AFRC Coordinator

Reports To: Conservation-Based Development Director/ AFRC Principal Investigator

Background:

The Appalachian Forest Resource Center (AFRC) is a research and education project funded by a 4-year grant from Fund For Rural America. It is established by National Network of Forest Practitioners, in cooperation with Rural Action, out of a desire to develop options for rural communities that sustain communities economically and socially but also sustain healthy forest ecosystems.

Our work is based upon the understanding that innovators in rural communities are developing new ways to address the jobs and environment tension and put people to work in jobs that maintain or enhance forest ecosystems. It is our goal to enhance the ability of these innovators to succeed and to facilitate learning among innovating communities.

Currently our Fund For Rural America grant funds us to:

• Support participatory research by communities who are developing innovative projects and see participatory research as a key mechanism to move forward
• Conduct forest and community research projects that are relevant to multiple communities
• Serve as a resource center for communities by providing answers to forest-related questions and provide technical assistance and educational activities

As we move along three other underlying goals will be to:

• Build the capacity of communities and community groups to develop options that meet community economic and social needs and that are ecological sound
• Network local efforts so learning can be shared, feelings of isolation overcome and innovation accelerated
• Identify and support communities in policy work that creates a climate for these solutions to be successful

The AFRC is hosted by Rural Action and the coordinator would be a Rural Action employee reporting to the Conservation-Based Development Director.

Duties:

The coordinator will work with the VISTA volunteer, farm staff, and consultants (web, design, GIS) to:

• Coordinate the AFRC research and education center in Meigs County, OH (www.ncpmh.org)
• Staff the resource center and conduct fact finding research in response to community questions
• Supervise staff in organizing regional workshops to build the capacity of local groups
• Coordinate a regional list-serv and conduct regional networking activities
• Oversee land and facility management activities on the Center land
• Support the principal investigator in developing grant proposals and reports
• Participate in and present at relevant local, regional and national meetings and conferences
• Support the Non-Timber Forest Products research committee
• Conduct primary and secondary source research and publish informational products and/or develop presentations on topics identified in consultation with our Bioregional Advisory Council
• Develop communications and outreach materials including web site and newsletter
• Document and report on project activities and accomplishments
• Perform other administrative duties involved with project coordination

Desired skills/abilities/knowledge/traits:

We are looking for a talented and motivated person with a good number of the following:

• Knowledge of Appalachian forest issues, timber and non-timber issues
• Masters or additional degree in a relevant social or natural science field
• Sense of humor
• Commitment to environmental and social justice work
• Community organizing or networking skills and/or experience
• Experience conducting research for publication
• Knowledge of forestry and land management
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to present to a group
• Detail orientation
• Consistent follow-through with minimal supervision
• Ability to function in an independent manner with minimal supervision
• Interest in learning and in professional development
• Botany or forestry field skills
• Experience organizing workshops and other events
• Experience networking and pulling groups together
• Understanding of participatory research
• Experience with participatory research
• Willingness to roll up your sleeves and help with all aspects of the project from the exciting to the tedious, from the glorious to the invisible

Compensation: Compensation is based on experience. This is a full-time salaried position with medical, dental, and retirement benefits. Mileage for on-the-job travel is paid at $.30/mile and conference travel is covered.

Location: Rural Action Research and Education Center, Rutland, OH

For a more detailed job description or for any questions please contact Barb Willis, Human Resources Director, Rural Action.

Application Instructions:

To apply send a resume, three references and a writing sample to:

Colin Donohue
Rural Action/AFRC
PO Box 157
Trimble, OH 45782

Fax: 740-767-4957
E-mail: colind@ruralaction.org

Deadline: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications for the first round of interviews are due
January 2th, 2003 5:00 PM

We plan to interview in early January.
For more background visit the Rural Action website or the
National Network of Forest Practitioners- www.nnfp.org