Plantings for the Piedmont Program Coordinator

Description

The Plantings for the Piedmont Program Coordinator will work on a portfolio of public engagement and natural resource stewardship projects focusing on the enhancement of wildlife habitat and restoration of land and water resources in PEC’s nine-county service area. The Coordinator will work directly with landowners, conservation partners, and contractors to organize and execute riparian restoration and afforestation tree plantings on private and public properties through the Plantings for the Piedmont Program. The Plantings for the Piedmont Program Coordinator will also work more broadly with PEC colleagues and partners to advance the adoption of native plants as a restoration and land management practice that can enhance wildlife habitat and water quality, including serving as an educational and outreach resource at demonstration sites such as PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook.

Job Duties

Areas of Responsibility
Coordinate the Plantings for the Piedmont Program, working with rural landowners and multiple conservation partners to implement riparian tree plantings and afforestation projects. Tasks and activities related to this responsibility are anticipated to be 75 percent of the role and include:
Oversee all aspects of tree planting projects, including developing and maintaining budgets and managing private contractors.
Organize periodic public engagement events involving volunteer tree planting projects.
Respond to public inquiries about Plantings for the Piedmont Program, including promoting the program, reviewing applications, and scheduling visits to applicant sites.
Coordinate regularly with non-profit partners, including Friends of the Rappahannock, and public conservation agencies, including local soil and water conservation districts and the Virginia Department of Forestry.
Supervise the part-time assistant for the Plantings for the Piedmont Program.
Establish and implement standard procedures for monitoring riparian buffer projects consistent with a Quality Assurance Project Plan, including collection of data on tree mortality and provisions for tree replacement.
Collect and maintain data required for grant deliverables and input data and/or related documentation into FieldDoc and Salesforce.
Periodically review and update standard operating procedures, landowner agreements, and tree planting maintenance protocols.
Employ PEC funding to purchase and maintain tools, equipment, and supplies.
Participate in multi-disciplinary teams of PEC peers working on a diverse set of conservation, restoration, and public access initiatives, including:
Collaborate with the Wildlife Habitat Restoration Coordinator, to manage natural resources and enhance the visitor experience at the PEC’s Piedmont Memorial Overlook,
Collaborate with PEC communications and advancement staff on content for grant proposals, reporting and/or presentations associated with the Plantings for the Piedmont program and related activities, and to highlight PEC’s work in the region through social media, email, publications, presentations, etc.
Participate in local community-based conservation efforts, with a focus on water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and/or agricultural land management demonstration projects.
Serve as part of the PEC’s land conservation and stewardship team, periodically participating in annual monitoring and stewardship of PEC’s conservation easement and fee land portfolio.
Regularly update PEC Board members, other PEC staff, and members of local advisory committees on the Plantings for the Piedmont program and related habitat restoration activities.
Employ PEC information systems and other technology to effectively communicate and document the status of assigned projects, initiatives, and partnerships.
Regularly attend and/or organize PEC and partner events and meetings.
The Coordinator reports to PEC’s Director of Conservation, but will also work closely with other field representatives, departments within PEC, and members of the PEC Board of Directors.

This position will be based at PEC’s headquarters office in Warrenton, VA. This position requires frequent travel to locations throughout PEC’s nine-county service area.

Skills Required

Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in forestry, agriculture, natural resources, ecology, wildlife management, environmental studies, or a related field. Professional work experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.
A technical knowledge and experience planting bare-root trees and tree identification.
Experience driving a 4-wheel drive pick-up truck while hauling a trailer.
Experience safely using chainsaws and other equipment and/or willingness to complete a basic chainsaw safety course within the first year of employment.
Familiarity with land management practices offered by Soil and Water Conservation Districts or the Natural Resource Conservation Service that enhance wildlife habitat, restore water quality, and/or improve agricultural productivity.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the experience working with diverse constituencies, including elected officials, non-profit representatives, neighborhood associations, and individual citizens with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Demonstrated strong communication skills, both written and oral, including ability to write, edit, and proofread written materials.
Ability to organize, coordinate and manage diverse activities and deadlines.
Knowledge and experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office productivity software.
Willing to work some weekends and evenings.
Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation to and from the office and to offsite locations for rural property visits, events, meetings, etc. (mileage will be reimbursed).
Preferred Qualifications
Three years of professional experience in forestry, natural resources, ecology, wildlife conservation or related fields.
Experience with wildflower meadow management, such as prescribed fire, herbicide application, and mowing.
Current Virginia Certified Pesticide Applicator license or willingness to obtain license within the first year of employment.
Experience working with rural landowners and the farming community.
Familiarity with land conservation programs and conservation easements, including Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices.
Familiarity with Salesforce and ESRI Suite (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online).
Experience with handheld GPS devices.