Title: Forest Finance Intern
Department: Working Forest Fund
Status (Exempt or Non-Exempt): Exempt, 10-week position
Reports To: Kevin Harnish
Positions Reporting to this Position: None
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Date of Preparation: 10/22/2019
General Purpose of Job: This 10-week paid position is intended to provide valuable support for the
Working Forest Fund, which owns and manages 350,000 acres of forestland for throughout the U.S. for
sustainable timber harvest, wildlife habitat protection, and low-impact public access. This position is
designed to provide valuable experience in the management and protection of working forestland
throughout the United States for recent graduates or currently enrolled students from a natural
resource management bachelor’s or master’s degree program. We anticipate hiring the successful
candidate for May 2020 – August 2020 (dates are flexible).
Essential Functions:
Assist the Working Forest Fund in the management of the existing ownership, acquisition of additional
forestland, and disposition of protected tracts. Additional job duties may include any or all of the
following depending on actual program needs and the applicant’s individual strengths and interests.
Opportunity to complete a research project may be possible.
ï‚· Forestland Portfolio Analysis— analyze current and projected revenues (including timber
harvest revenue, recreational leases, and mitigation) and expenses to assist strategic planning
ï‚· Forest Inventory—maintain/improving forest inventory databases for the current ownership as
well as analysis of forest inventory information for potential acquisitions including growth and
yield modeling and forest operation scheduling
ï‚· GIS Analysis—maintain and improve GIS information for the current ownership and potential
acquisitions
ï‚· Forest Certification—assist in the review and development of forest management activities,
plans, and policies to maintain The Conservation Fund’s dual Forest Stewardship Council and
Sustainable Forestry Initiative certification
ï‚· Cost-Share Assistance— identify and prioritize state and federal programs designed to assist
silviculture and conservation practices
ï‚· Gain experience with the day to day activities related to managing conservation related
forestland.
Additionally it is anticipated that there will two to four days of out-of-state travel to other TCF forests to
provide assistance with field projects in those locations and gain familiarity with forest management
practices in other regions.
Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements: It is required that the candidate (at a minimum):
ï‚· Be enrolled in or graduating from a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in natural resource
management.
ï‚· Ability to navigate and work safely in forested conditions.
ï‚· Motivated individual, eager to learn and to contribute as opportunities arise.
ï‚· Strong work ethic and time management skills.
ï‚· Good communication skills
ï‚· Computer and basic statistical analysis skills including ArcGIS, MS Excel and Access
ï‚· A commitment to conservation.
ï‚· Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
ï‚· Driver’s license and clean driving record.
Physical/Mental Requirements: This position will occasionally require the ability to safely travel to and
perform field tasks at distant work sites in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and
sometimes in difficult and hazardous terrain.
subject line “Forest Finance Internâ€.