Southwest Oregon Regional Director

Northwest Natural Resource Group

NNRG is looking for a forester/resource manager to direct the Oregon branch of our Northwest Certified Forestry program, providing FSC certification, technical assistance and marketing services for small land owners. Position to be located in SW Oregon

Background:

The Northwest Natural Resource Group (NNRG) is a conservation and rural economic development non-profit organization based in Port Townsend, Washington (see www.nnrg.org). NNRG’s mission is to "promote innovative forest management strategies that improve the health of forest and freshwater ecosystems while increasing economic development in rural communities.”  The organization is leading the effort in the Pacific Northwest to develop conservation forestry incentives, markets for ecosystems services, and solutions for the issues facing small woodland owners.  Already the regional leader in sustainable forestry certification and market development, NNRG is quickly becoming the foremost proactive ecosystem services development organization in the Northwest in support of small forest landowners through carbon sequestration, water quality, and biodiversity based incentives. 

Summary of Position:

NNRG’s program assists the small public, private and non-profit woodland owners of Washington and Oregon through its Northwest Certified Forestry program (NCF) http://www.nnrg.org/nw-certified-forestry.  NCF delivers a comprehensive set of economic and educational benefits. The five year old program currently has 147 members managing a collective 63,000 acres.  In addition to certification to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification – NCF members may receive technical training, market assistance and pursue carbon offset income through NNRG’s NW Neutral program (see www.nwneutral.org).

The SW OR Regional Manager will be responsible for all NCF programs within the region including recruitment of new members, contractor and member management and general representation of all aspect of NNRG programs in the area. The position’s primary objectives are to ensure optimal program delivery, aggressive market development, and exemplary member service through a broad set of integrated activities.

The SW OR Manager will report to the NCF Director based out of Port Townsend, Washington.

Required Qualifications:

•    A demonstrated commitment to both NNRG’s mission and small woodland owners in the Southwest OR.

•    Strong background and work experience with small forest landowners, public agencies and non-profit conservation organizations.

•    At least five years experience in forestry or a related natural resource field

•    Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

•    A demonstrated commitment to high ethical standards and a diverse workplace

•    A healthy sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications:

•    B.A./B.S. or higher in forestry or a related natural resource field

•    Experience with FSC certification of forest management and/or chain of custody

•    Experience in FSC market development, specialty markets, and/or the forest products industry generally

•    Experience with forest carbon offsets and/or other ecosystem service markets

•    Proficiency in Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, and database software

•    Demonstrated ability to balance oversight with the delegation of responsibility

•    Demonstrated vision, leadership, and innovation in managing interns and contractors and major projects or initiatives

•    The ability to organize and prioritize a wide diversity of tasks in a fast-paced work environment

•    The ability to debate issues of importance to the organization based on facts and multiple perspectives

Responsibilities:

    Recruitment & Member Services within SW Oregon

•    Ensure achievement of basic program metrics, such as earned revenue and membership targets

•    Oversee recruitment of landowners to the NCF program and provide assistance to landowners through out SW Oregon to meet program requirements and as directed

•    Oversee the NCF Preferred Provider network of natural resource professionals within Oregon

•    Oversee NCF communications in OR, through the organizational newsletter, email updates, conference and partner-driven presentations, and media placement

•    Oversee NCF educational programming in OR, including curriculum development and coordination with partners

    Market Development

•    Assist members in maximizing value through ongoing strategic advice, market intelligence, relationship building, and information transfer

•    Support field staff and partners in developing all types of market opportunities for members 

•    Facilitate member entry into NW Neutral and other emerging ecosystem service markets

Compensation & Location:

Northwest Natural Resource Group offers competitive compensation and benefits and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The preferred location of this position is in the southern Willamette Valley of Oregon, with occasional travel to Port Townsend, WA . 

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume, additional writing sample, and three references in digital format to:

    Shelley French, Director of Operations & Finance

    Northwest Natural Resource Group

    PO Box 1067

    Port Townsend, WA 98368

    shelley@nnrg.org

Application deadline is February 12, 2010