Community Forest Steward

Description

About Appalachian Voices

Appalachian Voices is a nonprofit advocacy organization that brings people together to protect the land, air, and water of Central and Southern Appalachia and advance a just transition to a clean energy economy. We currently have over 40 staff members across the region, with offices located in Boone, NC; Charlottesville, VA; Norton, VA; and Knoxville, TN.

Commitment to Equity

Appalachian Voices is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our work and in our organizational structure. We seek applicants who share and exhibit these principles. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the position.

We understand people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We encourage candidates to review the position details and responsibilities listed. If you have the transferable skills necessary to fulfill many of the requirements of this role, we encourage you to apply. We may tailor the role to a talented or passionate candidate.

Position Details

The Community Forest Steward provides essential local capacity to implement our Carbon Removal Pilot Project at scale. This role will support our efforts to leverage the voluntary carbon market to reforest former mine lands in Central Appalachia by coordinating reforestation efforts on-site and leading community engagement in surrounding communities. We partner with a robust national network of businesses, nonprofits, and academic advisors focused on the deployment of carbon removal solutions that prioritize environmental justice principles. This role is a full-time staff position that requires 40 hours of work per week for an initial two-year term with the possibility of an extension depending on the availability of additional funds.

Location

This is an on-site position in the Southwest Virginia region, based out of the Norton VA office. Travel within the Appalachian region is required for site visits, outreach, and team building, which will be reimbursed according to Appalachian Voices’ Travel Policy.

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit; specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Appalachian Voices offers competitive compensation and benefits that include employer-paid health care, vision, and dental policies with options to include family members at a reduced cost; short- and long-term disability plans; generous paid vacation and parental leave; flexible working hours; and an employer-matched retirement plan.

Salary is commensurate with experience; however, the expected salary range is between $50,000-$60,000. We are open to feedback from the market and would welcome the opportunity to connect with candidates who may be outside of the compensation band. Appalachian Voices is committed to equity in pay practices.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. For early consideration, candidates shall apply by November 8, 2024. Using this application link, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter that addresses why you would be a good fit for the position. In the cover letter, please address the following questions: 1) Why are you interested in working in Appalachia? 2) Why are you interested in this specific position? 3) What makes you a good fit for the role?

Appalachian Voices participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Job Duties

Primary Roles & Responsibilities

– Coordinate with project partners including forestry professionals, carbon developers, and landowners to plan and implement reforestation and restoration activities in accordance with project guidelines and protocols.
– Conduct site visits to identify new project opportunities, monitor contractor work, and assess invasive species encroachment and seedling survival.
– Collaborate with a regional network of restoration practitioners focused on knowledge sharing, collaborative research, and best practices in reclamation and carbon removal.
– Lead community outreach and engagement efforts with local residents and community groups to understand their needs, priorities, and concerns related to land access, recreation and ecological restoration activities. Contribute to the development of a community benefits agreement.
– Support the Carbon Removal Project Manager in project management and program development for the delivery of the pilot project.
– Participate in a highly collaborative workplace with other members of the New Economy Team to strengthen our programs and projects across the region.
– Supervise volunteer efforts by leading volunteers for tree planting, invasive species removal, and other restoration tasks.
– Uphold Appalachian Voices’ commitment to environmental justice, social equity, and sustainable development principles in all aspects of project work and engagement with stakeholders.

Skills Required

Skills & Qualifications

– Strong understanding of ecological restoration principles, reforestation techniques, and familiarity (or a strong interest in developing knowledge) with nature-based carbon removal protocols and principles.
– Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholder groups and fostering collaborative partnerships.
– Educational background in environmental science, forestry, community development, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
– Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, with experience leading groups in outdoor settings.
– Experience and/or comfort working in a community setting in coal-impacted areas in Central Appalachia.
– A desire to spend time outdoors, performing tasks in rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions. Experience operating power equipment and machinery is a plus.
– Commitment to environmental justice, social equity, and sustainable development goals.

Additional Info

APPLY TODAY!