Forest Conservation Coordinator | North Tri-State

Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS)

Location: Home office in Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia, or Eastern Tennessee
Position Type: Full-time core position, unlimited term
Posting Closes: October 1, 2026, or until filled with an exceptional candidate

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION

The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) is a national organization with a 65-year record of forest wildlife conservation. RGS & AWS is seeking a motivated individual to manage wildlife forestry projects associated with grants and agreements in a portion of the Southern Appalachians Region, including (but not limited to) landscape-scale GIS analysis and management plan writing, contract and prospectus preparation, forest management prescription writing, directly supporting and delivering field-based forestry activities in collaboration with regional staff and contractors, and providing limited program-level support to the Forest Conservation Director when relevant for work in this part of the Southern Appalachians.

This position will be based out of a home office and will have core coverage areas in southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, and eastern Tennessee. This will include both office and field work (working in the field up to 30% of time per year), with field responsibilities and some overnight travel in the three core states, along with infrequent travel elsewhere in the Southern Appalachians and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Forest Conservation Coordinator will help manage and maintain a regional network that implements forest habitat work through various partnerships. Specifically, the coordinator will:

• Produce active forest management deliverables for RGS & AWS grants and agreements.
• Develop forest management prescriptions based on inventory data, best available science, and industry best practices.
• Prepare contracts and prospectuses for active forest management projects.
• Seek prospective bidders and lead competitive bidding processes.
• Oversee project implementation conducted by RGS & AWS field staff and contractors, potentially including supervisory responsibilities.
• Track, update, and report project income, payments, match, and metrics or deliverables.
• Prepare and execute agreements and contracts and establish reporting schedules.
• Share project details to ensure impactful communication.
• Participate in public lands stakeholder collaboratives to promote forest management.
• Recognize opportunities for RGS & AWS to engage on legislative issues.
• Pursue opportunities to advance forest management with forest industry, agencies, consulting foresters, foundations, and private landowners.
• Communicate forest management bottlenecks and obstacles to the Forest Conservation Director and strategize solutions.
• Participate in local fundraising to increase conservation mission impact.
• Keep up to date on research and policy relevant to forest and wildlife management.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment with minimal oversight.
• Complete planning activities associated with RGS & AWS grants and agreements.
• Conduct GIS analysis for forestry projects and landscape-scale habitat plans.
• Draft habitat restoration plans.
• Develop annual work plans to ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Coordinate, communicate, and integrate with partner organizations.
• Establish strong working relationships and workflows with key staff at all state, federal, and NGO partner agencies.
• Gain familiarity with USDA NRCS and Forest Service policies and procedures.
• Explore opportunities to improve and expand programs of work.
• Help build partner capacity to support management across land ownerships in the region.
• Pursue and administer state, federal, and foundation grants.
• Conduct mapping, monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting for the activities above.
• Communicate clearly and frequently with RGS & AWS staff, partner organizations, and contractors to facilitate the activities above.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field, with experience in forest management, timber sale, and project administration. A bachelor's degree with 5+ years of experience or a master's degree with 3+ years of experience is preferred.
• In-depth understanding of active forest management and wildlife habitat including connections between forest management and wildlife needs, project bidding and contract administration, forest product markets, forest harvesting systems, silviculture and ecology, forest habitat improvement practices, and environmental regulations.
• Professional skills, knowledge, and experience in utilizing active forest management to meet desired silvicultural and wildlife habitat objectives, preferably in the Southern Appalachians.
• Experience developing and implementing site-specific forest management plans or practices.
• Experience working with private landowners as well as state and federal government agencies.
• Excellent networking and communication skills.
• Knowledge of USDA Forest Service and NRCS processes, regulations, and programs preferred.
• Experience developing forestry contracts and prospectuses preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and leading staff preferred.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, produce effective results, and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to be self-motivated, responsible, and solve problems.
• Experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Office software preferred.
• Willingness and ability to work in physically challenging environments under occasionally strenuous conditions.
• Willingness and ability to drive 4WD vehicles on remote mountain roads and trails.

The Forest Conservation Coordinator will work remotely, with regular travel required for field work and meetings. The Coordinator is an RGS & AWS employee and represents RGS & AWS in its work. The Coordinator will be supervised by RGS & AWS' Southern Appalachians Forest Conservation Director. There will be a 6-month probationary period.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

This position includes a combination of field forestry, office-based work, and remote work, with periodic travel for field work, meetings, events, and organizational activities. Field work is expected to comprise roughly 30% of the position's workload on average.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Competitive compensation; generous PTO; health insurance including medical, dental, and vision; retirement options including employer contribution; a vehicle or mileage for business travel; a purchasing card for business and travel expenses; personal computer and printer; cell phone; and office supplies.

The salary scale for this role is $60,000 to $84,000, accounting for a range of considerations such as skill set, experience, training and certifications as well as business and organizational needs. Within this pay scale, starting salary will be based on those considerations, with merit raises possible over time based on job performance.

WORK AUTHORIZATION & BACKGROUND CHECK

Employment is contingent upon verification of eligibility to work in the United States (E-Verify).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

RGS & AWS is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

Employment with RGS & AWS is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the organization may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws.