About the Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology is a mission-driven non-profit organization that works to restore species and save ecosystems. Founded in 1999, IAE fills a unique niche in conservation and works with a diverse group of partners to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. Our team of botanists, ecologists, educators, and restoration professionals advances our mission across the western U.S. from our headquarters in Corvallis, Oregon and our branch office in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Position Description

The Restoration Ecologist contributes to IAE’s conservation mission by leading and implementing several habitat enhancement and restoration projects that support the conservation and recovery of rare plants, wildlife, and broader ecosystems. Projects are located in several ecoregions throughout the Pacific Northwest, with a primary focus in the Willamette Valley and Coast Range of Oregon. The ecologist will develop strong relationships with project partners, contribute to and lead development of restoration plans, and implement restoration activities using a variety of techniques to achieve project deliverables and IAE’s conservation goals.

The Restoration Ecologist is part of a collaborative and passionate Northwest Habitat Restoration team, which works alongside ecologists in IAE’s Conservation Research and Plant Materials programs.

Specific Responsibilities

• Project Management and Implementation: Lead habitat restoration activities at public and private land conservation sites for assigned projects. 
• 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, 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 ArcGIS platforms to map project activities, invasive species, and navigate to remote sites.
• Monitor restoration sites and impacts of treatments through site assessments and vegetation inventories. Process, analyze and report data, and maintain restoration databases.

• Coordination and Supervision:
• Help oversee/coordinate habitat restoration field technicians’ work. 
• Prepare contracts, hire, schedule, and supervise contractors, seasonal work crews, and volunteers.
• Coordinate work with other IAE staff, including extensive seeding efforts, nursery production, acquisition, and outplanting of large quantities of plant materials.
• Communications, Writing, and Outreach: 
• Prepare reports for funding agencies, newsletter articles and other IAE publications.
• Build and maintain connections with partners, funders, and private landowners.
• Conduct tours, workshops, and presentations for funders, partners, and the public. 
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and help to acquire funding to support restoration projects, including the drafting of project budgets and narratives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, wildlife, horticulture, ecology, or related work with five years of post-degree experience.
• Positive attitude with excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience developing and maintaining relationships with partners, private landowners, and colleagues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience preparing planning documents, including restoration, planting, maintenance, and management plans.
• Plant identification skills (including common weeds).
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Suite, and ArcGIS.
• Navigational and mapping skills using tools such as aerial photos, compass, GPS, and mapping applications (e.g., ArcGIS Pro and AGOL).
• Ability to obtain (within three months of hire) an Oregon commercial pesticide applicator’s license (agriculture category).
• Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in adverse weather conditions, including potential exposure to poison oak.
• 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
• Ability to remain in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Willingness to operate an ATV and other restoration equipment as needed.
• Current U.S. driver’s license and clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree and/or additional education in one of the same areas
• Familiarity with Willamette Valley plant communities and habitat requirements for prairie wildlife, including pollinators and grassland birds.
• Experience with contract development and oversight, project planning and implementation, budgeting, and permitting.
• Holds an Oregon Pesticide Applicators license.
• Experience collecting native seed.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and a demonstrated record of successful grant proposals.

IAE recognizes that our strength is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship. Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.

If you have any questions or concerns, please direct them to humanresources@appliedeco.org and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.