Description

Overview
The Director of Forest Taxation and Economics leads WFPA’s efforts on tax, economic, and sustainable forest management issues. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director supports the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and other relevant committees in shaping forest and business tax policies. This role ensures WFPA members are informed and engaged on taxes, fees, and economic developments and other issues impacting forest management. The Director aligns tax and economic policies with Washington’s Climate Commitment Act, emphasizing sustainable forestry’s role in carbon sequestration, wildfire risk reduction, renewable wood products, and economic growth through carbon markets and land stewardship, among other issues assigned. Salary is dependent upon experience. 

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and advocate for changes to timberland taxation, harvest volume reporting, and valuation methodologies.
• Leverage USFS-PNW and FIA data to support economic viability and inform policy positions.
• Conduct research on forest taxation, economics and carbon markets to guide WFPA policy development, and other issues as identified.
• Represent WFPA on tax and economic issues, including providing testimony and engaging with legislators, state agencies, and local officials, among others.
• Collaborate with carbon experts and policymakers to integrate forestry into carbon markets, promote carbon sequestration, and expand sustainable wood product markets.
• Monitor and respond to proposed legislation affecting key taxes, including:
• • Timber Excise Tax
  • Property Tax
  • Real Estate Excise Tax
  • Retail Sales Tax
  • Business & Occupation Tax
  • Capital Gains Tax
• Maintain and publish up-to-date data on forest taxation and economic impacts, focusing on sustainability and carbon policies, and other relevant issues.
• Build partnerships with agencies, academic experts, and industry stakeholders to align tax, economic, sustainability goals, and economic incentives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, economics, or related field; advanced degree (e.g., Masters in Economics or related field) preferred and 7+ years combined education and work experience.
• Strong analytical skills, including experience with spreadsheets, databases, and statistical tools.
• Familiarity with public policy, taxation systems, and sustainable forest management.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage members, policymakers, and officials effectively.