Research Ecologist

Teatown Lake Reservation

Title: Research Ecologist

Summary of Position: The Research Ecologist conducts ecological research and monitoring on Teatown’s preserve, assists with data analysis and reporting of results, collaborates with regional partner organizations, and engages in ecological education and student mentorship.

Reports To: Senior Science Advisor

About the Organization: Teatown is an accredited land trust protecting and restoring over 1,000 acres in the Lower Hudson Valley. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) environmental education and research organization, our mission is to inspire our community to lifelong environmental stewardship.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

Research:

• Conducts ecological research and monitoring (plants and wildlife) on Teatown’s 1000-acre preserve to inform the organization’s approach towards ecological stewardship as well as contribute to the regional ecological knowledge base
• Leads volunteers and manages interns to increase research and participatory science capacity
• Contributes to habitat management plans and reports
• Represents Teatown at regional partnerships, including the Environmental Monitoring and Management Alliance (EMMA) and the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)

Education:

• Leads the Teatown Environmental Science Academy (TESA), an experiential summer field research program for high school students
• Assists with program coordination for the Environmental Leaders Learning Alliance (ELLA)
• Engages in collaborative initiatives through Teatown’s partnership with Pace University

Communications:

• Assists with digital and written public outreach and communications regarding ecological concepts and ongoing research

General:

• Communicates and coordinates with other staff about ongoing science research and monitoring on the preserve
• Participates in public events, programs, presentations, and professional development
• Identifies grant opportunities and assists with grant processes
• Participates in collaborative efforts to integrate diverse perspectives on biodiversity conservation and enhance access to the natural sciences for historically excluded populations
• Other duties as needed

Position Requirements/Qualifications

• A master’s degree in the field of ecology, conservation biology, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field
• An academic understanding of applied ecology including principles of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and climate resilience
• Demonstrated proficiency with ecological field research including study design, data collection and analysis, and written and oral presentation
• Familiarity with terrestrial and freshwater systems, especially northeastern US woodland ecosystems and early successional habitats
• Proficiency in plant and/or wildlife identification
• Experience working with students and a desire to engage in ecological research education and mentorship
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Experience with GIS
• Ability to work independently as well as in groups
• Openness to considering new ideas and learning new skills
• Desire to get to know a beloved nature preserve, contribute to its protection and restoration as a valuable community asset, and foster connections between people and nature

This is a full-time salaried position with a regular work week of Monday-Friday, 7 hours a day, with weekend and evening work required on occasion. Starting compensation is $60,000-$65,000/year commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as a 403(b) retirement plan.

Job-Description-Research-Ecologist.pdf (teatown.org)