Position Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager located in Northeast Tennessee to lead ACE’s Agroforestry Program. The candidate will be responsible for providing silvopasture technical assistance, overseeing subcontractors, and successful program enrollment goals through effective relationship building with landowners, outreach, budgeting, contracting, and partnership development.

Candidate may be located in any of the following counties in NE Tennessee : Grainger, Hamblien, Jefferson, Greene, Washington, Unicoi, Sullivan, Knox, Carter, and Johnson.

Key Responsibilities:

• Primary liaison and manager for the ACE Agroforestry Program, responsible for meeting enrollment goals, preliminary site evaluations, building landowner relationships, contractual and budgetary items, technical assistance, and planting/maintenance logistics.
• Plan and mobilize stakeholder engagement, collecting data and organizing meetings with landowners, partners and community organizations to guide a robust programmatic offering
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with contractors and partners
• Lead program outreach efforts through conferences, workshops, community events and general presentations
• Support agroforestry planting plans with landowner input, performing site specific evaluations for planting plans, including a deep assessment of each site’s condition.
• Identify funding opportunities and manage grant proposals to secure additional resources, with the support of staff.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Or commiserate of 2+ of experience in silvopasture, forestry, agroforestry, reforestation or ecological restoration.
• Experience managing contractors from RFP to completion
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; has the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including landowners, partners, and community organizations.
• Has strong knowledge of Appalachian pastures and forests, management methods, agricultural treatments, basic soil science, plant and tree identification
• Willingness to travel frequently (est. 50 days/year) and perform occasional field work in remote and rugged terrain.
• Will require the use of personal vehicle with mileage reimbursements. Has clean drivers license record and history.
• Has demonstrated successful experience working remotely.
• Is organized and prefers working independently, yet very comfortable working with a small team.