Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator

The Nature Conservancy•Atlanta, GA

3d•$59,400 - $75,650•Remote

About The Position

The Ecological Forester/Certification Coordinator is a dual-focus position based in Georgia, blending traditional forestry with conservation science. Approximately 50% of this role supports TNC’s Georgia Stewardship and Fire Team, focusing on restoring fire-dependent ecosystems like longleaf pine and mixed pine/pyric hardwood systems. The remaining 50% supports TNC’s North America Natural Climate Solutions Team by managing the organization’s Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Group certificate. This role is for a forester eager to apply technical skills for ecological outcomes, moving away from conventional commercial forestry towards landscape-scale restoration while adhering to rigorous standards.

Requirements

BA/BS in Forestry, Forest Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field.
5 years of experience in forestry, land stewardship, or ecological restoration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience negotiating complex agreements.
Demonstrated experience in timber harvest planning, silvicultural prescription writing, or forest management planning.
Experience training and communicating with partners, landowners, contractors, and/or the public, both in writing and verbally.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to work in remote field conditions, including rugged terrain and variable weather.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in GIS, forest inventory tools, and standard office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, and web browsers), including database and content management systems.
Experience with or willingness to engage and support FSC certification programs, including familiarity with FSC Principles and Criteria, Group certification, and third-party auditing.
Licensed Forester (SAF Certified Forester or state-equivalent) or eligibility to obtain licensure.
Familiarity with longleaf pine ecology, wiregrass groundcover systems, and the Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiative or comparable regional restoration programs.
Knowledge of Southern Blue Ridge forest ecosystems, including upland hardwood, mixed pine-hardwood, and high-elevation communities.
Experience with prescribed fire as a land management tool, including NWCG FFT2 certification or willingness to obtain it.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex ecological or forestry information for non-technical audiences.
Experience developing and implementing complex, often unstructured, projects within set timeframes and with concentrated attention to detail.
Strong commitment to, and genuine interest in, conservation-based forest management, FSC certification, and departing from traditional commercial forestry practices in favor of ecologically-driven approaches.
Knowledge of current trends, technologies, and practices in forest restoration, conservation forestry, and natural resource stewardship and management.
Excellent written, verbal, and graphical communication skills; ability to complete tasks independently within established timelines.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and hands-on management for forest restoration programs in Georgia and across North America.
Restore fire-dependent ecosystems in Georgia, primarily longleaf pine and mixed pine/pyric hardwood systems, using forestry tools for ecological rather than commercial goals on TNC-owned lands and with partners.
Administer TNC’s FSC Group certificate, ensuring forest management and operations across TNC’s United States portfolio meet or exceed FSC standards.
Work closely with TNC Business Units, certification bodies, and external stakeholders to initiate engagements, build networks, and provide technical and administrative support.
Gather and organize data, plan and provide training, and coordinate annual auditing and reporting.
Serve as a member of TNC’s Georgia’s Stewardship and Fire Team, contributing forestry expertise to the integrated fire and land management program.
Manage TNC’s FSC certification for Georgia properties, including maintaining documentation, overseeing audits, and ensuring ongoing compliance with FSC standards.
Conduct forest inventory measures and analysis, and/or develop and manage contracts for inventory work.
Develop and implement ecological timber harvest proposals targeting the removal of off-site species and thinning of overstocked stands.
Design harvest proposals that prioritize longleaf pine restoration outcomes under TNC’s Americas Longleaf Restoration Initiative goals.
Collaborate with partners to craft timber management plans for Southern Blue Ridge ecosystems focused on ecological restoration.
Assist with prescribed fire planning and implementation in coordination with the Georgia TNC’s fire team and Georgia Interagency Burn Team partners.
Monitor and evaluate forest stand conditions over time, tracking ecological outcomes.
Manage project budgets, negotiate and contract with forestry service providers, and assist in identifying funding sources.
Coordinate TNC’s FSC Group certificate in the United States, serving as the primary point of contact with Group members, managing audit schedules and certification activities, and communicating across participating properties and business units.
Ensure conformance with FSC Principles and Criteria and relevant standards by providing technical support, tracking audit results, preparing reports, and training.
Provide guidance to local TNC teams and others on FSC-conformant forest management planning and operations, onboard new Group members, and integrate certification requirements into stewardship.
Design, solicit, audit, maintain, and report on evidence, monitoring results, and summary data, leveraging technology solutions.