Stewardship Project Coordinator – Forestry

Organization

New Jersey Audubon

Job Posted

August 25, 2023

Job status

Job Category

Job Type

Job Duration

Job Compensation Type

Remote

No

Contact Name

Kristen Mistrell

Contact Email

hr.stewardshipnorth@njaudubon.org

Location

Port Murray, NJ
United States
The Stewardship Project Coordinator will work collaboratively with New Jersey Audubon staff and partners to lead a team in implementing conservation initiatives for both public and private landowners in New Jersey. The position’s primary responsibilities will seek to achieve the goals set by the organization’s Conservation Priorities, with a focus on ecological forestry.

The Stewardship Project Coordinator will coordinate and implement project plans, assist the Project Director in securing funding for habitat restoration projects, and serves as New Jersey Audubon’s northern forestry coordinator. Other responsibilities include forest management plan creation, project oversight, assisting with on-the-ground habitat restoration activities, landowner outreach, project communications, and maintaining partner, funder, donor, and stakeholder relationships.

Summary

Major Responsibilities:
· In consultation with the Stewardship Project Director, will coordinate, develop, and implement habitat conservation and restoration plans and projects.
· Coordinate habitat conservation and restoration projects on public and private lands in northern New Jersey.
· Aid in the creation of forest management plans for New Jersey Audubon Properties, private lands, and public lands; tasks may include data collection, data processing, plan writing, map making, and compiling final plans for review and submittal to appropriate entities.
· Aid in implementing habitat conservation and restoration activities including invasive species management, forest thinning, plantings, and supplemental seedings.
· Perform routine site inspections on active projects such as invasive species management or timber harvests.
· Responsible for following up with landowners in project planning and implementation.
· Interact with numerous partners (public, private and government) to promote effective, adaptive conservation management actions associated with critical habitats.
· Assist the Stewardship Project Director in preparing project reports and funding proposals.
· Coordinate landowner and stakeholder outreach efforts and aid landowners in the development of project proposals for federal funding.
· Supervise full-time and seasonal field staff.
· Identify opportunities to expand New Jersey Audubon’s conservation programs and initiatives.
· Represent NJA on regional coalitions, councils, and committees.
· Maintain existing key relationships with partners, funders, and other contacts.
· Contribute to other projects to support the department and the organization’s mission and work collaboratively with New Jersey Audubon staff and partners.
· Participate with other New Jersey Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center and assume additional responsibilities as required.


Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:
· B.S. in forestry, natural resource management, or related field, including an emphasis in land management, restoration, stewardship and/or conservation planning. Applicants that are currently a New Jersey Approved Forester or able to become credentialed shortly after hiring, will be given a strong consideration in addition to all other qualifications.
· Minimum three years’ experience working in the natural resources or conservation field and experience supervising staff preferred.
· Familiarity with forestry programs in the state of NJ, including the NJ Forest Stewardship Program, Farmland Assessment requirements, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service programs preferred.
· Currently credentialed or able to obtain any of the following credentials highly desired: NJ Approved Forester, NJ Licensed Tree Expert, and/or NJ Licensed Pesticide Applicator.
· Experience implementing habitat restoration and management projects and familiarity with restoration concepts and techniques.
· Strong understanding and knowledge of local flora, fauna, and characteristic ecosystems of New Jersey.
· Familiarity with or ability to safely use standard field equipment and experience with or ability to safely use and maintain tools and equipment, including backpack sprayers, brush cutters, chainsaws, mist blowers, ATVs, and planting bars.
· Familiarity with report writing and grant proposal development is preferred.
· Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, familiarity with ArcMap preferred) to fulfill the job requirements.
· Excellent oral and written skills, and knowledge of environmental and conservation issues desired.
· Punctual with excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines.
· Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback.
· Results oriented and motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
· Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
· Willingness to work irregular hours under sometimes difficult field conditions.
· Flexibility to adjust hours to meet the special needs of the program and organization.
· Must have the physical capacity to walk on uneven terrain for long distances while carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
· All applicants must have their own transportation, and a valid, clean driver’s license. Mileage reimbursement for use of a personal vehicle for job-related travel is provided.
· Must be a New Jersey or Pennsylvania resident or willing to relocate to New Jersey or Pennsylvania upon hire.

 

Please email cover letter and resume to hr.stewardshipnorth@njaudubon.org listing the job position in the subject line

Compensation Information

This position is eligible for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits as well as a Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flex Spending, Life and Accidental Death coverage, Group Life Insurance and Short and Long-term Disability Insurance upon hire.

Full time positions also receive Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Floating Holidays as well as Federally recognized holidays.

Compensation is $45,000 to $55,000 annually.