Job Title: Restoration Ecologist Office Location: Corvallis, Oregon Status: Regular, full time Compensation: $17- 22/hr. depending on experience, plus benefits. Application period: February 5, 2013 – February 26, 2013.
This announcement is also available at: www.appliedeco.org/get-involved The Institute for Applied Ecology (www.appliedeco.org) is seeking to hire a Restoration Ecologist with a diverse skill-set to lead several enhancement and restoration projects as part of a Habitat Restoration team. Projects are primarily focused in the Willamette Valley, but may also include the Coast Range and other Oregon ecoregions. Habitat enhancement work supports the conservation and recovery of rare plants (e.g., Nelson’s checkermallow and Bradshaw’s lomatium) and wildlife (e.g., Fender’s blue butterfly and Western meadowlark) using a variety of restoration techniques. The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a dynamic nonprofit organization whose mission is to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. The Habitat Restoration Program of IAE conducts ecological restoration in the Pacific Northwest through on-the-ground restoration, development of ecologically appropriate seed mixes, cultivation of partnerships that promote regional conservation, and the advancement of restoration science and innovative techniques. Duties of the Restoration Ecologist: -Lead habitat restoration activities at multiple public and private land conservation easement sites. -Manage all aspects of restoration planning and implementation. Lead or assist with preparation of restoration, planting, and management plans. Provide contract and budget oversight and communication, and secure permits as needed. -Ensure successful completion of restoration treatments including mowing, grazing, brush clearing, solarization, herbicide application, burning, planting, and seeding. -Operate, supervise, and ensure safe use of equipment (e.g., weed-eaters, chainsaws, tractors, mowers, discs, and seeders). Maintain restoration equipment, power tools and storage areas. -Use a GPS device and aerial photos to map project activities and invasive species and navigate to remote sites. -Install wildlife structures (e.g., bird boxes and bee blocks). -Out-of-town travel required as needed to complete work program and to attend meetings and conferences. -Prepare grant proposals and help to acquire funding to support restoration projects. Coordination and supervision: -Supervise a habitat restoration field technician. -Prepare contracts, hire, schedule, and supervise contractors and work crews. -Coordinate prescribed burning and other treatments with partners, landowners, and regulators. -Coordinate extensive seeding efforts as well as nursery production, acquisition, and outplanting of large quantities of plant materials. Outreach: -Prepare reports for funding agencies, newsletter articles and publications. -Build and maintain connections with partners and funders. -Work closely with landowners. -Conduct tours, workshops, and presentations for funders, partners, and the public. -Organize and lead volunteer work parties. Monitor restoration sites: -Conduct site assessments, written descriptions and photo monitoring. -Collect data on native vegetation and invasive species. Maintain restoration and management records and track progress. -Process and analyze data, and maintain restoration databases. -Map project areas and treatments using GIS. Skills development: -Obtain training and attend professional conferences. Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, wildlife, horticulture, ecology or related field with five years of post-degree experience Or master’s degree in same areas with three years experience (preferred). -Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience managing and coordinating several restoration projects simultaneously. Experience with contract development and oversight, project planning, implementation, budgeting, and permitting. -Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience developing and maintaining relationships with partners and private landowners. -Experience preparing restoration, planting, maintenance, and management plans. -Familiarity with non-profit landscape and record of funded grant proposals. -Experience with habitat monitoring including data collection, management, analysis and reporting. Plant identification skills (including common weeds). Familiarity with Willamette Valley plant communities and habitat requirements for prairie wildlife (including pollinators and grassland birds) desirable. -Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). -Navigational and mapping skills using aerial photos, compass, and/or GPS unit. -Good physical condition. Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions with potential exposure to poison oak. Ability to lift 80 pounds. Ability to hike up to 3 miles carrying a 40-pound pack and work in a bent-over/kneeling/sitting position for long periods of time. -Willingness to operate a tractor (training can be made available), ATV, and other restoration equipment as needed. Current U.S. driver’s license. How to Apply: To apply for this position, submit: -Letter of interest - In your letter of interest, state when you would be available to start work, and state that we may contact references and past employers. -Resume -Contact information for 3 professional references Letters of recommendation, writing samples, and/or college transcripts may be requested for top applicants. Applications must be received by February 26, 2013. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Non-U.S. residents must also include a copy of their work visa. Applications will be considered upon receipt. For more information about IAE and this program, visit our website www.appliedeco.org. Email or mail application materials to: Melanie Gisler Institute for Applied Ecology PO Box 2855 Corvallis, Oregon 97339-2855 [email protected] Questions: Contact Melanie Gisler, Habitat Restoration Program Director, at 541-753-3099 extension 502.
