Parrot and Forest Restoration Specialist

SCOPE AND PURPOSE: A Parrot and Forest Restoration Specialist will employ specialized techniques and methodologies on World Parrot Trust projects developed in partnership with the USDA Forest Service. The collaboration seeks to restore tropical forests, primarily for the benefit of the Puerto Rican Amazon parrot and aid in the recovery of this endangered species.

The Parrot and Forest Restoration Specialist offers guidance on project development, leads project initiatives, and ensures high standards in habitat restoration efforts in Puerto Rico, serving a wide range of clients from public agencies, private businesses, and non-profit organizations operating in different aspects of forest restoration.

ESSENTIAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide technical oversight to project activity implementation.
• Actively participate in the restoration of parrot habitat. This includes office and field work to plan, coordinate and implement plantings and monitoring.
• Collaborate with USDA Forest Services, the PR Department of Natural Resources, the US Fish and Wildlife Services and any other relevant stakeholders to develop and implement habitat restoration plans that respond to the needs of a growing wild population of Puerto Rican Amazon
• Plan and implement the construction and installation of structures that will benefit the release, nesting, and survival of Puerto Rican Amazon parrots.
• Assist in the monitoring of wild Puerto Rican Amazon populations.
• Document and analyze habitat use, movement, foraging and nest use of Puerto Rican Amazon parrots.
• Stay updated on the latest tropical forest restoration research, best practices, and emerging techniques in parrot conservation; stay informed about the region’s compatible forest restoration and conservation programs and connect collaborators to these opportunities.
• Actively participate in thought leadership efforts in related technical areas.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Contribute to native tree propagation, growth, and out-planting.
• Support the process of surveying/assessing existing forest stands suitable for habitat restoration actions in preparation for a changing climate and related changes in the movement and dispersion of Puerto Rican Amazons over time.
• Support project planning and implementation (including travel to project sites), monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), project reporting, technical and quantitative reporting, and data analysis.
• Assist with various public outreach initiatives related to the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery program. This work may include feeding and cage cleaning of three live parrots on exhibit at the El Portal Visitor Center.
• Contribute to project success stories and project communication efforts.
• Represent World Parrot Trust at relevant meetings and conferences, as necesssary

Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Master’s degree in conservation biology, forest resources, ecology, ecological restoration, environmental science, or related technical area, or Bachelor’s degree with equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in ecology, forest management, and/or conservation biology.
• Strong knowledge of forest management, birds and conservation, and local vegetation.
• Experience with (tree) climbing and the ability to spend long hours in the field.
• Demonstrable experience in understanding tropical forest restoration.
• Experience driving trucks.
• Experience in carpentry or woodworking tools, such as Skilsaw, drill, Sawzall, etc. (for nest box and platform construction and maintenance).
• Experience using a chainsaw (for nest box and habitat work)
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders (private, governmental, and non-government) in conservation planning and climate adaptation.
• Experience in GIS mapping (ArcGIS or other), data management, and software relevant to forest management planning, population mapping and analysis is preferred.
• Experience with commonly used online conservation tools and accounting systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work productively with peers across Puerto Rican municipalities and U.S. states.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, to accept and discharge substantial responsibilities, to prioritize work assignments, to meet deadlines, and to exercise professional judgment.
• Familiarity with USDA rules and regulations.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

A low-level background check will be required because this position works with the Forestry Service and will have federal computer access.

This position requires a positive attitude, attention to detail, the ability to spend long hours in the field, set priorities, solve problems, and have strong interpersonal communication skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to fluently read, write and speak English and Spanish.

TRAVEL: Travel will be required to project sites in Puerto Rico. Ability to operate light vehicles and all-terrain vehicles a plus.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various situations where complex tasks are necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: During site visits, the contractor will be required to frequently move about in an outdoor setting. The contractor will be required to climb trees and operate machinery. Physical demands include hiking long distances through steep, muddy, uneven terrain, lifting heavy equipment, and climbing trees. The contractor may need to transport an item weighing up to 50 lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Must be able and willing to adapt to flexible hours and schedules, including work on holidays and weekends. Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather.

RELATIONSHIPS: The individual in this position works closely with and under the direction of the Project Director and is expected to work in a positive, professional manner developing strong interpersonal communication with all staff and the public. They also must pay close attention to details, be able to motivate others, set priorities, negotiate, and problem-solve.