Ecologist

Under the general supervision of the Environmental Program Manager, the Ecologist is responsible for coordinating and establishing woodlands management related projects within the Community’s Mesquite forests and riparian areas. This position functions as a high-level technical contributor and a lead worker on highly visible, sensitive, and technically complex projects. Independently performs professional level woodlands evaluations and assessments; makes recommendations regarding stand density and woodlands health. Additionally, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating the implementation of related projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate and provide recommendations for woodlands management within GRIC.
• Establish restoration projects within the woodland areas.
• Develop, implement, and monitor woodlands management plans to encourage healthy forest growth.
• Coordinate restoration implementation with members of the Wildlife and Ecosystems team.
• Research, review, analyze, and comment on plans, specifications, designs, reports, studies, policies and procedures relating to woodlands management.
• Develop restoration and management practices within the Community’s woodlands area in compliance with applicable tribal ordinances, regulations, policies, and federal laws.
• Develop and conduct presentations for public meetings, committees, Tribal Council, district meetings, and other groups and individuals.
• Develop general woodlands management documents for educational and outreach activities.
• Develop grant proposals related to woodlands and environmental projects.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships and provide technical coordination for Community members, GRIC departments, programs, sections, consultants, contractors, and other federal, state, and tribal agencies regarding woodland projects.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors during implementation of management plans.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

• Knowledge of principles and practices in analyzing problems and identifying alternative solutions, project consequences, recommendations in support of goals and objectives, program and project management, including supervisory methods used in managing resources and personnel.
• Knowledge of professional forestry principles and expertise in silviculture, growth, and regeneration characteristics with specific emphasis on major woodland tree species and cover types found within the region.
• Knowledge of the functions and capabilities of instruments/equipment used in an assigned program area (e.g., collecting environmental data/samples, computer software, spreadsheets, databases and word processors); understanding of GIS systems and remote sensing techniques preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in administrative procedures and reporting systems.
• Ability to identify, evaluate, and map treatment areas, prescribe proper treatment sequence priorities, optimize growing stock levels and spacing requirements, and critically review Tribal efforts of the same.
• Ability to use computers and technical software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets and databases).
• Ability to research, organize, analyze data, and make decisions based the data.
• Ability to effectively plan, supervise, and coordinate the work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and with written instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to apply scientific methods in collecting and preserving field related samples.
• Ability to independently plan and organize data, make decisions, conduct research, and analyze data to identify alternative solutions, project consequences, and implement recommendations with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interpret and apply federal policies, laws, and regulations regarding woodlands and forest management and compliance.
• Ability to coordinate and conduct public information programs and respond to inquiries and requests.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
• Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Environmental Science, Biology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science or a closely related field and three (3) years professional level experience which involved problem identification and data analysis of woodlands projects or forest health projects.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT(S):

Required to obtain a Tribal Operator’s permit. Valid state driver’s license with a current proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application and must not be more than 60 days old from the date of submission of the application.
Supervisory, Salaried Position
Reports to Director or designee