Parrot and Forest Restoration Specialist (2 Positions Available)

Location: El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico
Organisation: World Parrot Trust (Website: https://parrots.org/ )
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Contract Type and Length: Full-time, 12-month renewable
Reports to: Jack Haines, Neotropics Regional Manager

About the World Parrot Trust

The World Parrot Trust is a global leader in parrot conservation, with over three decades of experience delivering impactful, science-based solutions for endangered parrot species. From the Caribbean to Australasia, we collaborate with local communities, governments, and conservationists to restore habitats, combat trafficking, and recover wild populations.

In Puerto Rico, we are partnering with the USDA Forest Service and other stakeholders to support the recovery of the iconic Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot, combining ecological restoration with direct species management to safeguard its future.

About the Role

This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact conservation programme aimed at restoring tropical forests and securing the future of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Amazon Parrot. You will be part of a dynamic, field-based team working in El Yunque National Forest, implementing practical conservation and restoration activities in collaboration with local, federal, and international partners.

This hands-on role is ideally suited to a motivated conservationist or restoration specialist with strong fieldwork experience, a deep understanding of tropical forest systems, and a passion for working outdoors in challenging but rewarding environments.

Key Responsibilities

Field-Based Conservation and Habitat Restoration

• Provide technical oversight to project activity implementation.
• Actively participate in the restoration of parrot habitat. This includes office and field work to plan, coordinate, and implement plantings and monitoring.
• Collaborate with USDA Forest Services, the Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and any other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement habitat restoration plans that respond to the needs of a growing wild population of Puerto Rican Amazon parrots.
• Plan and implement the construction and installation of structures that will benefit the release, nesting, and survival of Puerto Rican Amazon parrots.
• Assist in the monitoring of wild Puerto Rican Amazon populations.
• Document and analyse habitat use, movement, foraging, and nest use of Puerto Rican Amazon parrots.
• Stay updated on the latest tropical forest restoration research, best practices, and emerging techniques in parrot conservation; stay informed about the region's compatible forest restoration and conservation programmes and connect collaborators to these opportunities.
• Actively participate in thought leadership efforts in related technical areas.

Project Delivery, Proposal Writing and Reporting

• Support project planning and implementation (including travel to project sites), monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), project reporting, technical and quantitative reporting, and data analysis.
• Lead or contribute to the development of funding proposals and restoration project plans.
• Integrate botanical expertise into restoration strategy, including species selection, site matching, and climate-resilient planting designs.

Additional Responsibilities

• Contribute to native tree propagation, growth, and out-planting.
• Support the process of surveying and assessing existing forest stands suitable for habitat restoration actions in preparation for a changing climate and related changes in the movement and dispersion of Puerto Rican Amazons over time.
• Assist with various public outreach initiatives related to the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. This work may include feeding and cage cleaning of three live parrots on exhibit at the El Portal Visitor Center.
• Contribute to project success stories and communication efforts.
• Represent the World Parrot Trust at relevant meetings and conferences, as necessary.

Work Environment and Conditions

• Field-based work in El Yunque National Forest with frequent outdoor activity.
• Requires hiking in steep, muddy, and uneven terrain.
• Must be able to lift and transport up to 50 lbs.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and irregular hours.
• A low-level background check is required due to federal computer access.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Master’s degree in conservation biology, forest resources, ecology, ecological restoration, environmental science, or a related technical area; or a Bachelor's degree with equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in ecology, forest management, and/or conservation biology.
• Strong knowledge of forest management, birds and conservation, and local vegetation.
• Demonstrable experience in tropical forest restoration.
• Experience managing native plant nurseries, propagation, and out-planting.
• Experience working at height and using climbing gear (or a willingness to be trained).
• Experience with carpentry and woodworking tools (e.g. Skilsaw, drill, Sawzall) for nest box construction and maintenance.
• Chainsaw operation for habitat or nest site work.
• Experience using GIS (ArcGIS or similar), data management, and forestry planning tools.
• Strong proposal writing, planning, and technical reporting skills.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders (government, NGO, and private sectors).
• Legally authorised to work in the U.S. (Puerto Rico).
• Fluent in English and Spanish.
• Comfortable working in difficult terrain and all-weather conditions.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with USDA rules and regulations.
• Experience in conservation planning and climate adaptation.
• Experience supporting public education, exhibitions, or interpretive programmes.
• Enthusiasm for working with parrots or other threatened species.