Reservation Stewardship Department

Reports to:  Reservation Stewardship & Engagement Director    

Salary: $45,000

This position is:  Nonexempt, Full time, Regular

Position Summary:                                                                                         

The Stewardship Projects Manager is primarily responsible for planning, developing and implementing significant recreation, infrastructure and/or stewardship projects on designated Forest Society reservations.  This position works directly as a member of the team of reservation stewardship and forestry staff that oversees the management of Society reservations, and also works directly with contractors, stewardship volunteers, and community and organizational partners. 

In managing strategic stewardship projects, this position is responsible for preparing budgets, developing or overseeing development of project design and workplan, hiring and supervising of all contractors (if applicable), directing and supervising volunteers (if applicable), implementing stewardship projects, and ensuring high-quality outcomes.  The Stewardship Projects Manager will frequently coordinate and work with volunteers and other staff members to complete projects, and may supervise seasonal staff. Approximately 40-70% of work time will be spent in the field, depending on the season, at sites located throughout New Hampshire.  This position will also collaborate with communications staff to create outreach materials and media that engage members, visitors, and the general public regarding strategic stewardship projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare annual stewardship project workplan in collaboration with Leadership Team and Reservation Stewardship staff.
• Prioritize and scope stewardship projects in the field, collecting all information required for permit applications; tools, materials and equipment needed, and plan for project implementation using appropriate Best Management Practices.
• Serve as a member of the Reservation Stewardship staff team in the day-to-day management of Forest Society reservations, assisting with budgeting and work planning, and participating in team meetings. Communicate detailed information about project planning and implementation progress to Reservation Stewardship staff and Leadership Team frequently to keep all parties up to date on successes and challenges.
• For larger stewardship projects requiring the hiring of contractors or professional and/or youth work crews, prepare project designs, timeline, budget, bid documents, and implementation plans.  Secure internal and external approvals and permits for each stage of project when necessary.  Hire, manage, and supervise the work of all contractors needed for the design and/or implementation of strategic projects, including preparation of contracts and other associated documents, and processing of invoices. Oversee project completion, including frequent field visits and supervision, to ensure high quality outcomes.
• Work with staff foresters to coordinate stewardship project development with current or projected forest management activity and other natural resource projects.
• Collaborate with Communications/Outreach staff to successfully engage stakeholders and community with regard to stewardship project development and implementation on reservations. Cultivate community relationships that are essential to the success of strategic stewardship projects. Collect and create media (photos, video) highlighting these projects in each stage of development.
• Work to improve the trailhead and visitor interface at reservations where strategic projects are underway, via signage, kiosks, donation modalities, etc. 
• Diligently track and record time, mileage and other expenses spent on specific projects so that these expenses can be covered by grants and restricted funds where applicable. Work with development staff to provide project details, progress reports, and budget/expense information for grant reporting and additional fundraising.
• Responsible for planning and implementing annual Monadnock Trails Week event.  Conduct field reconnaissance to select priority project sites, prepare materials and tools lists, and coordinate staff and hire trail contractors to work with volunteers to complete projects.  Work with volunteer coordinator to match volunteers to projects and resolve event logistics.
• Work with NH State Park Staff to produce, update and implement a 5-year Trail Maintenance & Improvement Plan for Mount Monadnock and Gap Mountain. 
• Work with the reservation stewardship and forestry departments to assist with field monitoring, resolution of encroachments, dumping, and other illegal or unauthorized activities on reservations
• Represent the Forest Society on external advisory committees and working groups where assigned
• Produce project and property maps using ArcGIS for use on website, in permit applications, bid documents, and in community and visitor outreach applications.

Contributions and Outcomes:

The Stewardship Projects Manager will help the Forest Society advance its goal of engaging members and the public on our reservations through the completion of significant recreation and stewardship projects on Forest Society reservations.  This important work will ideally establish larger communities of support for the Forest Society around individual reservations. On an annual basis, this position will provide the organizational capacity to complete larger strategic stewardship projects (trail restorations, trailhead and parking lot construction, etc.) as well as provide technical field support to accomplish the many smaller recreation and stewardship projects that arise on forest reservations annually.

The position also strengthens the Forest Society’s relationship with NH State Parks, especially Monadnock State Park staff and administration, through coordination of Monadnock Trails Week and trail maintenance work planning.

Qualifications and Skills required:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in outdoor recreation planning and management, natural resource management, forestry and/or natural science  
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in outdoor project planning and implementation, including experience in project management and contract administration
• Significant experience in trail maintenance and construction is desirable, preferably leading and supervising trail project implementation.   Knowledge of forestry, land stewardship practices, carpentry, construction, and/or recreational facility management and construction also helpful.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Experience leading professional crews and/or volunteers in trail projects
• Experience and confidence using compass, maps, GPS, smartphone navigation, hand and power tools, chainsaw, grip hoist rigging and safe operation of ATVs
• Experience coordinating adult volunteers for the accomplishment of program work.
• Competence using ArcGIS 10.x or ArcGIS Pro, Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Facebook, Twitter and other social media
• Ability to conduct field work under a variety of environmental conditions
• 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 under a variety of field conditions and at sites across the state of New Hampshire.  Approximately 60% in the field, 40% in office, overall, with significant seasonal variability.

Physical Requirements:

Field work on Forest Society reservations may be physically demanding.  Applicant should be able to hike long distances over variable terrain, be comfortable navigating through the woods and hiking alone and off trail, and tolerate a range of weather conditions.  Applicant should be comfortable carrying heavy loads (up to 50 pounds) and using chainsaws, power tools and hand tools in the back-country.

Direct Reports:

This position may supervise volunteers (individually and in groups), seasonal interns and seasonal or 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.