Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED)

based in Berea, Kentucky

BS/BA

Interest in and commitment to sustainable forestry required. Two-years experience as a working forester including direct experience with management planning. BA in natural science-related field (ecology, conservation biology) required, four-year forestry degree preferred. Experience in mixed-mesophytic forest types preferred, Central Appalachian forest experience preferred. Understanding of forest economics a major plus. Demonstrated experience in project planning, management and supervision of others. Must be an able user of Office computer applications. Great people skills required.

For 30 years, MACED has worked to improve the quality of life in eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia by creating economic opportunity, strengthening democracy and supporting the sustainable use of natural resources. MACED seeks to grow wealth for low-income people in challenged communities, raise their expectations of the possible and engage them in solving tough community problems. MACED employs three major strategies toward these goals—1) providing financial capital and expertise to individuals, businesses and communities, 2) conducting research and engaging in effective communications to support good public policy and 3) demonstrating effective community economic development efforts that make a difference. For many years, MACED has viewed the forests of eastern Kentucky and Central Appalachia as key economic and environmental assets. We have invested in many forest-related businesses, worked to develop certification standards, developed GIS models to support sustainable forestry and created other tools to help landowners and communities better manage forest land. Today, MACED promotes working forests that provide economic benefits to landowners and others, protect and improve the environment of the region and produce high-quality, valuable trees and timber. We believe that working forests on private lands, if managed carefully, are solid investments that have demonstrated stable returns. We also believe that the region’s forests are important individual and community assets that provide vital sources of clear air, water, recreation and wildlife habitat. We believe short-term economic gains are not in the longer-term financial or environmental interest of landowners or the region. Over the next several years, MACED seeks to use financial capital, good information and effective partnerships to assist landowners in getting fair value for their forest resources and potentially increasing their financial return where possible. MACED is looking for a forward thinking, professional and entrepreneurial forester or natural resource expert to assist us in turning our initial work and planning into effective program. Please see the position description below for more information.

Permanent

Please email your resume, three references and a cover letter indicating why you are right for this position.

Summary: The forestry program manager will manage MACED’s emerging forestry initiative which promotes land management on private lands through creative uses of financing, information and management planning. The manager will work directly with landowners, foresters and other MACED staff. Initially, the position will be responsible for identifying landowner partners, conducting forest inventories and creating management plans in addition to managing the overall shape and development of the forestry program.



Responsibilities: Coordination and implementation of MACED’s forestry efforts. This includes direct responsibility for the following:



Forestry Practice

· Conduct forest inventories.

· Develop forest management plans on private forest lands.

· Conduct trainings and workshops on forest planning and management.

· Interact directly and build relationships with local landowner clients seeking forest services.





Forestry Knowledge

· Keep up-to-date on relevant state and federal policy that effects and supports forestry on private lands.

· Participate in state and national meetings on relevant forestry topics.

· Seek to build collaborations and alliances across diverse parties interested in forestry in the region.

· Keep up–to-date on the diverse range of possible strategies for landowners to derive income from their land while protecting the environment.



Program Management

· Maintain and sharpen a vision of forestry for the region that promotes economic and environmental benefits of managed forests.

· Continue the design, implementation and management of MACED’s forestry program.

· Contribute to fundraising for sustainable and community-oriented forestry projects.

· Coordinate outreach, marketing and education efforts.

· Develop a business plan that shapes MACED’s longer-term forestry efforts.

· Conduct problem solving and troubleshooting of issues as they arise.

Salary range is between $40,000 and $48,000

Competitive.

Open until filled.