Project Manager, LRGV Forest Restoration

ABOUT AMERICAN FORESTS: 

American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. Established in 1875, American Forests has been restoring forests for more than 140 years. And, while we may be the oldest national conservation organization, our work today is more important than ever. Our projects, which have taken place in all 50 states, have recovered hundreds of thousands of acres of wildlife habitat, safeguarded vital watersheds, absorbed millions of tons of greenhouse gases and protected some of the most stunning landscapes in America.

JOB DESCRIPTION: 

Forest restoration is a tool of critical importance for realizing species conservation goals in the US. In any one geography, significant amounts of time and resources are necessary to realize this most tangible of solutions to population declines due to habitat fragmentation. Where planning is concerned, front-end investment is necessary to create a stable foundation for restorations with lasting significance in a changing climate.

American Forests (AF) is managing projects in collaboration with public land management agencies and engaging our partners to advance the usage of climate-informed restoration techniques. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) of Texas, this work currently includes plantings on three national wildlife refuges: Laguna Atascosa, Lower Rio Grande Valley and Santa Ana. Our objective is to supplement ongoing efforts at providing landscape connectivity in this dynamic environment by providing the skills and leadership necessary to help sustain forest seedling production. The Project Manager for LRGV Forest Restoration will have a primary role in achieving this objective for our Texas team as we move forward.

This full-time position will directly support restoration-based field activities in south Texas. This will be accomplished in a collaborative setting with our regional partners, including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, Texas A&M Forest Service and others. The Project Manager’s work will also complement our ongoing science-based initiatives with partners and inform strategy for both private lands and international restoration opportunities in this trans-boundary region.

The Project Manager will report to the Senior Manager of the Lower Rio Grande Valley and support work on our projects in deep south Texas.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

Familiarity with principles of ecological restoration. Prior work in native seed collection (including seed inventory, processing and storage) and the ability to differentiate between most woody plant species in south Texas are favorable. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in environmental/natural studies and one year of relevant experience are required. Verifiable skills in field crew management, time management (field + office), GPS proficiency, field site documentation and data transcription are ideal. Another essential qualification is the ability to interact positively with regional AF partners, including federal and state agency staff, university personnel and private landowners. Fluency in Spanish is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS & LOCATION: 

The majority of work will be performed in a field and nursery environment. Applicants should be comfortable with working in outside conditions that include extreme heat, inclement weather, biting insects and spiny vegetation. Recurring office work (remote-home office) in the LRGV and occasional travel to Washington D.C. are also required.

Travel between LRGV field sites using a personal vehicle is required. Proof of liability insurance for the personal vehicle and a good driving record are required.

Applicants must be based in Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley (Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr or Willacy Counties).

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support for Restoration Projects (80%)
   • Direct support in native seed collection from woody and herbaceous species
   • Assistance in seed processing, nursery duties and planting
   • Detailed reporting on seed collection and inventory totals
   • Mapping of numerous seed collection sites (perimeter and spot)
   • Field oversight of undergraduate career pathway assistants
   • Periodic assistance in both nursery and field-based research initiatives
   • Support in restoration outcome assessments (e.g., transects, camera trap monitoring)

1. Administrative/Other (20%)
   • Report drafting
   • Success reporting with AF communications division
   • Participate in fundraising opportunities
   • Other duties as assigned

TO APPLY:  Please submit a letter of interest, resume and 3 references to jobs@americanforests.org. *American Forests is an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT OUR WORK:

Texas’ iconic Lower Rio Grande Valley is at a crossroads. The region’s native Tamaulipan thornscrub ecosystem, or thornforest, supports some of the most species-rich, distinctive biodiversity in the US but has been decimated over the past century by the expansion of farming and residential development. Now, endangered species like the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) are making their final stands in forest patches that are changing in response to unprecedented threats from extreme weather (more intense droughts, storms) and the proliferation of invasive species. Without sustained actions to address these realities, the Valley’s wildlands and their benefits to an urbanizing bi-national populace (e.g., carbon sequestration, recreation, ecotourism) could be lost forever.

American Forests is committed to accelerating the pace and scale of forest restoration efforts through collaborative conservation. As a non-governmental organization that can truly work across landscapes, American Forests hopes to provide support, innovative science-based solutions, technical assistance, and policy insights to accelerate climate informed restoration.

For more information, visit https://www.americanforests.org/reforesting-the-lower-rio-grande-valley/