Manager, Hawai’i Reforestation

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. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restore urban forests and forested landscapes. American Forests has been collaborating with local partners in Hawai’i since 1992 to restore critical forest benefits and help forests adapt to climate change—including reforestation.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible (DEIA) workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

We hope you find your future with us.

POSITION SUMMARY

The combined effects of climate change are stressing Hawai’i’s forests and the benefits they provide. Rising sea-levels, higher temperatures, pests and pathogens, wildfire, and flash flooding are all expected to increase in the future. These are posing real threats to communities across the state, with special risks to lower income and native populations that often live in the highest risk areas. Hawai’i’s forests provide natural infrastructure that can both help the state adapt to changes, but also mitigate carbon emissions by storing carbon in vegetation and soils. These threats are multiplied by the continued loss of forests to livestock and feral animals.

Natural climate solutions like reforestation can help create more resilient forests in the future while removing carbon from the atmosphere at the same time. Recognizing this, the United States Chapter of 1t.org was developed by American Forests and the World Economic Forum to support the global movement to conserve, restore, and grow 1 trillion trees globally. Currently, a variety of organizations have pledged over 50 billion trees towards this commitment in the U.S. The State of Hawai’i’s recently pledged to conserve, restore and grow 100 million trees statewide by 2030.

The Hawai’i Reforestation Manager position will coordinate with local watershed groups, private landowners, governments, and other partners to meet this challenge. This includes identifying priority projects including those that advance Tree Equity (https://www.americanforests.org/our-programs/tree-equity/), supporting fundraising, conducting needed scientific analysis for resilient reforestation, including integration of local and traditional knowledge, and building a pipeline of projects so that they are ready for implementation.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

The Manager will work with a diversity of stakeholders across the state. Partners include the State of Hawai’i, Hawai’i County, Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, Mauna Kea Watershed Alliance, and other governments, conservation non-governmental organizations, and watershed groups. Successful experience working with diverse stakeholders is a prerequisite, with specific experience with local organizations, interests, and cultures being highly desired. Experience in policy, project, or program activity related to forest or other natural resource issues is also required.

American Forests is focused on generating measurable, on-the-ground results that improve forest health. We highly value a proven ability to get things done. We constantly look for new ways to do conservation, so an ability to learn and adapt quickly is also important.

Reforestation Coordination (40%)

The Hawai’i Reforestation Manager will work with partners to assess the potential for scaling up reforestation by:

• Identifying priority reforestation zones across the state, and an accompanying reforestation plan
• Expanding Tree Equity Score
• Developing climate adaptation strategies
• Assessing gaps and opportunities in the reforestation pipeline (i.e., seed collection, nursery capacity, and workforce)
• Developing private/public funding strategies

Project Development (30%)

Using the newly developed reforestation plan, American Forests will engage with watershed groups and other local partners to develop urban and large landscape reforestation projects across the state. American Forests will then work with 1t.org and private and public funders to implement these projects.

Manage Projects (25%)

American Forests’ Reforest America initiative has supported the planting of over 65 million trees over the last 30 years. The Reforestation Manager will manage existing reforestation projects and partnerships while looking for opportunities to expand our work with local partners.

Project Administration (5%)

In addition, the Hawai’i Reforestation Manager will be responsible for managing programmatic budgets, engaging with colleagues, and supporting American Forests’ mission as needed.

REQUISITE EDUCATION OR CERTIFICATIONS

Ideal candidate should have a minimum of a Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Forestry, Conservation Biology or related field or 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LOCATION & WORKING CONDITIONS

The position will be based in the State of Hawai’i and will require local travel to engage with partners and assess projects. The position will travel occasionally to Washington D.C. to attend meetings and engage with colleagues. Most work will be performed in a general office environment with in-person meetings at various locations throughout the state, as permitted by organizational policies and public health guidelines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be comfortable with prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 10-15 pounds at a time.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

This position has no supervisory requirements.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@americanforests.org.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+