MACED Seeks Forestry Associate

Click to download this announcement as a PDF file.

MACED seeks forestry associate

April 2009

Overview

MACED is looking for an energetic and focused individual to join its forestry program on a time-limited basis. Central to this position is a commitment to sustainable forest management practices and the desire to advance the economic and environmental benefits of quality forest practices in the region. Applicants need not be foresters. The position will focus on helping MACED expand its Forest Opportunities Initiative. Work will center on landowner interaction, program administration, research into related topics including emerging carbon markets and contributing to the development and implementation of program goals. The need for the position will be re-assessed in six months.

Background

The Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED) is a 32 year-old multi-strategy sustainable economic development organization that seeks to create economic alternatives that work for people and places in need throughout Central Appalachia (eastern Kentucky, southeast Ohio, southwest Virginia, northeast Tennessee and West Virginia).

MACED is a fast-paced, dynamic and growing organization with a 22-person staff that manages $15 million in total assets. The organization is broadening its efforts to focus squarely on sustainable development and change strategies that generate economic and environmental benefits to local people and places. These strategies include: 1) providing financial capital and expertise to individuals, businesses and communities, 2) conducting research and engaging in effective communications to support good public policy, and 3) demonstrating effective community economic development efforts that make a difference.

Forest Opportunities Initiative

MACED is committed to making sustainable forestry a real economic force promoting environmental stewardship. We know the transition from the current reality will require innovative approaches, strategic use of affordable capital, quality research, policy reform and access to emerging markets. Sustainable forestry directly relates to broader issues including climate change where efforts are underway to create markets that protect and promote important environmental services such as water and air filtration, soil development and the sequestration of greenhouse gases.

In June 2007 MACED launched a new and innovative initiative to grow sustainable forest management practices in Central Appalachia. MACED is helping landowners gain additional income from their forests and increase the environmental health of their woodlots through the use of sustainable forest practices. Landowner income is increased by the sale of carbon offset credits through the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) — a trading platform facilitating the sale of carbon offset credits. MACED is the only organization based in Central Appalachia certified by CCX as an aggregator of managed forest offset credits.

MACED is strengthening its forestry program by including other forestry initiatives that capitalize on sustainable forest management and build new forest product enterprises. The program associate will work with staff and partners to implement current program elements and to develop new complementary program strategies.

Position Description

The duties and responsibilities of the forestry associate include but are not limited to the following areas.

Program Implementation

• Field and respond to landowner inquires. Provide follow-up details highlighting economic and environmental benefits of managed forests.

• Accurately record landowner data into database and filing system.

• Assist in implementation of partnership systems in support of MACED’s collaborators and allies in the region.

• Coordinate meeting logistics.

Research and Planning

• Contribute to research efforts related to carbon trading and associated registries.

• Assist in documenting the community development, economic and environmental impacts of MACED’s forestry efforts.

• Actively participate in team discussions related to innovation and learning.

Program Development

• Contribute to the development of program initiatives.

• Assist in outreach efforts related to carbon trading.

• Participate in other forestry projects as they develop.

Reporting and Administration

• Develop and track team work plans.

• Participate in weekly forestry team staff meetings.

• Prepare periodic reports on forestry activities.

• Contribute to reports related to funding sources and others as needed.

The forestry associate may be called upon to make public presentations and assume higher level functions depending on the person’s background, experience, interest and performance.

Minimum Qualifications and Characteristics

• Clear interest in and commitment to sustainable natural resource management.

• Minimum of 2-years of broadly related work experience. Natural resource and/or non-profit organization experience preferred.

• Minimum of a four-year college degree.

• An understanding of research and planning methods.

• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Strong computer skills, especially word-processing and spreadsheets.

• Outgoing, enthusiastic and self-motivated.

• Well-organized, attentive to detail, and able to work successfully on a diverse team.

• Able to work on multiple projects at once.

• Able to travel throughout the service region.

• Understanding of the Appalachian region a plus.

Additional Information

The position offers a competitive salary, based on experience with a generous benefits package. The position is full-time but likely time-limited, as the need for the position will be re-assessed in six months. The position is based in Berea, Kentucky. Berea is a beautiful, small college town, an hour south of Lexington, on the edge of the Appalachian region. MACED is an equal opportunity employer.

Please e-mail your resume, three references and a cover letter specifically explaining why you are a good fit for this position to forestryassociate@maced.org. Application review will be on-going and continue until the position is filled.