Field Ecologist

Position Title: Field Ecologist
Rec#: 512
Date Posted: 8/10/2007

Primary Duties:
Field-oriented natural resource management position, responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing activities related to the Trust's mission to encourage the highest quality stewardship of the permanently protected Irvine Ranch wildlands. Includes species and habitat monitoring, exotic species control, habitat restoration, fire and fuels management, review of trail project design and assisting with field trips and volunteer workdays. Assists landowners with Natural Communities Conservation Plan compliance, as well as developing and implementing resource management plans. Coordinates with regional scientific teams and individuals, and plans and directs or leads preserve management teams. May recruit and supervise seasonal staff and interns, and supervise professional consultants and contractors. Serves on the Science and Resource Management team of the Trust and provide consultation and advice to other projects as appropriate. May serve as lead or participant in multi-organizational scientific teams and partnerships, and will work closely with partners.

DECISION-MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: * Design, implement and direct projects, setting deadlines and ensuring high quality outcomes. * Ability to make or recommend sometimes complex scientific decisions relative to species and habitat conservation in consultation with supervisors and colleagues. * Ability to compile, organize and use scientific information in decision-making. * Experience developing creative approaches and strategies to conserve natural communities and their components. COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL: * Good communication and presentation skills. * Experience preparing clear, accurate reports and documents. * Ability to manage group processes and objectives and to participate constructively on multi-disciplinary teams. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:* Work frequently involves physical exertion, variable weather conditions, and demanding field circumstances with exposure to disagreeable elements in an open space setting. * Frequent travel within immediate/local area. Willingness to work variable hours appropriate to project objectives.

Qualifications:
• KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecoloy, natural resources management or similar field and 3 to 5 years related work experience in land management. Master's degree preferred.
• Knowledge of general ecological principles and experience with basic experimental design and field sampling.
• Ability to conduct and/or direct resource management field work, and evaluate habitat conditions and trends.
• Demonstrated experience with Geographic Information Systems analysis.
• Experience with statistical and computer analysis of a variety of environmental data on natural communities.
• Familiarity with the biological systems, flora, and fauna of Southern California.
• Successful experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience in safe use and maintenance of field tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of current trends in conservation and land management including urban ecology.
• Foreign language skills (Spanish) desirable.