Cities Forestry Project Manager

OFFICE LOCATION

New Jersey, USA

This position is based in northern New Jersey, with frequent travel to Newark and / or Paterson, NJ. May work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

LI-HYBRID

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive.

Our work is guided by our values, which include a and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC.

Want to know more? Check out our to hear stories from staff or visit .

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued.

We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work.

Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings.

Please apply we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

In collaboration with the Cities team, the Cities Urban Forestry Manager will lead, develop, manage, and implement urban forestry and related conservation projects, programs, plans, and strategies in the cities of Newark and Paterson with a focus on enhancing community resilience to climate change.

They will develop and advance partnerships with diverse stakeholders - including neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.

Together with partners, they will deliver equitable nature-based solutions that reduce flooding and extreme heat in New Jersey cities.

Working within the Climate Adaptation and Cities Team, the Cities Forestry Project Manager will lead and support the implementation urban forest plans, strategies, and projects in Newark and Paterson.

The primary responsibility for this position will be to lead TNC’s work on a 5-year United States Forest Service (USFS) Urban and Community Forestry grant in Newark that will result in the planting and stewardship of 2,000 urban street trees.

The Cities Forestry Project Manager will :

• Manage and implement urban forestry and related conservation projects in the cities of Newark and Paterson, New Jersey to benefit residents by addressing critical threats to natural systems, public health, and community resilience.
• Manage and implement a comprehensive, five-year urban tree canopy project funded by USFS, including managing all grant activities, project partners, invoicing, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with community-based organizations on urban forestry workforce development programs.
• Assist in urban tree inventory for Newark.
• Manage and advance partnerships with diverse stakeholders - including neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.
• Engage in informational and educational initiatives designed to communicate various forestry activities to diverse audiences.

This includes creating technical articles, delivering lectures, developing presentations, and giving tours.

Provide administrative, research, and other general assistance to Cities program staff working toward the achievement of Greening our Cities goals.

This is a five-year term position, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

This position is based in northern New Jersey, with frequent travel to Newark and / or Paterson, NJ. May work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We are looking for someone who understands the needs and challenges of New Jersey cities, such as flooding, urban heat, and air pollution, and has ambition to implement nature-based solutions, like expanding urban forests, to help address these challenges.

We’re looking for someone who will demonstrate understanding of the socio-economic opportunities and challenges in New Jersey and approach conservation decisions with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens.

The Cities Forestry Project Manager will be an integral member of The Nature Conservancy New Jersey Adaptation and Greening Our Cities team.

Our vision is to achieve greener, more resilient cities in New Jersey through the expansion of the urban forest and canopy cover within the communities where we work.

The vision is to achieve the greener cities through meaningful engagement and collaboration with the community at large, anchor institutions, and other stakeholders implementing impactful conservation efforts.

Come join TNC and apply today!

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA / BS degree and 5 years of experience in natural resources management, environmental sciences, urban forestry, forestry, or related fields OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners, i.e., community organizations, non-profit partners, government officials and departments, funders, etc.
• Experience communicating with the public and / or media both in writing and verbally.
• High level of organizational skills with an ability to prioritize, coordinate and manage multiples tasks and projects.
• Demonstrated experience in project management including project planning, organization, and implementation.
• Experience managing grant efforts that include payments / expenditures, progress reports, compliance, and engaging / educating grantees and partner organizations.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience working in New Jersey’s urban communities to implement on the ground projects.
• Experience in implementing community-centric projects and initiatives with multiple benefits to people.
• Experience and knowledge of social, economic, environmental justice, and political conditions, issues, and organizations in cities.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in urban forestry policy, practice, and projects.
• Experience with ArcGIS.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world.

Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

Learn more about our benefits on our on nature.org / careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned / leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers.

To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $85,000-$90,000 for annual base salary.

This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.

Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.