The Forest Ecologist develops the evidence base for The Nature Conservancy’s efforts to protect and restore lands in Washington. They work on a team of conservation practitioners and scientists to develop and implement science-based land management and restoration across the forested ecosystems of eastern and western Washington. They are a leading voice for science in the Washington Chapter.
Supporting Conservation (50%)
- The Forest Ecologist will develop the science that supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation strategies in forests across Washington. They will network with the scientific community including with agency and tribal scientists to build the evidence base for the restoration of dry, mixed, moist, and rainforest ecosystems. They will work with Conservation Program staff and external partners to help prioritize, plan, and implement landscape-scale forest conservation strategies and restoration projects. They will lead priority monitoring efforts, including reporting on a Federal Habitat Conservation Plan in the Cascades, and may manage consultants and contracts. They will also build linkages to aquatic conservation strategies, such as wild salmon recovery, snowpack management, and water quality and quantity in the face of climate change.
Communication (25%)
- The Forest Ecologist will communicate scientific findings and the scientific basis for conservation priorities and actions to the general public, partners, media, and the scientific community. Communication may be through peer-reviewed literature, other published materials and maps, presentation at meetings and conferences, news media, and field tours.
Advancing Science (25%)
- The Forest Ecologist will work both independently and with colleagues to advance the science of forest conservation; developing new tools, testable strategies and approaches, and leading scientific inquiry and problem-solving related to forest conservation and restoration. Advancing science includes searching for alternative ways to approach and solve conservation problems.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of Position:
- The Forest Ecologist is a senior member of the Washington Chapter’s Science Team and plays a leadership role on the Chapter’s Conservation Team, with significant strategic and partnership responsibilities.
Within the scope of the position, the Forest Ecologist will:
- Develop landscape-scale forest management plans, conceptual and quantitative models, and design ecosystem conservation strategies in the different forest types across Washington.
- Develop and manage the evidence base for science-based forest conservation and restoration projects, including delivery of ecosystem services.
- Develop and provide scientific foundation for TNC’s land conservation strategies.
- Provide research and quantitative analysis to help prioritize forest restoration and management projects.
- Lead and manage consultant contracts, grants and/or requests for proposals.
- May lead staff, interns or volunteers on a project basis.
- Create, build, and maintain effective partnerships with academic, NGO, agency, and tribal scientists.
- Mentor, support, and partner with Conservancy scientists in natural and social science disciplines.
The Forest Ecologist works statewide and in partnership with agencies, tribes, NGOs, and academics. They will travel (up to 25%) and will work in both professional office settings and in the field, sometimes in inclement weather and within steep and rugged terrain. May require working long and/or flexible hours.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience synthesizing, interpreting, and communicating scientific information.
- Experience with ecological statistics and quantitative techniques
- Experience preparing reports of findings
- Record of peer review publications in scientific journals
- Effective communicator with the ability to relate scientific concepts to a variety of audiences, including members, donors, and the media.
- Experience developing and leveraging collaborative relationships with academic and agency partners
- Ability to travel within Washington State; must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- PhD in science related field and 4 years of experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Multi- lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.
- Demonstrated experience in advanced quantitative techniques, particularly statistical modeling, analytical and /or simulation modeling or meta-analysis.
- Proven ability to negotiate and develop work programs with external partners, especially academics, agencies and tribes.
- Flexibility and interest to understand and move between different subject matter, such as dry and wet forest ecology, wildlife habitat relationships, forest and stream interactions, climate change, etc.
- Knowledge and understanding of climate change and forests, e.g. carbon markets, interactions of snow/water and climate.
- Knowledge of key conservation issues and partners working in Washington on forest management and restoration.
- Knowledge and experience working within Pacific Northwest coniferous forest ecosystems.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.