Endangered Forest Conservation & Stewardship

Position: Forest Campaigner
Organization: Ancient Forest Alliance
Location: Vancouver Island or Lower Mainland (home office). Willing/able to quite regularly travel to the office in Victoria and sites across the province.

• Duration: Full-time, permanent staff position
• Compensation: $63,000 to 68,000 per annum, extended health and dental benefits, wellness days, and professional development opportunities.
• Estimated application deadline: Posting will remain open until the right candidate is found. Early applications are encouraged.

The Ancient Forest Alliance (AFA) is a registered charity dedicated to protecting endangered old-growth forests in BC while ensuring a swift transition to a more sustainable, value-added second-growth forestry industry. Since our founding in 2010, AFA has become BC’s leading organization on this front, reaching international audiences through our compelling advocacy and awareness-raising campaigns. We specialize in public education and mobilization, building alliances with key allies, on-the-ground exploration and documentation of old-growth forests, mapping and research, and engaging governments to achieve policy change for ancient forests in BC. The provincial government has promised a “paradigm shift” in its approach to the conservation and management of old-growth forests in BC. By joining the AFA at this pivotal time, you can help influence and shape public policies that will determine the fate of the old-growth forests in BC for years to come.

Position Overview:

The AFA seeks a driven and highly motivated conservationist with exceptional campaigning aptitudes, extensive ecological knowledge of ecosystems in BC, and an understanding of how to collaboratively develop and coordinate campaigns that raise awareness, inspire action, and move decision-makers. Reporting to the Executive Team, the Forest Campaigner will produce persuasive and accurately written campaign materials, engage key stakeholders, First Nations, and political decision-makers, follow and analyze critical science and policy initiatives, and help coordinate various campaign activities. Bring your passion for nature, skilled writing abilities, ecological background, and strategic thinking to the task of protecting endangered ancient forests.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop accurate and compelling written campaign materials (media releases, calls to action, etc.) to mobilize citizens, raise awareness, and help facilitate policy change.
• Closely track and quickly respond to relevant changes in the political landscape.
• Help coordinate campaign projects and manage timelines and budgets.
• Use mapping tools to monitor old-growth forests and assess the positive or negative impacts of new policies, legislation, or other developments.
• Engage key partners, stakeholders, government and industry officials, and non-traditional allies (chambers of commerce, tourism associations, etc.)
• Support government relations strategy planning and implementation.
• Work with campaigners and the Communications Coordinator to develop digital content and print materials (videos, newsletters, infographics, brochures, social posts, etc.)
• Help organize and deliver public presentations, rallies, and other events.
• Explore old-growth forests with the team to build knowledge and inform communication.
• Research grant opportunities and work with the Communications Coordinator on applications. Monitor successful grants for reporting.

Essential Skills and Aptitudes

• Passionate about old-growth forest conservation.
• Ecological background with an understanding of issues related to old-growth forest conservation, BC’s forestry sector, forest ecology, and relevant BC politics.
• Writing abilities that are highly accurate, prolific, and persuasive, with skill at making complex ideas understandable and appropriate to specific audiences.
• Strategic thinking that considers social, political, economic, and other relevant factors.
• An outcome-oriented approach to campaigning with strong organizational and project management skills.
• The ability to work effectively under pressure, be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Strong social and verbal communication skills. Comfortable with public speaking.
• Takes initiative, is highly self-motivated, and works well independently while contributing to a vibrant team.

Experience

• Significant work experience working on nature-oriented environmental campaigns.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing campaigns and organizing strategies and tactics.
• Experience engaging and working with impacted communities (local governments and grassroots groups), Indigenous leadership, and other allies (e.g. the business sector, scientific community, etc.)
• A background in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Conservation Biology, Biology, and Forest Sciences is an asset.
• Experience with GIS and other mapping tools is an asset.

How to apply:

Please submit your application to Joan at info@ancientforestalliance.org with “Application: Forest Campaigner” in the subject line. Please mention you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Please send a cover letter and resume/CV in one PDF document with only your first and last names in the file name. E.g. John-Smith.pdf

We thank all applicants for the diversity, skill, and experience they offer. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.