The Georgia Forestry Association (GFA) and Foundation (GFF) are launching a new Landowner Outreach and Technical Assistance Program aimed at helping small-acreage landowners re-establish land impacted by Hurricane Helene while improving forest management and market access. This program, made possible through funding from the USDA Forest Service and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation, will play an essential role in conserving Georgia’s 22 million acres of working forests and our state’s leadership as the #1 Forestry State.

To support this initiative, GFF is adding three full-time positions that will focus on outreach, education, and technical support for landowners:

Senior Outreach Forester

The Senior Outreach Forester will oversee the program’s implementation, providing landowners with the tools and resources needed to manage their forests effectively. This role will also help landowners access timber markets and new opportunities in ecosystem services, such as carbon and water quality markets.

Download the Job Announcement

Conservation Outreach Specialist

The Conservation Outreach Specialist will lead efforts to restore Georgia’s longleaf pine forests by working with landowners to implement modern forest management practices and to improve access cost-share programs to make these improvements possible​.

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Landowner Engagement Coordinator

The Landowner Engagement Coordinator will focus on increasing forest management activities through education and outreach. This position will organize workshops, field days, and webinars to teach landowners about sustainable forestry practices and financial assistance opportunities. Additionally, the coordinator will build a statewide database to track landowner needs and connect them to available resources​.

Download the Job Announcement

Why this work matters: Georgia’s forests are a key part of the state’s economy and way of life, but challenges like land conversion and natural disasters put them at risk. These new roles are designed to provide landowners with the tools and support they need to manage their forests efficiently, ensuring long-term productivity and sustainability.

Applications for these positions are open until February 14, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter and three references in one PDF addressed to Michele Lawson, michele@gfagrow.org.