Applied Forest Ecologist And Project Manager

APPLIED FOREST ECOLOGIST & PROJECT MANAGER

ABOUT PACIFIC FOREST TRUST

Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) delivers landscape-scale private forest conservation in the West and develops innovative incentives for forest conservation at the national level. We do so in ways that reward private landowners for managing for public benefits, such as water and climate services, habitat for abundant native wildlife as well as economic returns. Our work sustains rural communities and restores resilient forest landscapes across ownership boundaries.  PFT pioneered the use of working forest conservation easements as a major incentive to reward forest landowners for long-term stewardship, and is recognized nationally as a leader in developing new payment systems for ecosystem services including climate, carbon, watershed and habitat services, all complementing sustainable harvest of timber products.  

PFT has led the conservation of over 357,000 acres of forestland also developing, acquiring, and stewarding conservation easements on 115,000 acres. PFT owns 2,100 acres and manages 14,000 acres for sustained timber, water, climate, and habitat values. Our projects are outstanding not only for their scale, but for their landscape impacts and high standards for delivering multiple public benefits. PFT is thrice accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Learn more at http://www.PacificForest.org 

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a highly qualified and committed applied forest ecologist to help manage and implement a long-term project promoting forest and other resource management strategies to restore fire resilience to an 11,000,000-acre landscape of northern California centered in Siskiyou County, California. This is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how to drive the implementation and funding of a climate smart approach to forest management which restores forest systems natural functions and abilities to support a landscape dominated by beneficial fire within the next decade.  It also targets the restoration of ecosystem function to enhance overall climate stress resilience, promotes adaptation and increases the habitat availability for the globally outstanding biodiversity of the region.  

The position requires both a mastery of forest ecology and comfort with forest management, coupled with fluency in relevant modeling and analysis. Additionally, the ideal candidate possesses demonstrated experience in project management. This position is part of a larger project team with an experienced forester and fire manager, climate modeler, and policy analyst as well as government relations and other staff.  

SPECIFIC DUTIES 

• Lead the analysis, modelling and recommendations for long-term ecological forest management to promote fire and climate resilience in this focus area.
• Evaluate outcomes of different management approaches on forest ecosystem resilience and function.
• Complete a comprehensive, integrated regional restoration plan to restore beneficial fire regimes and enhance forest ecosystem function in the focal region.
• Responsible for coordinating with internal staff and sub-consultants in the completion of tasks.
• Manage climate change modelling.
• Integrate climate change modelling with forest management modelling.
• Integrate model outcomes with plan recommendations.
• Advise on selection of sites for conservation action and management terms for working forest conservation easements that will promote desired ecological conditions.
• Engage with stakeholder community of scientists, land managers, and owners as well as community members and agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE  

• At least 5 years of experience performing forest ecological resources evaluation/analysis, directing or conducting ecological studies, or managing an interdisciplinary team preparing forest-based ecological studies.
• A PhD or Masters Degree in Forest Ecology, Forestry, or equivalent.
• Familiarity and fluency with forest ecological modelling, GIS, forest growth and yield modelling; experience with climate change models and modelling desired.
• Solid understanding of intensive industrial and natural forest management approaches.
• Experience working with forest managers and landowners.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, forest and watershed restoration.
• At least 2 years’ experience in project and contract management.
• Knowledge of prescribed burning/pyrosilviculture; experience with this practice is a plus.
• Ability to work well with multiple stakeholders of differing perspectives.
• Ability to hike over sometimes rough terrain on field sites.
• Knowledge of natural forest communities of northern California, especially interior California mixed conifer forests.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, biological principles and ecosystem dynamics as applied in a planning and implementation context.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience/comfort with communicating with regulatory agencies with jurisdiction over natural resources (forests, water, wildlife, etc) in California.

REPORTS TO 

President or their designee 

TRAVEL 

Some regional travel is required. Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.  

LOCATION 

San Francisco or within project region 

SALARY & COMPENSATION 

$80,000 – $100,000.  Salary is determined by a number of factors including education, experience, skills, training, and location. Full health, dental, and vision benefits, retirement and other benefits. 

Please send a resume and thoughtful cover letter in pdf format, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position to jobs@pacificforest.org.  

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.