ACE - National Forestry Program Manager

General Position Description:

ACE is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the ACE National Forestry Program Manager (FPM). The FPM will be supporting all of ACE's forest restoration project managers and skills trainers as well as coordinating all ACE chainsaw trainings within the crew branches. The FPM will be leading and overseeing the chainsaw certification process for all ACE staff, Interns and Crew Members. Additionally, the FPM will lead project solicitation and develop new partnerships for future forest restoration projects, including hand-thinning activities.

The FPM will oversee and supervise ACE's national forest restoration program and support all forestry related ACE projects and personnel. The successful candidate will coordinate with local branch Directors and Project Managers to ensure that all forest restoration projects are operating safely, professionally, efficiently, and productively.

The Forestry Manager will be developing forestry related education and training curriculum for current and future ACE Crew Leaders, Corps Members and Interns. The FPM will be responsible for ensuring all forest restoration project development, planning and implementation is performed in a safe, professional and efficient manner. The FPM will play a leadership role in forestry project safety compliance, chainsaw and crosscut training, logistical organization, and equipment purchases and maintenance.

The FPM will travel often to ACE branch and project locations. This position will require the candidate to allocate roughly 60% of their time supporting and training forest restoration Project Managers and Crew Leaders in the field and 40% of work time at the office, preparing project and training logistics. In collaboration with ACE program and branch Directors, Project Managers, Crew Leaders, Corps Members and project partners, the FPM will play an important leadership role in advancing ACE's core values of safety, professionalism, integrity, flexibility, quality, enthusiasm, dedication, and passion.

The ideal candidate will have extensive background in working with Conservation Corps or leading and accomplishing forestry and restoration projects. Qualified candidates will have the ability to develop goals for ACE's emerging forest restoration program, handle concurrent operations in a fast-paced and high energy environment, the determination to encourage and enforce compliance with all elements of ACE's forest restoration safety policies, and the skills to train, supervise and mentor ACE's Project Managers, Crew Leaders and Corps Members.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement ACE National Forest Restoration Program goals and strategies.
• Organize and lead B level (Feller 2) chainsaw trainings, certifying ACE staff members.
• Support ACE Skills Trainers with organizing A and B (Feller 2 and 3) chainsaw and crosscut trainings for ACE members.
• Lead and oversee the project planning, management and implementation process for all ACE forest restoration projects.
• Perform field visits and provide support on forest restoration projects to ensure safety and quality control while holding ACE field staff and corps members accountable to ACE's high standards.
• Communicate and collaborate with ACE project partners on a routine basis.
• Train ACE staff members and Crew Leaders in the maintenance and upkeep of all chainsaws, brushcutters, and other equipment relevant to forest restoration projects while ensuring ACE saw shops are clean and above OSHA standards.
• Assures compliance with project tracking records, including weekly reports, accomplishment reports, incident reports, safety sheets, end of project checklists, OSHA injury reports, etc.
• Write and submit ACE forest restoration project reports prior to established deadlines and arrange post-project meetings with project partners.
• Supervises, assists, trains, evaluates, and mentors ACE Forest Restoration field staff.

Position Qualifications:

• Chainsaw Certified, C Feller/Feller 1 certification and 4,000 hours of chainsaw operation experience.
• Ability to acquire C certification in crosscut felling and bucking within 6 months.
• Ability to lead and train individuals and teams with 2+ years of teaching and training experience.
• Skill in the use, maintenance and repair of chainsaws, brush cutters and any other equipment relevant to forest restoration projects.
• Extensive knowledge of safety procedures applied to field operations.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, rules, and policies governing field operations in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Experience leading, training and motivating young adults in a safe, organized and professional manner.
• Ability to prevent, analyze and resolve safety issues; possess knowledge of safety procedures as applied to field operations.
• Demonstrable knowledge of methods, materials, tools, and techniques used in forest restoration operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills necessary to organize conservation crews, Interns, ensuring a positive culture and a high-quality, efficient service.
• Physically fit and able to perform a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse weather conditions.
• Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques.
• Maintains professional communications and relations with agency project partners, ACE staff, Crew Members, and the general public.
• Possess a bachelor's degree in forestry, biology or a conservation-related field.
• Over 21 years of age and possess a valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must have the ability to travel frequently and often.
• Must maintain optimal physical health, including a drug-free lifestyle.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in forestry, biology or conservation-related fields.
• Past working experience with conservation corps/organizations.
• Teaching and training experience regarding forest restoration, environmental conservation and outdoor living/camping skills.
• Mapping and monitoring using GIS technology.

Organization Overview: American Conservation Experience (ACE), a national leader in developing the next generation of forest managers and conservationists, is dedicated to providing young adults the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance our nation's forests, natural habitats and public lands. Interns and crews comprised of 6 - 8 young adults (ages 18 25) work and lodge together in remote, outdoor locations for 4 - 8 consecutive days in order to advance meaningful restoration projects. ACE crews typically work alongside land management professionals from the National Park Service, US Forest Service, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management to accomplish landscape-scale, restoration projects including forest fuels reduction, invasive species removal, and trail construction/maintenance.

Dates of employment: The position will be open until filled, preferably filled as soon as possible. A 2+ year commitment is preferred with many opportunities for further upward mobility within the organization.

Remuneration: Commensurate with experience. ACE Staff have the option to join ACE health care plans after 90 days of employment. Other benefits begin after six months, including accrual towards two weeks paid vacation and sick leave.

Application procedures and deadlines:

Email your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to Jeff Bousson jeff@usaconservation.org  "ACE National Forestry Program Manager" in the subject heading or Apply Here. The deadline to apply is September 1, 2017 but we strongly encourage to apply ASAP.

Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check prior to hire; persons convicted of a felony are not eligible for appointment to this classification. Drug users, including recreational smokers of marijuana, should not consider applying as ACE reserves the right to require drug tests. Applicants must have a clean driving record and be willing to submit to a background check.

Contact information:

Jeff Bousson

Website: www.usaconservation.org

Current Openings for ACE National Forestry Program Manager Jobs at American Conservation Experience - Staff