Conservation Ecologist/GIS Specialist

Jodi McGraw Consulting (JMc), a Santa Cruz County-based environmental consulting firm, seeks qualified applicants for the positions of Conservation Ecologist/GIS Specialist. The position will report to the Principal Ecologist and is responsible for implementing a variety of professional projects in Central Coastal California (www.jodimcgrawconsulting.com), including:

• Conservation planning including wildlife connectivity planning at the site, local, and regional levels;
• Rare species habitat enhancement and population management;
• Research, surveys, and long-term monitoring of populations and sensitive communities; and
• Habitat restoration and management.

Responsibilities

The anticipated responsibilities and the approximate time dedicated to each are as follows:

• Conduct regional and local-scale analyses to prepare conservation plans and reports (35%);
• Design and conduct field surveys, assessments, mapping studies, experiments, and long-term monitoring studies examining rare and endangered animal and plant populations, sensitive plant communities, and habitat management and restoration projects including experimental restoration trials and rare plant introductions, and wildlife movement (20%);
• Conduct cartography, spatial analyses, and spatial database management for conservation and management projects (10%);
• Design and implement habitat restoration and management projects including revegetation, exotic plant management, and site and species-specific habitat enhancement projects (10%);
• Conduct data analyses, and prepare technical plans, reports, databases, and other products (10%);
• Facilitate endangered species protection during large-scale restoration and construction projects occurring in their habitat (10%); and
• Conduct project management and administrative duties (5%).

Qualifications

The Conservation Ecologist/GIS Specialist is responsible for a high level of professionalism in both field and office environments. As a member of a small, dedicated, and highly collaborative team, the position involves both expertise-based leadership and hands-on program implementation. This requires a high level of energy, productivity, flexibility, durability, attention to detail, and commitment to the projects.   

Qualified candidates will have:

• A background in biology, ecology, environmental studies, geography, or a related field;
• A minimum of one years’ experience in the field (Assistant-level position), or either five years’ experience or a master’s degree and at least two years’ experience for the Associate-level position;
• Proficiency in the use of GIS for spatial analysis and cartography, and spatial database management;
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work;
• Strong quantitative skills and experience and proficiency working with quantitative data;
• Experience in habitat management and restoration strategies, including active revegetation, used to conserve biodiversity in Mediterranean-type ecosystems;
• Strong natural history and botanical field identification skills and an interest and ability to develop expertise in the California flora and fauna;
• Strong organizational and professional skills, and capability of prioritizing and managing diverse tasks independently and with direction and support from the Principal Ecologist;
• The ability to work, and supervise others to work, safely, responsibly, and independently outdoors, and under physically or mentally demanding conditions including inclement weather;
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively communicate with people with a broad spectrum of backgrounds and interests;
• An entrepreneurial, self-starting, and highly collaborative approach to work, and the ability to teach, train, and inspire effective work by others, including staff and university interns; and
• An ability to be flexible, adaptable, perform within a time-sensitive environment, and maintain a positive solution-oriented attitude.

Additional requirements include:

• Proficiency in data entry, database management, and statistical analyses;
• Proficiency in English, and strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Proficiency with common computer applications including MS Office Suite;
• Willingness to work alone in remote locations, on weekends, evenings, and out of town for up to one weeks at a time; and
• A valid California Driver’s License, a good driving record, and a vehicle for travel to field sites.

The position offer the right candidate the opportunity to contribute to a diverse suite of conservation efforts on California’s Central Coast, while developing a broad range of technical and professional skills related to biodiversity conservation. Individuals with strong interest and experience in the application of conservation science to real-world conservation projects, as well as enthusiasm for natural history and working outdoors, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Compensation will be commensurate with the selected applicants’ skills, experience, and other qualifications. Starting salary ranges are as follows: Assistant Ecologist $60,000-$78,000; Associate Ecologist Position: $80,000 – $112,000. Jodi McGraw Consulting offers a benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vacation leave, sick pay, paid holidays, a 401(k), and a defined benefit account.