Wood Utilization & Business Development

Job Description: This exciting new position in the Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands (FFSL) focuses on engaging entrepreneurs, businesses and local communities in Utah to stimulate economic capacity and new market opportunities for forestry work, wood utilization and forest products ,in coordination with Utah's Shared Stewardship Agreement between the State and U.S. Forest Service. The position will plan, develop and implement a technical and financial assistance program for forestry and forest products businesses; coordinate outreach to local agencies and officials, businesses and entrepreneurs; provide information and educational materials; and plan and facilitate conferences, workshops, field tours and other events to heighten public awareness and interest and develop business opportunities in forestry and forest products in Utah.

Principal Duties:
As the Wood Utilization & Business Development Coordinator for Shared Stewardship, you will spend about half of your time on Program Development and Implementation and half on Technical Assistance and Outreach.
Plan, develop and coordinate activities in Utah that build economic capacity in rural communities and promote new market opportunities for forestry work, wood utilization and forest products.
Plan, develop and implement a technical and financial assistance program for existing and new private-sector businesses in the forestry and forest products sector.
Develop and manage professional relationships with other local, state and federal partners, organizations, and businesses to strengthen and advance objectives.
Serve as a State contact and represent FFSL and Forest Service R4 on state,regional and national forest products development issues.
Coordinate with FFSL and Forest Service staff to provide outreach and assistance to local agencies and officials,businesses and entrepreneurs in Shared Stewardship priority landscape.
Develop, maintain and distribute information and educational materials related to forestry and forest products development in Utah.
Plan and facilitate conferences and workshops, field tours and other public events to heighten awareness and interest in forestry and forest products development in Utah.

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate would have experience in rural economic development and small business development related to forestry and wood products in Utah. He or she would be enthusiastic and committed to working with diverse partners to help solve problems,overcome barriers and stimulate new forestry and wood products businesses in the State.
We are looking for candidates with entrepreneurial spirit, passion and drive, who can clearly communicate, connect with all stakeholders, and move the State forward with new economic activities based on forest restoration and Shared Stewardship.
A college degree in any field.
Professional experience in forest products and wood products development (2+ years).
Professional experience in rural economic development and small business development (2+ years).
Experience at a management level with small business finance grant and/or loan programs, preferably related to forest products or wood products.
Experience with State and Federal rural economic and small business development programs.
Exceptional ability to develop partnerships and positive working relationships with local ,state and federal agencies, government officials, non-governmental organizations, private businesses, and entrepreneurs in the forest and wood products sector.
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to clearly communicate services and opportunities available to stakeholders.
Knowledge of forestry principles and practices.
Knowledge of U.S. Forest Service policy and programs.
Ability to provide service and support to businesses and entrepreneurs, solve problems, and deliver meaningful and measureable outcomes.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver meetings, workshops, and outreach events for subject matter experts and the general public.

Why You Should Join Our Team:
The Division of Forestry,Fire & State Lands (FFSL) is a progressive, diverse agency responsible for forest stewardship, managing wildland fires ,and conserving lands in Utah. As Wood Utilization & Business Development Coordinator for Shared Stewardship, you will have the opportunity to work with FFSL Forestry program coordinators, the Division's senior leadership, US Forest Service program leaders and other State and local partners to make a positive impact on forestry activities, wood use, and economic development in Utah. In addition,the State of Utah offers great benefits and generous paid time off so you can spend time with your family and have a positive work-life balance.