Reservation Stewardship Department

Reports to:  Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director    

Salary: $42,000

This position is:  Nonexempt, Full time, Regular

Position Summary:                                                                                         

The Land Steward and Volunteer Programs Coordinator is responsible for managing the Forest Society’s volunteer programs.  This includes recruiting and training new volunteers for the Land Steward Program, Conservation Corps, and Volunteer Trailhead Outreach Program (Mount Major), and other volunteer programs, organizing and supervising 200+ volunteers already engaged in these programs.  The position directly assists Reservation Stewardship staff in completing recreation and stewardship tasks and projects on Forest Society reservations, by assisting with planning and implementation of volunteer workdays. The Land Steward and Volunteer Programs Coordinator is also responsible for screening and placement of all new volunteers, assisting staff in recruiting and managing volunteers for other departments, maintaining a volunteer database and tracking  volunteer program data, and organizing and implementing volunteer appreciation events for all Forest Society volunteers. The position is an integral part of the larger team of staff working to achieve the Forest Society’s organizational mission and goals. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for running the Forest Society’s Land Steward Program. Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer Land Stewards and other reservation stewardship volunteers (Conservation Corps).
• Develop, improve, and implement core training programs for major volunteer programs (Land Stewards, VTOP, etc.).  Develop and implement supplementary skills workshops for volunteers as needed.
• Assist with planning and implementation of stewardship and recreation field projects that can be accomplished through volunteer workdays.  Supervise and guide volunteers on field workdays.
• Communicate regularly with volunteers via email, phone, and website updates.  Publish volunteer newsletter regularly to all active and potential volunteers with information about volunteer opportunities and policies, as well as important Forest Society initiatives and projects to help volunteers stay engaged with the organization.
• Work with Forest Society staff to recruit and organize potential volunteers for other volunteer programs, such as the Volunteer Easement Monitoring Program (VEMP), membership/office volunteers, or special events volunteers.  Connect with staff using volunteers frequently to troubleshoot problems and ensure paperwork and volunteer data/hours are recorded.
• Maintain online volunteer database (Salesforce) across all volunteer programs, keeping contact information and hours up to date. Review and process monitoring reports from Land Stewards, address issues and record volunteer hours and statistics. Summarize volunteer program statistics annually.
• Plan and implement volunteer appreciation events, such as an annual Volunteer Dinner, to recognize the efforts of all Forest Society volunteers.  Find creative new ways to recognize and celebrate volunteer achievement.
• Coordinate internal process for selection of Forest Society’s Trish Churchill Volunteer of the Year.  Nominate other outstanding volunteers for awards such as the Volunteer NH Spirit of New Hampshire Awards.
• Generate media (print, video, photo) highlighting volunteer achievements and programs, including articles in Forest Notes magazine, blog posts, and social media posts.  Maintain portions of Forest Society website relating to volunteers; post volunteer events on website calendar.
• Coordinate volunteer recruitment and organization for Monadnock Trail Week, an annual 5-day volunteer trail work event on Mount Monadnock.  Assist with planning and implementation of this event.
• Be a positive and enthusiastic ambassador for the Forest Society in the presence of volunteers, Forest Society members and the public.
• Prepare annual work plan and budget for Volunteers.  Manage actual revenue and expense according to annual budget. 
• Annually evaluate the success and effectiveness of volunteer programs using collected data, surveys, and other means, and work to improve programs based on these evaluations.
• Assist with supervision of interns for Outreach & Education or Reservation Stewardship Departments, as directed.
• Other duties as assigned

Contributions and Outcomes:

This position will ensure the continued success and advancement of the Forest Society’s volunteer programs, including the Land Steward Program, Conservation Corps, and Volunteer Trailhead Outreach Program.  The program coordinator will develop, provide, and continually improve volunteer training and support and be an effective and responsive liaison between stewardship volunteers and the Forest Society.  The position will, through the employment and engagement of land stewards, have a key role in ensuring that the Forest Society reservations are adequately monitored on an annual basis.  The Land Steward & Volunteer Programs Coordinator will assist with planning and carrying out stewardship tasks and recreation projects on Forest Society lands via land steward and conservation corps volunteer workdays.  The position will recruit and onboard new volunteers for other volunteer programs and assist staff working with volunteers to administer their volunteer programs.  Volunteer data, including contact information, volunteer status, and volunteer hours will be kept up to date by the person in this position, and will be used to evaluate and improve all volunteer programs.  This position also ensures that all volunteers across the organization feel welcomed and appreciated for their efforts, through recognition and appreciation events and efforts. 

Qualifications and Skills required:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, recreation management, environmental education or natural sciences field and 2 years’ experience in related fields; OR
• Graduate degree in any of the above fields and 1 year experience in a related field.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, oral and presentation skills.
• Ability to work closely and amiably with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and personalities, and to encourage a positive, safe and fun working environment.
• Experience training, educating and coordinating adult volunteers, preferably for work in outdoor settings.
• Experience in land stewardship, trail maintenance, recreational management, and/or forestry a plus.
• Experience operating chainsaws, brushsaws, ATVs, carpentry power tools, and various hand tools for trailwork is beneficial.
• Able to navigate using map/survey and compass.  Experience using navigational apps for mobile devices to collect field data (tracks, points, photos).
• Competence using databases (i.e. Salesforce), Microsoft Office suite, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom required.  Experience with content-editable websites, ArcGIS, or graphic design programs also a plus.
•  Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Familiarity with NH geography, culture and history.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and reliable transportation.

Working Conditions:

• This position requires significant outdoor work across the state of NH under varying field conditions.  Approximately 40% fieldwork and 60% office overall.  Flexible work schedule (some evenings and weekends required).

Physical Requirements:

Field work on Forest Society reservations may be physically demanding.  Applicant should be able to lift 50lbs, hike long distances over variable terrain, be comfortable navigating through the woods and hiking alone, and be able to conduct field work in a variety of weather conditions.   

Direct Reports:

This position supervises 200+ volunteers, individually and in large groups, as well as seasonal interns and occasional temporary paid staff.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Forest Society is an equity-based employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status or and other protected status as required by applicable law.

If you’re interested in becoming a member of the dedicated Forest Society staff email a resume, cover letter and references to cdeegan@forestsociety.org (or mail a hard copy resume, cover letter and references to The Society for the Protection of NH Forests c/o: Carrie Deegan • 54 Portsmouth Street • Concord, NH 03301-5400).  This position will remain open until filled.

The Forest Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.   

No phone calls please.