Forest Policy Director
Friends of the Clearwater, the Inland Northwest’s premier grassroots wildlands defense non-profit, seeks a forest policy
director with a love for wild nature to contribute to our organizational mission. We are based in Moscow, Idaho. We protect the wildlands of the Clearwater Basin in North-Central Idaho, especially the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and adjacent public lands. We also have just initiated an exciting a proactive campaign for the largest wildland complex in the lower 48 states—the Big Wild. https://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/
We seek a person to contribute to a three-person wildlands defense team and help us to succeed in our mission. Knowledge and significant experience in public land management, ecological science and environmental law is preferred. Experience in environmental activism and an understanding of public lands, climate, fisheries and biodiversity issues in our region is also a bonus. Responsibilities may be tailored to candidate strengths but will include:
• Write comments in response to opportunities for public input on projects or other proposals by government agencies regarding public lands.
• Write and assist in preparing news releases. Author opinion pieces for newspapers.
• Write articles for newsletters and information pieces on website in coordination with media director
• Coordinate with attorneys to initiate lawsuits and help with ongoing litigation.
• Keep abreast of local, regional and national happenings affecting the wildlands of the Clearwater Basin to respond as
needed and to update FOC staff and Board.
• Communicate and coordinate via email, social media and voice with people to team up in meeting shared values, goals and missions.
• Coordinate closely with Executive Director and Board member committees to assist with internal FOC structural, functional, campaigning and fundraising matters.
• Attend Board meetings to present updates on Forest Policy issues.
• Up to 20% of the role may involve outreach, meeting the public and development
Salary starting at 40-55K, depending on experience. This position includes health benefits, flexible scheduling, time in the
field, and paid time off. Ideal candidates will have:
• Knowledge of public land management policies, forest ecology and environmental law
• Educational background in science, law, or environmental studies
• Comfort with news media including being interviewed, writing editorial opinions and discussing
complex/controversial issues
• Comfort and skills in public facing outreach
• Knowledge and experience with GIS analysis, data management, website and social media applications
• Ability to write comprehensive scientifically sound comments, reports and publications, often under tight deadlines
• Comfort traveling to remote locations to survey and monitor ecological conditions and management impacts
• A self-motivated and team-friendly work ethic
• A highly creative, proactive and open-minded approach, and the ability to think big
• A healthy sense of outrage and a good sense of humor
The person in this position will coordinate with staff in our main office and should plan to live in Moscow or nearby, with a relocation stipend available. Moscow has great schools, a great quality of life, and is an easy place to live lightly but well. It is very walkable, has lots of community amenities, and is in close proximity to some of the best hiking, fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation in the Inland Northwest.
Please send your letter of interest plus your resume to: Board@friendsoftheclearwater.org
Encourage applications to be submitted by June 30, 2026 for priority consideration.
Friends of the Clearwater is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.