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Position Description

The Ecologist role supports a variety of IAE’s restoration and research projects through direct project management and leadership of IAE staff, volunteers, and contractors. This dynamic position provides both project-level conservation support and works closely with the Branch Director and Assistant Branch Director to support Branch administrative needs as they arise.  The position successfully manages complex projects, forms alliances with strategic partners, authors technical and general publications, provides significant guidance and mentorship to direct reports, and actively participates in the grant proposal and agreement process.

Specific Responsibilities

Project management (60%)

• Independently manage all aspects of project planning and implementation. This includes coordinating with project partners and funders, developing and maintaining project work plans, fulfilling agreement deliverables within budget, and tracking timelines for several complex projects simultaneously.
• Fiscal Administration: Develop short- and long-term project and team-specific budgets to meet expected deliverables and ensure organizational fiscal compliance.
• Partner & Staff Development: Maintain and cultivate new relationships with regional project partners. Provide intentional mentorship and support for Level 1 or 2 Project Managers learning these relationship-building and financial skills.
  • Plan, facilitate, and provide follow-up for group or public meeting with minimal support or supervision.
• Projects: Direct and support high-priority regional initiatives, including:
  • EPA Native Crop Toolkit: Lead the regional-scale, EPA-funded Farmer-to-Farmer Native Crop Toolkit
  • Plant Materials: Provide strategic oversight and operational support for the Southwest Seed Partnership (native seed collections, nursery/farm production, seed banking, data management, partner coordination), BLM’s Plant Conservation and Restoration Program, and the Conservation in Prisons nursery production program.
  • Restoration: Assist with developing conservation and restoration plans for public and private land managers, and restoration recovery actions for at-risk pollinators and wildlife.
• Strategic Growth: Innovate and develop new projects that directly support the IAE mission and multi-year strategic goals.
• Administrative Oversight: Work closely with the SW Branch Director and Assistant Branch Director to provide administrative leadership. This includes contract management, ensuring compliance with report submissions, reviewing invoices, acting as a point of contact for key funders, and documenting standardized organizational procedures.

Coordination or supervision of others (20%)

• Hire, train, and supervise Level 1 or 2 Project Managers, Technicians, and volunteers
  • Support IAE staff in their project management
  • Ensure project deliverables are being met
  • Ensures adequate support and oversight for remote staff, if applicable
• Prepare contracts and supervise contractors
  • Seek and manage contractors according to IAE’s Procurement Policy
  • Prepare Contracts and Service Agreements to carry out native plant research, restoration, and production projects

Writing (10%)

• Develop and write conservation plans and technical reports with minimal advising and editing from supervisor
• Write newsletter and outreach materials for general audiences

Grant/Agreement proposal preparation (10%)

• Seek, plan, and write grant proposals with minimal editing and support from supervisor

Other Duties as Assigned:

• Expand institutional responsibility and acquire new leadership or management skills.
• Lead tours, workshops, and technical presentations for funders, partners, and the public.
• Assist with field work, botanical surveys, vegetation sampling, data analysis, and restoration logistics as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of experience in supervising regular staff, plus experience managing seasonal staff and crews, contractors, and volunteers
• A minimum of five years of experience in plant ecology, or a related field.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Experience managing and coordinating several projects simultaneously.
• Positive attitude and excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with plant families of the Southwestern region.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Google Suite.
• Experience developing and managing contracts
• Intermediate proficiency in seed biology, as well as collection and handling practices, and the experience of desire to instruct others on seed collection and handling.
• Experience using plant taxonomic keys
• Experience with native habitat restoration in the Southwest
• Experience with wild collecting native seeds
• Ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions (heat). Ability to hike up to 3 miles carrying a 40-pound pack and work in a bent-over/kneeling/sitting position for long periods.
• Current U.S. driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of experience in supervising regular staff, plus experience managing seasonal staff and crews, contractors, and volunteers
• Experience working with native seed producers
• A working knowledge of Southwest agricultural practices, water rights, and land management
• Familiarity with SOS protocols
• Familiarity with federal agency protocols and policies
• Experience acquiring ecological permits