Forestry Program Manager

Ecotrust Canada is driven by the triple-bottom-line, where economic opportunity improves rather than degrades social and environmental conditions. Some people call it sustainability - we call it the conservation economy.

A conservation economy provides meaningful work and good livelihoods, supports vibrant communities and the recognition of Aboriginal rights and title, and conserves and restores the environment.

Ecotrust Canada builds the capacity of communities and businesses; raises and brokers capital; and connects conservation entrepreneurs to each other and to the marketplace.  

Position Overview: 

Ecotrust Canada seeks an innovative and entrepreneurial manager to lead the growth and delivery of our Forestry Program. Our current Forestry Program Manager is moving to work on a major new initiative within the company. This is a full-time permanent position, reporting to the Director of Community Programs.

Our Forestry Program work is focused on developing and proving new models for integrating economy, ecology, and community in coastal forests to create a sustainable and profitable conservation economy.

This currently involves developing innovative new solutions around ecosystem-based management and land use planning, FSC certified and value-added product market identification and development, forest ecosystem service valuation and realization, and the design, management, advising and/or launching of new triple bottom line business models.

This position provides all aspects of strategic leadership, program management, and project delivery for a >$1.0 million program, the largest at Ecotrust Canada.

Examples of current projects within the program include:

• Management of a $10 million First Nations owned triple bottom line forest company,
• Development of ecosystem-based land use management plans with several of the largest Coastal First Nations,
• Management of two FSC group certification programs,
• Work to identify and facilitate/broker new FSC product markets,
• Development of community-based value-added forest products,
• Development of an EBM and FSC certification plan for a high profile community forest,
• Creation of an innovative new business model for private forestland management involving ecosystem services.

The Forestry Program Manager must be able to develop, communicate, and implement strategies and tactics for affecting significant change in how coastal forests are managed to create sustainable triple bottom line values.

The ideal candidate will have a mix of visionary thinking, forestry experience, business acumen, and a passion for triple bottom line sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Managing all aspects of the Forestry Program, from vision and strategies through project delivery, budget management, funder/client relationships, and staff management;
• Developing and leading implementation of Forestry Program strategies, while building/maintaining connections and strategic alignment with other organizational programs and initiatives;
• Growing the scale, relevance, and impact of the forest-related work undertaken by Ecotrust Canada;
• Developing and diversifying the income sources for the Forestry Program, including managing existing sources, and new funders, fee-for-service work, and innovative revenue generating opportunities;
• Providing technical expertise to staff, clients, and other stakeholders in designing workable solutions for integrating conservation, ecosystem function, cultural use, and economic development objectives; 
• Providing oversight and support to all projects managed by other staff within the Forestry Program portfolio, while also engaging in the delivery of a set of projects directly;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with Ecotrust Canada partners, including First Nations, community representatives, funders, business partners, and external entrepreneurs;
• Networking with industry and community experts and leaders relevant to Ecotrust Canada's work and/or leading edge forest resource management trends;
• Finding creative opportunities to enable and/or participate in innovative business models and partnerships which provide credible "proof of concept" for Ecotrust Canada strategies and the conservation economy;
• Working as part of the organization's management team and supporting Ecotrust Canada's values and mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, forestry, or related; or commensurate experience;
• 5+ years of proven multi-project program management, business management, and/or consulting experience relevant to natural resource management, forestry, ecosystem services, or value-added forest products;
• Demonstrated budget development and management experience;
• 2+ years of team leadership and direct-report staff management experience;
• Working knowledge of coastal forests, policies, regulations, issues, and opportunities;
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, presentation, and writing skills;
• Experience working with diverse clients/stakeholders; particularly First Nations;
• Proven ability to set strategy, lead change, solve complex problems, and foster innovative thinking;
• Ability to influence and inspire clients, staff, and other stakeholders towards break-through thinking and solutions.  

Assets: 

• Masters degree in business or natural resource management;
• Relevant business management experience;
• Working knowledge of current ecosystem-based management principles, FSC certification, value-added markets, and/or ecosystem services, particularly in a coastal forest context;
• Exposure to community or corporate capacity building, and/or community development;
• Experience working in, or actively with, First Nations communities;
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and/or new consulting business development;
• Ability to listen and understand complex and perhaps poorly defined client needs and then design and manage remarkable projects and solutions.

Compensation: Competitive, based on qualifications. Generous benefits and flexible work scheduling. 30% travel may be required.

To Apply: 

Please email, fax or mail your cover letter, CV, and salary expectations, with "Forestry Program Manager" in the subject line.

Deadline: June 9. Early applicants are encouraged and may be considered upon receipt.

Ecotrust Canada
Attn: Genevieve Tardif
200 - 1238 Homer Street,
Vancouver BC, V6B 2Y5

For further information:
http://ecotrustcanada.blogspot.com/
www.conservationeconomy.net
http://www.ecotrustcan.org/pdf/ParadigmShiftTLAWinter2007.pdf