Forest Stewardship Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Forest Stewardship Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Conserves ecosystems via science-based action
The Maine Chapter of The Nature Conservancy seeks a knowledgeable, energetic Forest Stewardship Manager to manage the Wolastoq - St. John River Forest. The Forest Stewardship Manager will help lead the next chapter of TNC Maine’s work at the WSJRF and contribute to a broader Maine forest stewardship strategy.
This position will manage and advance ecological monitoring, forest stewardship, and partnership projects that integrate ecological, financial, cultural, carbon, and climate considerations into forest management decisions. The position will support TNC’s credibility and trusted conservation voice in northern Maine forest management by ensuring that TNC’s own lands are managed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with organizational goals, while also maintaining relationships and learning networks with forestry, conservation, Indigenous, academic, agency, and landowner partners. Communicating and sharing forest management and conservation outcomes and lessons learned with Conservancy staff, partners, contractors, and external audiences are important parts of the work.
Responsibilities include oversight of forest management planning and implementation, ecological reserve inventory and monitoring, roads and infrastructure, commercial sugaring lease, public access, carbon offset project obligations, FSC certification compliance, relationship management and other legal and stewardship commitments.
This is a hands-on, field-oriented position with substantial time expected in the woods and regular overnight travel to remote areas of northern Maine. The Forest Stewardship Manager works under minimal and distant supervision and is expected to make independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment. The position is embedded with a diverse statewide Land Management team and contributes to the oversight of 2-3 other properties in western Maine as well as policy discussions on land stewardship across the state. The position also requires the ability to gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals and to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We work collaboratively with local communities, governments, the private sector, Indigenous partners, academic institutions, and other conservation organizations to advance durable conservation outcomes.
The Nature Conservancy in Maine owns and manages one of the most significant conservation land portfolios in the eastern United States. Its centerpiece is the Wolastoq - St. John River Forest (WSJRF) – roughly 165,000 acres in the unorganized territory of northern Maine, acquired in 1998 in what was then the largest private conservation land purchase in the Northeast. The property comprises over half of TNC Maine’s entire land base, safeguards a significant portion of a 140-mile free-flowing river with little development along its length, and helps ensure long-term habitat connectivity in the Northern Appalachian forest. Connected conserved lands extend through western Maine and into New Hampshire. Its two ecological reserves are among the ten largest in the state.
A Carbon offset project covers approximately 125,000 acres of the WSJRF, and approximately half the total acreage is in internally designated reserve areas. Some eighty miles of gravel roads offer limited access and comprise much of the property management responsibilities with maintenance to their surfaces and crossing structures.
TNC’s ownership and stewardship of this property has supported a generation of ambitious conservation – from the Penobscot River restoration and the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area to ongoing Wabanaki land return and the emerging Kennebec restoration project – and it offers a grand opportunity to humbly and transparently demonstrate one model of how large-scale conservation land ownership can work in the Maine north woods.
This position is only available for individuals located within the United States.
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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $64,080 – $75,650. 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.
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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 and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
Conserves ecosystems via science-based action
The Nature Conservancy is a global non-governmental organization that protects lands and waters to conserve nature and support human well-being. It works on science-led conservation projects around the world, partnering with communities, governments, and businesses to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and address climate change. Its approach involves on-the-ground land and water protection, habitat restoration, sustainable resource practices, and policy advocacy, all guided by data and collaboration rather than partisan agendas. What sets it apart is its large, international footprint, long track record, and emphasis on measurable conservation outcomes through partnerships rather than relying on a single technology or product. The goal is to create a world where people can thrive alongside healthy ecosystems for generations to come.
Explore more opportunities at The Nature Conservancy