MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL SCIENCE COORDINATOR

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with one of the most ambitious rescue missions in the natural world: return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are working to restore the American chestnut tree to eastern forests. 

Our Mission is to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range

Our Vision is a robust eastern forest returned to its splendor

TACF’s Values: Optimism, Patience, Science-Based Decisions, Integrity, Innovation, and Collaboration 

Position Summary

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator (MARSC) supports the science-related activities of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) volunteer-run chapters in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and in the greater DC area. Chapters in the Mid-Atlantic have active leadership and programs. The MARSC will support and guide chapter science programs in field activities such as pollination, greenhouse management, harvest and seed collection, planting and maintenance of chestnut trees, inoculating, and selecting trees. In addition, the MARSC is responsible for database entry and analysis, organizing education and outreach opportunities, participating in chapter meetings, and acting as a link between the chapters and the national program of TACF. The MARSC collaborates with TACF’s regional team and Director of Science and reports to the Director of Science Implementation based out of Charlottesville, VA. This position is based out of Charlottesville, VA with a flexible hybrid schedule and office space available through the VA Department of Forestry. This job requires frequent travel, up to 25% of the time, throughout the assigned Mid-Atlantic territory. The salary recruitment range (DOE) for this position is between $49,000-62,000 annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide chapters with science-based advice on breeding and orchard management in alignment with TACF protocols.
• Guide chapters in contributing to TACF’s Recurrent Genomic Selection breeding program.
• Direct and lead chapter field activities, including plantings, pollinations, and harvests.
• Assist with data collection and analysis on tree survival, growth rates, and orchard conditions; maintain orchard databases and maps.
• Review orchard management practices (fertilization, watering, pest control) and recommend improvements.
• Determine next steps for orchards based on season, tree age, and chapter goals; advise on repurposing if necessary.
• Train chapter members on chestnut planting, tree management, and identification.
• Facilitate collaborations for orchard establishment and volunteer engagement.
• Attend chapter meetings, present talks, and participate in field activities to support volunteers.
• Work with TACF science staff to develop plantings on private, agency, and partner lands.
• Travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to assist with field implementation of TACF’s science plan.
• Communicate regularly with TACF staff and chapter leaders to align goals and share accomplishments.
• Manage relationships with chapter volunteer leaders to ensure consistent information flow.

Other Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to schools and community groups.
• Participate in professional development and staff retreats.
• Assist with grant writing and donor cultivation as requested.
• Promote TACF’s work through media interviews, articles, and presentations.
• Supervise seasonal interns as needed.
• Utilize Microsoft Office and specialized software for data management.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support TACF’s mission.

Qualifications and Required Skills

• Degree in biological sciences, environmental sciences, forestry, botany or equivalent, with a preference for an advanced degree in one of those disciplines.
• Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methodologies in the field of biological sciences, particularly genetics, restoration ecology, and botany
• Experience in tree-orchard operation, plant and/or tree breeding and its management is preferred
• Strong organizational skills required; ability to work independently and travel on short notice. Adherence to TACF’s travel policy is required.
• Experience in complex project management in short- and long-term goals and objectives and ability to communicate goals to volunteers, staff, and board colleagues. Creative problem-solving and conflict management skills desired
• Excellent written communication skills for a variety of purposes: scientific, technical, and persuasive, dependent upon the audience. Experience publishing in peer review journals desired but not required
• Experience in public speaking to a variety of audiences with the ability to share complex, technical themes in compelling and accessible ways. Experience speaking with a variety of media outlets desirable
• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including the Board of Directors, chapter leadership, volunteers, the public, and TACF staff
• Exemplary written, verbal, communication, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on new projects
• Efficient in an environment with evolving priorities
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer service
• Knowledge and ability in computer-based spreadsheets, databases, GPS systems, presentation software, reporting systems and as well as common communication tools such as Microsoft Office Suite of software and virtual meeting software such as Zoom and Teams
• Ability to work in a highly decentralized non-profit organization made up of a small professional staff and large corps of volunteers with broad and diverse demographics

Physical Requirements

Physical activity required of the position includes hiking/walking in sometimes rough terrain and all kinds of weather; carrying field equipment; use of mechanical equipment such as chainsaws, lift/bucket equipment and sharp tools. Adherence to TACF safety standards is required and additional training may be warranted. 

• Frequent hand movements including repetitive motions, grasping, holding, and writing.
• Ability to read, prepare, and analyze figures daily.
• Regular standing, sitting, walking, bending, and reaching throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs regularly; occasional lifting of 30–60 lbs may be required.
• Comfortable with pushing/pulling objects as part of daily tasks.
• Occasional activities may include climbing stairs or ladders, squatting, or crawling.
• Daily exposure to office equipment and machines; occasional driving may be required.
• Work may involve dust and electrical hazards; occasional exposure to outdoor conditions and temperature variations.
• Ability to work in environments with noise and ventilation conditions.

Other Requirements:

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older to apply.

You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to be considered for this role.

Must have a reliable form of transportation.

Benefits

Benefits include health, vision, dental, short and long-term disability, and life insurance, as well as flexible spending account (FSA) options. Benefits begin the first day of the month following hire.

TACF also offers a 403(b)-retirement plan, including 5% company match contributions after two years of service to help your long-term financial plan grow quickly. In addition to at least 12 paid annual holidays, TACF offers ten paid sick days and two weeks of paid vacation which increases with tenure and performance.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply on company website: https://tacf.org/employment/ and should include submission of a cover letter, resume, and references. The application deadline is Monday, January 19th at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees.  It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.”  This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice.  No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.