Forest Conservation Director – Northeast Region
Location: Remote or home office within region
Region: Northeast (New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Maine)
Posting Open Date: Current
Posting Close Date: October 3, 2025 (or until filled by an exceptional candidate)
RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY/AMERICAN WOODCOCK SOCIETY
We are seeking an outstanding individual to lead forest wildlife programs in the Northeast
Region. The Forest Conservation Director will build, lead and manage a network to achieve
forest wildlife habitat goals across seven states.
The Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS/AWS) is a national, nonprofit group with a 60-plus-year record of forest wildlife conservation.
Qualifications:
• A degree in forestry or a closely related natural resource field, with 5+ years of
practical experience in forest management.
• In-depth understanding of forest management and wildlife habitat, including:
o connections between forest management and wildlife needs
o forest products and emerging markets (i.e., carbon, biodiversity, etc.)
o forest management operations
o silvicultural systems
o third party certification
o environmental regulations
• Experience in acquisitions, easements and similar land conservation transactions.
• Ability to lead and motivate. Excellent spoken and written communication skills.
Well organized. Experience managing complex projects under deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently throughout the region and all territories
covered by RGS & AWS.
• Ability to establish a remote work location or home office.
• A passion for forest and wildlife conservation.
Position Summary:
The Forest Conservation Director will build and manage a network that achieves forest
management goals across seven states. The Director will continue to expand RGS/AWS
capacity to deliver scalable, landscape conservation outcomes. Specifically, the Director
will:
• Strategize and oversee landscape initiatives, including habitat restoration, active
management, and land conservation.
• Participate in planning for public forestlands and statutory/regulatory processes
affecting forest and wildlife management.
• Pursue grants to fund the network, including staff and contracts for habitat work.
• Identify opportunities with foundations, public funding program officers,
corporations, and other donors capable of magnifying the RGS & AWS mission.
• Ensure maximum impact of locally raised chapter funds.
• Use all forms of media to increase public awareness of the ecological and social
benefits of forest management.
• Coordinate strategy with communication staff to ensure impactful communications.
• Serve in a lead role among agencies, forest owners, industry representatives,
conservation groups and interested parties to promote forest conservation.
• Commit to local, on-the-ground involvement with people and communities.
• Participate in regional and national boards and stakeholder groups to promote
forest conservation.
• Advise policy staff of opportunities for RGS & AWS to engage on legislative issues at
local, state and national levels.
• Prepare and deliver testimony as an upper level RGS & AWS representative.
• Engage others through dynamic enthusiasm and shared vision.
• Recruit, hire and supervise staff who plan and implement projects.
• Participate in fundraising to increase conservation mission impact.
• Keep up to date on scientific research relevant to forest wildlife management.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and sound judgment.
Compensation: Competitive compensation; health insurance including medical, dental
and vision; retirement options including employer match; a company vehicle or vehicle
stipend for business travel; a purchasing card for business and travel expenses; computer
and printer; cell phone; office supplies and support will be provided.
The salary scale for this role accounts for a range of considerations including skill set,
experience, training and certifications as well as business and organizational needs. A
reasonable estimate of the starting salary range is $75,000 to $85,000 commensurate with
experience. With time on the job and optimal performance, salary could extend beyond
$100,000.
Application Instructions: Please email a cover letter and resume combined in a single .pdf
file by October 3, 2025, to Careers@RuffedGrouseSociety.org using “Forest Conservation
Director” as the email subject line.
https://ruffedgrousesociety.or...