Forestry Project Manager, Ecosystem Based Management

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 Project Manager to help build and deliver our growing Forestry Program. This position focuses on Ecosystem Based Management and First Nations land use planning and implementation projects. This is a full-time permanent position reporting to the Forestry Program Manager. Contract arrangements may also be considered.

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 involves innovative thinking around land and resource use planning, working across a diverse range of community stakeholders and interests, and developing workable triple bottom line business models and solutions for clients.

This position will be focused on delivering and growing our diverse portfolio of work around Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM) planning and land use plan implementation, often within a First Nations context. This includes working across a broad spectrum of land use strategy development and implementation projects to develop integrated management planning for: conservancy areas, ecological integrity, cultural and traditional use, and economic development.

The ideal candidate will have a mix of natural resource planning experience, ecosystem-based management knowledge, and project management experience.

Responsibilities:

• Managing all aspects of specified forestry projects, from conceptualization to work planning, budgets, client relationships, and project team management;
• Providing strategic and technical expertise to clients in designing workable land use planning solutions which integrate ecological, cultural, and economic development objectives simultaneously;
• Developing and maintaining leading edge expert knowledge of ecosystem-based land use planning approaches, criteria, analysis techniques, and benchmark examples;
• Actively building community knowledge, capacity, and engagement in local planning;
• Supporting or developing business and fundraising opportunities for Ecotrust Canada;
• Developing and maintaining relationships with Ecotrust Canada partners, including First Nations, community representatives, funders, and entrepreneurs;
• Working with diverse groups of stakeholders to develop innovative solutions to complex problems;
• Working as part of the Forestry team and supporting Ecotrust Canada's values and mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resource management, ecology, or a related field; or commensurate experience;
• 3+ years of proven project management experience relevant to ecosystem planning, land use planning, and/or forestry;
• Demonstrated project planning, project team management, and budget management experience;
• Experience with land use and/or EBM planning;
• Knowledge of B.C. ecosystem classification and relevant policy, legislation, and issues;
• Working knowledge of current ecosystem-based management (EBM) principles and practices;
• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication, and writing skills;
• Experience working with diverse clients and stakeholders; particularly First Nations;
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively;
• Proven ability to think innovatively and solve complex problems.

Assets:

• Masters degree in business, natural resource management, planning, or ecology;
• Experience with forestry operations or other natural resource related business which lends credibility to implementation planning (i.e. "this can be done in the real world...");
• Experience working with First Nations land use planning and/or community-based land use objectives;
• Experience with 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;
• Ability to work comfortably with multiple projects and priorities, uncertainty, and/or potentially a broad mix of conflicting/competing project objectives;
• Exposure to community engagement or capacity building;
• Ability to influence and inspire clients and other stakeholders towards innovative thinking and solutions.

Compensation: Competitive, based on qualifications. Generous benefits and flexible work scheduling.  30-50% travel may be required.

To Apply:

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

Deadline: June 9, 2008. Early applications are encouraged.

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