Restoration Ecologist w/ Applied Ecology (Corvalis, OR)

Job Title: Restoration Ecologist
https://appliedeco.org/wp-content/uploads/HR-Restoration-Ecologist-August-2017.pdf
Office Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Status: Regular, full time
Compensation: $18- 22/hr. depending on experience, plus benefits.
Application period: August 7, 2017 – September 5, 2017
 
The Institute for Applied Ecology (www.appliedeco.org) is seeking to hire a Restoration Ecologist
with a diverse skillset 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 on-the-ground restoration of Pacific Northwest habitats,
provides technical assistance for habitat restoration and management planning and implantation,
engages in threatened and endangered species recovery projects, develops ecologically appropriate
plant materials and seed mixes, cultivates partnerships that promote regional conservation, and
advances innovative and research-based restoration techniques.
 
Duties of the Restoration Ecologist:

• Lead habitat restoration activities at public and private land conservation 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 GIS 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).
• Coordination and supervision:
  • Help oversee/coordinate habitat restoration field technician’s work.
  • 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.
• Prepare grant proposals and help to acquire funding to support restoration projects.
• Monitor restoration sites:
  • Conduct site assessments and vegetation inventories
  • Monitor restoration treatment results, including photo monitoring, plant establishment
  • success, plant community composition, and overall site conditions.
  • Collect data on native vegetation and invasive species. Maintain restoration and
  • management records and track progress.
  • Process, analyze and report data, and maintain restoration databases.
  • Map project areas and treatments using GIS.

 
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 one of the 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 and 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-profits and a record of funded grant proposals is desirable.
• 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) and ArcGIS (preferred).
• Navigational and mapping skills using aerial photos, compass, and/or GIS 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: 1. Letter of interest - In your letter of interest, state when you would be available to start work, and state whether we may contact references and past employers. 2. Resume 3. Writing sample (technical report, management plan, scientific paper, or grant proposal preferred, if available) 4. Contact information for three (3) professional references Letters of recommendation, writing samples, and/or college transcripts may be requested for top applicants. Applications must be received by Tuesday, September 5, 2017. 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: Rebecca Currin Institute for Applied Ecology 563 SW Jefferson Avenue Corvallis, Oregon 97330 [email protected]
 
Questions? Contact either Rebecca Currin, Habitat Restoration Program Director, at 541-753-3099 extension 502 or [email protected], or Ian Silvernail, Restoration Ecogist, at 541-753-3099, ext. 122 or [email protected]
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