Employment

Join The American Chestnut Foundation in its mission to restore the iconic American chestnut to its native range!

The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) is a nonprofit conservation, education, and scientific organization with 20+ staff members located from Vermont to North Carolina, an 18-member board, and an annual budget of 3 million dollars. Founded in 1983 and based in Asheville, NC, TACF and its 16 state chapters are employing traditional breeding and modern genomics to develop, and ultimately restore, American chestnut populations. TACF is primarily supported by private philanthropy and targeted research funding.

The American chestnut is a symbol for the hope that exists for all threatened species. TACF has played the lead role in rescuing this species through its innovative breeding and genetic research for four decades. TACF’s long-term goal is to create self-sustaining populations, with disease-resistant trees growing stronger in each succeeding generation. TACF is restoring a growing legacy for decades and centuries to come.

Open Postions

Southern Regional Science Coordinator

The Southern Regional Science Coordinator (SRSC) supports the science-related activities of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) volunteer-run chapters in North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. Chapters in the south have active leadership and programs. The SRSC will support and guide chapter science programs in field activities such as pollination, greenhouse management, harvest and seed collection, planting and maintenance of chestnut trees, inoculating, and selecting trees. In addition, the SRSC is responsible for database entry and analysis, organizing education and outreach opportunities, participating in chapter meetings, and acting as a link between the chapters and the national program of TACF. The SRSC collaborates with TACF’s regional team and the Director of Science and reports to the Director of Science Implementation based out of Charlottesville, VA. This position will be based in the listed southern region with flexibility for location. This job requires frequent travel, up to 25% of the time, throughout the assigned southern territory. The salary recruitment range (DOE) for this position is between $49,000-62,000 annually.

View additional information about this position here.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply via this form. Please include a resume and cover letter. The application deadline is Monday, January 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Science Coordinator (MARSC) supports the science-related activities of The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) volunteer-run chapters in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and in the greater DC area. Chapters in the Mid-Atlantic have active leadership and programs. The MARSC will support and guide chapter science programs in field activities such as pollination, greenhouse management, harvest and seed collection, planting and maintenance of chestnut trees, inoculating, and selecting trees. In addition, the MARSC is responsible for database entry and analysis, organizing education and outreach opportunities, participating in chapter meetings, and acting as a link between the chapters and the national program of TACF. The MARSC collaborates with TACF’s regional team and the Director of Science and reports to the Director of Science Implementation based in Charlottesville, VA. This position is based out of Charlottesville, VA with a flexible hybrid schedule and office space available through the VA Department of Forestry. This job requires frequent travel, up to 25% of the time, throughout the assigned Mid-Atlantic territory. The salary recruitment range (DOE) for this position is between $49,000-62,000 annually.

View additional information about this position here.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply via this form. Please include a resume and cover letter. The application deadline is Monday, January 19, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

Tree Conservation Intern

The Tree Conservation Intern will support Meadowview Research Farms in the continued management and improvement of chestnut orchards and conducting science that adds to the mission of TACF. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including, but not limited to: controlled plant breeding, pollen processing and storage, data collection, land management using hand tools and heavy machinery, and reoccurring farm and research tasks. 

View additional information about this position here.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply via this form. Please include a resume and cover letter. The application deadline is Monday, January 19th, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

Nursery and Lab Support Intern

The Nursery and Lab Support Intern will support Meadowview Research Farms in the continued management and improvement of containerized chestnut seedlings and conducting science that adds to the mission of TACF. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in activities including, but not limited to: plant propagation, greenhouse and shade house management, Integrated Pest Management strategies, irrigation/fertilization, as well as fungal inoculum preparation and leaf tissue sample processing.

View additional information about this position here.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply via this form. Please include a resume and cover letter. The application deadline is Monday, January 19th, 2026, at 5:00 pm Eastern. TACF will acknowledge receipt of all applications. Note that we are not accepting phone inquiries regarding this position, so please do not contact TACF via phone.

Equal Opportunity Employer

TACF is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing an equal opportunity to all qualified individuals who are seeking employment, and to all current employees. It is the policy of The American Chestnut Foundation to provide equal employment opportunity to all Team Members and applicants for employment and not to engage in discrimination against or harassment of any persons employed or seeking employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (e.g., cancer‐related or genetic characteristics), genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services (as defined by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994) as well as state military and naval service. All Team Members, regardless of the classification or position, are considered employed “at-will.” This means employment may be terminated at the will of the Team Member and/or the Company at any time; with or without cause and/or with or without notice. No officer, agent, representative, or Team Member has any authority to enter into any Agreement with any Team Member or applicant for employment on other than on an at-will basis.

TACF is a certified living wage employer dedicated to a just and sustainable economy.