior Associate will report to NFF’s Senior Director of Conservation, work closely with the Southern Appalachians Program Coordinator, and work with NFF staff across other departments as needed. 

Position Duties and Responsibilities: The Southern Appalachians Red Spruce Restoration Senior Associate is responsible for the following duties: 

• Assist with and participate in SASRI meetings to maintain group cohesion and progress, including agenda development, meeting preparation, meeting facilitation, note-taking, resource gathering, and follow-up by tracking action items, deliverables, and commitments established during the meeting.
• Manage document sharing platform (Box folders and/or SASRI website in conjunction with website holder), including updating SASRI member records, uploading meeting notes, and adding resources brought up during meetings. 
• Coordinate and organize updates of the 2014 SASRI Red Spruce Restoration Plan. 
• Lead and coordinate grant writing among SASRI partners.
• Facilitate SASRI Sky Island Team and Sub-Committee meetings and their implementation of the SASRI Restoration Plan.
• Support in-field restoration project coordination and implementation, as needed.  

Location: The location for this position is flexible throughout western Virginia, North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace.

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation and benefits and has recently implemented a new compensation program as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $47,900 to $61,200 range and may be eligible for locality adjustment. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position, new staff will generally start near the base end of the range. NFF is committed to internal salary equity.    

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply by October 25th. Please visit our careers site to apply online.

The National Forest Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at: www.nationalforests.org

Education and Qualifications: NFF expects the Southern Appalachians Red Spruce Restoration Senior Associate to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, forestry, planning, public policy, or related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience with proven results in facilitation, program support and coordination, and/or partnership development.
• Prefer familiarity with U.S. Forest Service land management policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Abilities and Skills: NFF expects the Conservation Southern Appalachians Red Spruce Restoration Senior Associate to possess the following proven abilities and skills: 

• Ability to work with a wide range of people with differing and sometimes conflicting opinions, and to always maintain neutrality. 
• Ability to work independently, managing a variety of projects and tasks effectively, with minimal oversight, in a remote environment.
• Ability to represent the NFF with diverse partners and donors clearly and professionally through excellent written and oral communication skills and excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to build collaborative and partner relationships by communicating the NFF mission and Conservation Connect Program with enthusiasm, passion, candor, and nuance.
• Excellent organizational skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work well and be flexible in a team-oriented environment.