STEWARDSHIP AND OUTREACH ASSOCIATE
ABOUT PACIFIC FOREST TRUST
Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) delivers landscape-scale private forest conservation in the West and develops innovative incentives for forest conservation at the national level. We do so in ways that reward private landowners for managing for public benefits, such as clean water, a healthy climate, and habitat for abundant native wildlife as well as other economic returns. Our work sustains rural communities and restores resilient forest landscapes across ownership boundaries. PFT is recognized nationally as a leader in developing new payment systems for ecosystem services, from climate to carbon, working forest conservation easements, watershed and habitat services, and sustainable, renewable biomass energy, complementing traditional timber products.
PFT has led the conservation of over 350,000 acres of forestland also developing, acquiring, and stewarding conservation easements on 115,000 acres. PFT owns 2,100 acres and manages 14,000 acres for sustained timber, water, climate, and habitat values. Our projects are outstanding not only for their scale, but for their landscape impacts and high standards for delivering multiple public benefits. PFT is thrice accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Learn more at http://www.PacificForest.org
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
We are seeking a talented and passionate Stewardship and Outreach Associate to join our team at Pacific Forest Trust, a leading forest conservation organization. As a Stewardship and Outreach Associate, you will be responsible for developing, planning, and implementing an outreach and support program for the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest, broadly engaging regional stakeholders and implementing basic stewardship of the Mt. Ashland Forest in collaboration with our Stewardship Forester. This new position is critical to expanding understanding and support for our work to sustain forests for their public benefits of wood, water, wildlife, and people’s well-being, in cooperation with landowners and communities.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OUTREACH AND EDUCATION
- Develop, plan, and implement an outreach program for the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest, engaging regional landowners, students, tribes, and other relevant forest stakeholders both on-site and via workshops. This includes working with PFT’s Communications manager to share information about work and natural events at the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest (e.g. wildlife activity, key, fun information on flowering events, migration, etc.) as well as on our workshops/educational events, etc.
- Explore working/collaborating with Southern Oregon University (SOU) and Oregon State University (OSU) for hands-on forest restoration learning opportunities as well as educational and research partnerships with regional partners, including tribes.
- Assess the feasibility of an Intern Program at the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest and, if feasible and funded, implement this program.
- Develop opportunities to collaborate with local elementary and secondary schools for outdoor restoration/educational activities, especially with underserved youth.
- Help fundraise for outreach and educational opportunities.
STEWARDSHIP
- Assist the Stewardship Forester in standard stewardship and maintenance of the Mt. Ashland Forest, including property informational signage, property security, access management, oversight of roads, fences, and other infrastructure.
- With the Stewardship Forester, work with the fire and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) community to help expand the conservation of well-managed, fire-adapted forests, and engage with indigenous communities to help design how we may support their cultural practices on the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest.
- Assist with grant and other funding development for restoration programs on Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest.
- Build understanding and subsequent wider adoption of PFT’s landscape-scale forest management approach for wildlife, water, climate, fire resilience, and other conservation values, raising awareness of critical role of private forests in sustaining a resilient forest landscape.
- Raise PFT’s profile in the region, helping build support for the Mt. Ashland Demonstration Forest programs.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in forestry, natural resources, environmental studies, or related field, with solid capacity with GIS mapping.
- Experience in developing and implementing educational and outreach programs.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with stakeholders, partners, and communities.
- Knowledge of private working forest conservation and climate resilient management practices.
- Familiarity with fire and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) community, as well as experience in working with Tribes.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
- Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as needed.
- Passion for forest conservation and sustainability.
If you are a motivated and dedicated individual with a passion for forest conservation and community engagement, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a difference in the world. As a Conservation and Outreach Associate, you will have a unique chance to help advance our mission and contribute to a more sustainable future.
REPORTS TO
This is a collaborative position that engages with the Stewardship Forester and Content & Communications Manager, reporting initially to the President.
TRAVEL
Some regional travel is required. Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
LOCATION
Ashland, OR
SALARY
$70,000 – $85,000. Salary is determined by a number of factors including education, experience, skills, training, and location.
Please send a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position, including how you heard about this opportunity, to jobs@pacificforest.org.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
