The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Oregon works to create a world where people and nature thrive. TNC has been working on dry forest and fire management issues in Southern Oregon for more than 20 years. The Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Project Manager will support priority forest restoration and conservation projects in two primary geographies – the Rogue Basin of Southwest Oregon and the Upper Klamath Basin of Southcentral Oregon – collaborating with a range of key partners on this work. The principal goal of TNC’s Oregon Dry Forests and Fire program is to advance ecologically based forest restoration projects and beneficial fire use across Oregon’s seasonally dry, fire-adapted forests through projects and activities focused on: 1) dry forest and fire science; 2) place-based, on-the-ground demonstration projects; 3) advocacy for key policies, programs, and funding that support this work, and; 4) partnerships with and support for Indigenous-led stewardship. This work also contributes to TNC’s Western Dry Forests Program, a multi-state, West-wide initiative to restore the resilience of Western forests to wildfire and climate change. As a member of the Resilient Forests and Communities (RFC) Strategy team, the Project Manager will report to the Forest Strategy Director. The preferred location for this position is Ashland, Oregon or surrounding communities, with a secondary option for Klamath Falls, Oregon. The position will require frequent travel (~25-30% of time), including a mix of full day trips and overnight trips within Southern Oregon for partner meetings and project visits, to TNC meetings and trainings around Oregon, and other locations in and out of state.
The Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Project Manager will collaborate with local, state, federal, Tribal, and NGO forest and fire management partners on projects that advance science-based dry forest restoration to benefit both nature and people. The Project Manager will also work closely with and be supported by other Southern Oregon TNC staff consisting of two staff in the Ashland office, three staff based in the Klamath Falls office, and an additional staff member based at TNC’s Sycan Marsh Preserve, as well as colleagues across TNC’s conservation, stewardship, fire management, science, philanthropy, policy and government relations, and communications teams.
The Project Manager will be involved in the full lifecycle of project administration from project scoping and funding development to monitoring completion, troubleshooting challenges, and communicating internally and externally on project outcomes. Treatment implementation and on-the-ground management are not part of the role. Key to success in this role is a strong project management skillset, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to integrate science and on-the-ground restoration knowledge in an applied forest and fire management context. This work also relies on developing and sustaining the relationships and trust necessary to collaborate effectively internally and externally with a wide range of interests, stakeholders, and partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Support and help execute the RFC strategy across Southern Oregon focused primarily on the Rogue and Upper Klamath Basins, including implementation of the Rogue Basin Strategy in collaboration with the Rogue Forest Partners, Southern Oregon Forest Restoration Collaborative, and Klamath Siskiyou Oak Network in Southwest Oregon, and the Klamath Lake Forest Health Partnership and the 20-year Master Stewardship Agreement between The Klamath Tribes, the Fremont-Winema National Forest, Sustainable Northwest, and TNC in Southcentral Oregon. Thes estimated balance of time spent in each geography is expected to be 60-70% in the Rogue Basin and 30-40% in the Klamath Basin but may fluctuate over time.
Advance the Oregon Dry Forests and Fire Program and the Western Dry Forests program in Oregon through ongoing local partnerships and projects and collaboration and sharing lessons learned between priority dry forest geographies in Central and Northeast Oregon and other TNC forest and fire programs across the Western U.S.
Use strong project management skills to channel scientific and technical knowledge to advance dry forest restoration, including project scoping and planning, implementation oversight and contract administration, and monitoring plan design and oversight.
Apply sound financial management skills, including developing and managing budgets, identifying and securing varied funding, grant administration, and developing, negotiating, and overseeing contracts with vendors and restoration service providers in support of TNC and partner projects.
Support identification and development of varied funding opportunities to support dry forest restoration activities.
Represent TNC externally, serving as a local liaison to a wide range of partner organizations including state and federal land management agencies, Tribal natural resource departments and other Indigenous-led organizations, community groups, private forest and fire contractors, NGO and non-profit organizations, and other partners.
Effectively communicate progress and outcomes to wide range of audiences ranging from community partners and elected officials to land management agency staff and technical experts to build cross-organizational support and foster collaboration.
Work both independently and as member of multidisciplinary teams, some led by TNC and some by partner organizations, collaborative groups, or partnerships across Southern Oregon.
Plan, convene, and lead meetings, workshops, trainings, field trips, community engagement and outreach events, and other forums in collaboration with partners to build shared understanding.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
May involve frequent travel within Oregon and occasional travel out of state totally roughly 25-30%.
This position requires regular in-person work across multiple field and office locations, with frequent meetings conducted in-office and at partner locations.
BA or BS degree and 5 years’ experience in environmental science, ecology, conservation, natural resource management, forest or fire management, environmental law or policy, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience leading complex, cross-organizational projects.
Experience communicating technical or scientific information with varied audiences in written, spoken, and graphical form.
Experience building partnerships and working collaboratively with varied teams and partner organizations, including Tribes, non-profit partners, government agencies, elected officials and/or community groups.
Training related to the histories, cultures, and sovereignty of Tribal nations.
Experience using common software applications including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and ArcGIS.
Post-graduate degree and 2-3 years of experience in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, forest or fire management, landscape or disturbance ecology, environmental law or policy, or related field.
Demonstrated understanding of the current science, policies, and practices guiding ecological restoration of dry forests in the interior Western U.S.
Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities on natural and cultural resource management.
Experience working with community-based forest restoration partnerships, collaborative groups, or other cross-organizational natural resource management efforts.
Possesses strong interpersonal skills and political savvy.
Experience with contract development, administration, and oversight, particularly in the realm of implementing on-the-ground natural resource management and conservation projects.
Experience applying scientific and technical information to guide conservation decision making and on-the-ground activities.
Experience coordinating people and resources to complete projects on time and with attention to detail.
Ability to think critically, problem solve, and work through challenges on complex, multidisciplinary projects.
Experience with ecologically based wildland fire (prescribed fire and/or wildfire) management.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
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.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $71,200 - $75,650 . 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .
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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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.
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