Job Description Summary:

Under general supervision, the primary role of the Senior Ecologist position on the City’s Nature-Based Solutions Team is to support the protection of community and ecosystem health through management of the city’s ecosystems-based Integrated Pest Management policy and oversight of the City’s biodiversity-based Mosquito/vector control program. Central to this role is the synthesis of the best available science or development of related applied research to inform the city’s numerous departments conducting ecosystem-based land management. The Senior Ecologist for Public Health and Ecosystem Management has three overall areas of responsibility: management of the city’s ecosystems-based IPM policy implementation across all city departments; management of the City’s ongoing ecosystem-based mosquito management program; and support for broader efforts to research, develop and test nature-based solutions designed to utilize ecosystem-based approaches to increase community resilience to climate change while enhancing the health, safety and welfare of the Boulder community.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

City-wide Ecologically Based IPM Policy and Program Management

• Administers the city’s ecosystem-based IPM Policy which is based on >30 years of collaborative inter-departmental coordination using a decision-making process that evaluates treatment options based on both efficacy of treatment and the associated risks to human and ecosystem health. Coordinates inter-departmental, multi-disciplinary teams to develop policies, programs and practices in support of the city’s management of land, waterways, wildlife and biodiversity, developing risk-reduction strategies for all invasive species and management methods, including chemical, mechanical, and cultural controls.
• Manages the citywide IPM implementation and decision-making process, including ongoing risk assessments for chemical and other treatment methods and updating the approved pesticide list and IPM operations manual consistent with IPM policy direction and state and/or federal requirements. Ensures that the city’s program remains up to date on new chemical and non-chemical management strategies, scientific research, climate and other anthropogenic impacts, and policy changes that affect the city’s IPM and zoonotic disease vector management programs.
• Facilitates ongoing shared learning opportunities for city staff about IPM, potential pest challenges and least toxic and ecosystem-focused strategies.
• Manages the production, synthesis and analysis of data related to IPM and related management of vegetation, insects, and/or vectors of disease including evaluation of measures being utilized by the city, its contractors or other entities implementing control measures. (see Boulder IPM Program).

Mosquito Management Program

• Manages all aspects of the city’s annual ecosystems-based Mosquito control program in coordination with multiple departments across the city organization as the primary method for protection against West Nile virus and other vector borne illnesses.
• Develops and administers program budgets, including developing and managing contracts with consultants and contractors implementing the ecosystem-based mosquito larval control program.
• Develops or participates in cross-jurisdictional collaborations to evaluate a range of different treatment strategies, both efficacy of treatments and evaluation of non-target impacts.

Natural Climate Solutions Programs and Policy

• Participates in cross-departmental teams coordinating integration of nature-based solutions and IPM efforts in broader city plans and actions including the development of applied research into new approaches that enhance environmental health while minimizing or eliminating exposure to potentially toxic substances.
• Participates in the development of ecosystem assessment and monitoring systems designed to enhance community resilience to climate change and other disruptive forces.
• Supports analysis of potential city policy development for the implementation of critical nature-based solutions.

Regional/State Action

• Develops and/or participate in related regional/state level policy assessments including work with state policy makers in the development and implementation of new nature-based solutions and/or IPM policies at both state and federal levels.
• Develops and/or supports regional/state level implementation initiatives designed to pilot or refine systems-scale nature-based solutions and ecological resilience actions such as regional ecologically focused land management practices, public land research consortia, and monitoring programs to assess land management practices on climate, biodiversity, human wellbeing, economic and social impacts, community ecological health, or other similar initiatives.

Coordinate Community Engagement

• Supports community engagement and community science opportunities.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with external groups, such as local Universities, Boulder Valley School District, Boulder County and private landowners. This will include providing community outreach on weed and pest management, protection of biodiversity through nature-based solutions related strategies, toxics reduction and alternative practices that enhance ecosystem and community health and resilience.
• Serves as the point of contact for residents regarding city IPM and mosquito management/West Nile virus programs. Provides technical advice concerning IPM to city departments, advisory groups, boards, and committees. May provide technical advice to private landowners on weed management to comply with Colorado State Weed Law.
• Publicly represent the city’s programs and policies and collaborate with the city’s communication teams in creating effective community outreach.
• Monitors regional, state and federal actions and regulations as needed and advises for updates to community as needed.
• Participates directly in utilizing the city’s racial equity guidelines and engagement to insure broad and inclusive engagement internally and externally.