Washington Forest Manager

OFFICE LOCATION

Olympia, Washington, USA

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Washington Forest Manager is responsible for ensuring that the forest activities meet and exceed the Nature Conservancy’s forest management and restoration goals and objectives, as well as the standards set by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Land Trust Accreditation (LTA) in both coastal rainforests and inland dry forest systems. This position directly supervises three jobshiringnearme.org Field Foresters who oversee Conservancy-owned and/or managed forestlands in Willapa Bay (20,000 acres), the Olympic Peninsula (16,000 acres), and the Central Cascades (18,000 acres) of Washington. Key responsibilities include daily management and scheduling of forest operations, ensuring compliance and accountability for contracts and grants, and managing complex forest restoration projects. These projects involve various activities, such as commercial restoration thinning, pre-commercial thinning, reforestation, invasive species treatments, stream habitat improvement, forest road improvements, road decommissioning, road maintenance, and general property management. A critical aspect of this position is developing and fostering strong relationships with partners and communities.

The Forest Manager will oversee forest operations and is tasked with achieving active forest management and restoration outcomes. This includes monitoring harvest operations and restoration projects carried out by the team, or contractors who implement the forest management plans across Nature Conservancy managed properties. The primary goal of the Conservancy’s forest management is to enhance forest health while restoring ecological structures and functions across these properties, generating ecological, financial, and social benefits.

This position collaborates closely with colleagues at The Nature Conservancy in Washington and across the organization, who have expertise in science, government and community relations, human resources, philanthropy, finance, and marketing to achieve the Conservancy’s objectives.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you’re seeking a career that offers meaning and purpose, consider joining our Chapter as a Forest Manager. In this role, you’ll not only fulfil important conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Washington, but you’ll also contribute to broader conservation goals through various networks.

We are looking for a passionate, creative, collaborative, and dedicated individual who is eager to implement ecological restoration forestry practices on the ground and work alongside a team of like-minded foresters. Join The Nature Conservancy and apply today!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice, forest operations, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in writing, negotiating, and managing contracts for forestry, logging, and heavy equipment contractors related to forest management or natural resource projects.
• A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, demonstrating the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance.
• Experience preparing silvicultural logging prescriptions to achieve both ecological and economic forestry goals.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workload distribution, and tracking and managing budgets to meet deadlines.
• Capability to complete multiple tasks independently while adhering to timelines and deliverables, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively on team projects.
• Proficiency in using ArcView GIS, forest inventory software, GPS devices, data loggers, and Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with TNC staff, contractors, landowners, community members, the public, scientists, and TNC donors.
• Conduct fieldwork independently in adverse weather conditions and at remote locations, including steep, difficult, and hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances.
• Travel weekly across multiple counties year-round, which includes driving in various weather conditions, frequent overnight stays, and the flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and knowledge in forest restoration, road engineering, harvest planning, unit layout, and uneven-aged or long-rotation forest management in the coastal temperate coniferous rainforest and/or dry inland forests of California, Oregon, Washington, Canada, and Alaska to achieve both ecological and economic forestry goals.
• Experience negotiating with mills, conducting log marketing for domestic and specialty markets and timber sale accounting.
• Experience managing and maintaining Arc GIS and forest stand inventory databases.
• Current knowledge of Washington State Forest Practices Rules and guidance from the Forest Practices Board Manual.
• Experience managing forest properties with Forest Stewardship Council Certification.
• Relationship building skills to work closely with a variety of partners, e.g., government officials, scientists, donors, tribes and local communities.
• Current WSDA Pesticide license or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Experience safely using and maintaining tools and equipment, including power and construction tools, chain saws, brush cutters, backpack sprayers, and all-terrain vehicles (ATV’s).
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment / under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $73,000 – $89,700 annual salary or $40.12/hour – $49.29/hour. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. 

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID# 56135, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ . The application deadline is 2/10/2025 at 8:59 PM PST. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. 

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.