California Policy Director

Founded in 1993 by a unique group of forest landowners, foresters,business people and leading conservationists, the Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) is dedicated to protecting America's private forests for their public benefits.

Based on our innovative and entrepreneurial conservation initiatives, PFT is recognized as a national leader in sustainable forestry and conservation.  We focus our direct conservation work in California, Oregon and Washington and engage in policy initiatives and constituency building nationally. PFT is the nation’s leading advocate for harnessing the climate benefits of forests in a multi-faceted strategy to resolve our climate crisis. PFT has provided conservation advice and services to owners of more than 5 million acres of forestland, has established conservation easements on 50,000 acres, and supervises forest management on about 15,000 acres. Visit our website for further information.

Position Overview:

The Pacific Forest Trust seeks a California Policy Director to lead its forest policy initiatives for this state. Working with senior management and PFT’s policy team, this position has responsibility for policy development, education and advocacy related to forest management and conservation, forest land uses, and their environmental benefits and impacts (including, among others, climate change, endangered species and water quality).

A major focus of the position is leading PFT’s efforts to ensure appropriate incorporation of the contributions of the forests within the state’s evolving climate policy framework under AB32. This requires close work with state administration, legislature and state and federal agencies. 

The California Policy Director reports to thePresident; supervises associate(s) and intern(s); interfaces with PFT’s conservation and constituency building programs; travels frequently, especially between San Francisco and Sacramento.

Qualifications: 

This position requires proven policy development skills with a track record of successful initiatives.  Experience working with California policy-makers and agencies is required. Previous collaboration with landowners and the nonprofit community is a plus. Must have knowledge of forestry, land use, climate change and conservation tools (conservation easements, other methodologies extremely helpful).  

An advanced degree in law is preferred, or in public policy with an emphasis on natural resources, forestry, or related fields. Excellent communication, facilitation and organizational skills are amust.  Well-developed computer skills are required, with Mac proficiency preferred.

Responsibilities:  This position is resposible for collaboratively developing and leading implementation of state policy efforts including, but not limited to, the following areas:

·    Create and expand incentives for forest conservation and stewardship, including, for example, a more efficient and effective regulatory process for landowners making conservation commitments; financial and market-oriented mechanisms such as ecosystem services markets and tradable development rights; and similar tools and methods.

·      Lead efforts for successful implementation and refinement of California’s landmark Forest Protocols for emissions reduction projects. Develop new forest-related protocols for climate projects as with urban and public forests; develop other forest-related climate policies.

•   Work with agency and nonprofit partners for inclusion of the climate contributions of forests in the AB 32 policy framework, consistent with the standards of the current Forest Protocols approved by the California Air Resources Board.

·    Build support for, and access to, increased public funding for acquisition of conservation interests in forests by NGOs for the public benefit.

•   Collaborate and coordinate with PFT’s regional and national policy initiatives in areas such as climate, (Western Climate Initiative, Federal legislation) Endangered Species Act, Farm Bill, Forest Legacy, and Energy Bill related items.

•  Collaborate and coordinate with PFT’s conservation program to implement pioneering on-the-ground projects to support policy advocacy.

·    Participate in organizational annual and strategic planning.  Develop and implement annual plan for California policy program. Collaborate with Conservation and Communication departments, as well as overall policy team. Prepare annual budget for this program area, including revenue and expenses, working with Policy team and financial staff. Manage budget, monitor and report on variances.

Location:  The Pacific Forest Trust is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and has offices in Corvallis, OR, and in Seattle, WA.   This position could be located either in the Presidio or in Sacramento; if the latter, then regular office time in San Francisco will also be required.

To Apply:

Email or mail resume, cover letter, references and compensation expectations.

The Pacific Forest Trust
1001A O’Reilly Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94129