Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist in Eastern Kentucky

Contract Position: Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist in Eastern Kentucky

Organization: Livelihoods Knowledge Exchange Network (LiKEN Knowledge) – Community Wealth Projects

Position Type: Contract (Part-time or Full-time. Hours flexible depending on availability. One year contract with possibility of renewal)

Location: Eastern Kentucky

Reports To: Forest Livelihoods Program Director

About the Role

LiKEN is seeking a knowledgeable and committed Forestry & Agroforestry Specialist for our project, serving eastern Kentucky. Our goal is to give small landowners the tools and resources they need to manage their forests, and support and grow forest-based livelihoods in Appalachia.

LiKEN has a special emphasis on agroforestry rooted in Appalachian traditional practices. These include the stewardship and cultivation of edible and medicinal plants and fungi, hunting, and integrating livestock with forests. We also support management for timber, wildlife, conservation, and recreation.

Outcomes for the project include:

• Forest management plans and practice plans for small landowners
• Implementation of conservation, sustainable forestry, and agroforestry practices
• Helping landowners enroll and navigate cost-share programs and LiKEN’s Forestry Fund
• Helping connect producers to markets for timber and non-timber forest products, and ecosystem service markets
• Producing educational materials and workshops on Forestry and Agroforestry for our service area
• Documenting how communities we work in value and use forests

The candidate will work closely with LiKEN’s local Community Engagement Coordinators and landowners and producers in our Forestry Stewardship Group to achieve these goals, as well as consulting foresters, contractors and local representatives from state and federal agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site visits, conduct initial forest assessments, and help landowners and producers articulate their goals for their properties or businesses
• Connect participants to resources and programs that can help achieve their goals
• Assist in management and production planning for landowners and producers
• Write implementation/practice plans for some agroforestry and conservation projects
• Provide on-the-ground assistance to landowners implementing sustainable forestry, conservation and agroforestry practices
• Coordinate with consulting foresters and other forestry contractors, and local agencies providing technical assistance, forest management plans and practice implementation
• Represent LiKEN at local and regional meetings related to forestry and agroforestry
• Assist the Forest Livelihoods director and communications team with writing reports and educational materials

Collaborate with LiKEN’s Community Engagement Coordinators to support outreach and programming:

• Facilitate workshops, demonstrations, and trainings for community members
• Assist in identifying and expanding market opportunities for forest-based products
• Document project activities and outcomes
• Build and maintain strong working relationships within local communities

Qualifications – Required

• Passion for and experience in sustainable forestry and agroforestry
• Bachelors degree in Forestry, Environmental Studies, Natural Resource Management, Agriculture or related field
• Familiarity with Appalachian ecosystems and conservation priorities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to write plans and educational materials
• Ability to work independently and travel locally for fieldwork
• Residence in or adjacent to our service area

Qualifications – Preferred

• Knowledge or experience working with timber or non-timber forest products
• Degree from an accredited forestry program
• Experience working directly with landowners, farmers, or community-based programs
• Knowledge of state and federal agencies and available cost-share programs
• Experience with community engagement or outreach
• Long term commitment to or deep roots in Appalachia

Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrates a strong interest in sustainable land stewardship and rural communities, agroforestry and forestry
• Comfortable working in the field
• Able to communicate technical information to diverse audiences
• Values relationship-building and community-based work
• Self-directed and adaptable
• Born and raised, or a long-living resident of Appalachian KY

Compensation

Compensation will be based on experience and scope of work to be negotiated, expected range of $25-$35/hour

How to Apply

Please submit a resume or CV, three professional references, and a brief statement of interest outlining relevant experience. Documents should be submitted in either Word (.doc or .docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.

Send application materials to jobs@likenknowledge.org and copy Steve Kruger, Forest Livelihoods Program Director, at skruger@likenknowledge.org on all correspondence.

Questions about the role can be directed to skruger@likenknowledge.org.

LiKEN may request proof of educational credentials, such as a diploma or transcript, and may ask applicants to authorize verification with their institution.

LiKEN Knowledge is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.

Pay: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Work Location: Remote