Conservation Science Project Manager

OVERVIEW SUMMARY

The Conservation Science Project Manager (hereafter ‘Project Manager’) will lead cutting edge research and restoration projects throughout western Washington to advance our understanding of prairie-oak woodland habitat restoration and endangered species recovery. To fulfill the essential functions of this position, the Project Manager will work with a dynamic team comprised of Ecostudies staff, Americorps members, Veteran Conservation Corps members, and student interns, and will coordinate closely with federal, tribal, state, and county governments, other non-profits, and private landowners. There will be opportunity to both lead new projects and participate in ongoing long-term monitoring efforts across the region. Current projects include evaluation of conservation grazing impacts on prairie plant, avian and pollinator communities on private working lands, microsite impacts on phenology and growth of rare butterfly host plants, and monitoring of restoration actions on state, county, tribal, and private lands.

RESPONSIBILITIES                                                        

The Project Manager will manage the planning, field implementation, data management, and reporting tasks associated with selected research and restoration projects in the south Coast Salish region. Working with the Director of Science, but with minimum supervision, the Project Manager will conduct a variety of tasks, including:

• Hiring and supervising Ecostudies staff, Americorps members, Veteran Conservation Corps members, and student interns
• Collecting and managing ecological data
• Conducting data analyses in consultation with the Director of Science and project partners
• Communicating results through written project reports, maps, presentations and manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Coordinating and leading fieldwork and providing logistical support for restoration projects
• Managing multiple projects and completing deliverables according to project timelines/deadlines
• Tracking and working within approved project budgets
• Cooperating and communicating with partners to develop management plans and best management practices for prairie restoration
• Assisting with development of new restoration research projects and grant proposals

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS/AS/Technical or vocational degree in natural science-related field and three years related experience in natural resources/botany/ecology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supervising and mentoring staff and volunteers (especially early career)
• Demonstrated cultural competence and respectful work with people of diverse races, ages, genders, abilities and economic backgrounds
• Strong foundation in the principles and practice of conservation biology and/or restoration ecology with experience in field botany
• Experience managing field projects, including scheduling of staff or volunteer resources
• Experience with the collection and analysis of biological data
• Excellent communication skills; experience in preparing documents such as project reports, and/or research papers, and experience sharing results through professional presentations
• Ability to work within a collaborative environment and achieve objectives through team efforts
• Extensive and demonstrable experience with GPS units, ArcGIS, FieldMaps, and/or Survey123
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, statistical packages) and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree or equivalent in ecology/botany/natural resources.
• Familiarity with conducting statistical analyses, including spatial analyses on large and complex datasets.
• Experience managing diverse activities under tight deadlines while operating professionally and producing high quality reports or other documents.
• Willingness and ability to participate in restoration operations, including prescribed burning and mechanical/chemical vegetation management.
• Familiarity with working landscapes and willingness to work around farm animals.
• Experience preparing manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

• This position is based in Olympia, WA.
• Regularly works in natural areas and on private properties. Hikes across, and conducts work within native habitats and uneven ground. Field work is performed in all weather conditions and often in rough terrain.
• Regularly works indoors in an office setting and sits or stands at a desk or workstation.
• Regularly required to operate an Ecostudies Institute vehicle.
• Uses and supervises the use of pesticides and or other chemical substances.
• Uses and supervises the use of powered equipment such as weed trimmers and chain saws.
• Regularly works on farms and working landscapes with large/diverse farm animals.
• Regularly lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May be requested to work some evenings and weekends and/or travel.

ABOUT ECOSTUDIES 

Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management and ecological restoration.  At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships.  These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches. Ecostudies currently employs over 40 permanent and seasonal staff. 

HIRING EQUITY AND JUSTICE  

It is well-documented that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), queer and transgender folks, women, and other marginalized groups often do not apply for jobs unless they feel they meet every qualification listed in the job description. We are most interested in finding the right candidate for the job and our organization. We encourage all passionate and interested candidates to apply and think broadly about your background and qualifications that could be transferable for the position. We are committed to working against the structural biases that continue to keep marginalized people excluded from the conservation, restoration, and wildland fire/prescribed fire fields, and to making sure our hiring practices are not reproducing those biases.