Organization Overview: Georgia ForestWatch is seeking a full-time Executive Director to lead the organization. Georgia ForestWatch (www.gafw.org) is a 501 (c)(3), grassroots environmental nonprofit, now in its 31st year of operation. Our overall mission is to promote sustainable management that leads to naturally diverse and healthy forests and watersheds within the 867,000 acres of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests; to engage and educate the public to join in this effort; and to promote preservation of this legacy, particularly roadless and old-growth areas, for future generations. ForestWatch reviews all proposed timber management projects on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests and submits detailed comments during public comment periods based on field surveys, research, scientific literature and NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) compliance. The Executive Director and Forest Ecologist work with skilled volunteers, conservation and legal partners, and U.S. Forest Service staff to improve projects and identify true restoration opportunities. Georgia ForestWatch is the only environmental nonprofit devoted exclusively to the protection of Georgia’s national forests.
Responsibilities: The primary duties of the Executive Director are to provide leadership on environmental issues pertaining to the national forests in Georgia and watersheds therein, maintain funding for the organization, and implement the annual budget. The Executive Director also provides oversight on all programs, maintains a high level of communication with Forest Service staff and legal partners (in particular, the Southern Environmental Law Center), and supervises a small staff. The Executive Director reports directly to the Georgia ForestWatch Board of Directors, and works with Board Committees, staff and volunteers to ensure that ForestWatch’s mission and Strategic Plan goals are implemented. Qualifications: The successful candidate will have a strong background in forest ecology or other related field, with experience in grantwriting, financial management, and partnership building. Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated leadership abilities, and supervisory experience. Experience in financial and administrative management of nonprofits, including fundraising, is preferred. Minimum of a BS degree in forest ecology, forestry, environmental sciences or other related field is required, and 3-5 years of field experience. Candidates should have a valid driver's license, and will be expected to spend time in the field reviewing proposed projects in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. QUALIFIED candidates should email his/her resume with a cover letter and contact information for three references to gafw...@gmail.com or mail to: Executive Director Position, Georgia ForestWatch, 81 Crown Mountain Place, Bldg C #200, Dahlonega, GA 30533-1627. Applications will be accepted through May 5, 2018, or until a qualified candidate is found Georgia ForestWatch is located in north Georgia at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains. Its proximity to the Chattahoochee National Forest and state parks affords a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, all within an hour’s drive of Atlanta. Dahlonega is a dynamic small town, tourist destination, and home to the University of North Georgia. Georgia ForestWatch is an equal opportunity employer.
