Restoration Ecologist/Botanist

Overview:  This position is a partnership between Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Appalachian Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. The position will support landscape-scale habitat restoration and conservation work occuring on private and public lands in West Virginia through management of non-native invasive plant species to enhance forest, grassland/prairie, floodplain, and riparian and aquatic habitats for the benefit of terrestrial and aquatic at-risk and listed species. The Restoration Ecologist will assist in planning, design, and implementation of cooperative agreement and grant-funded habitat restoration and conservation projects. These projects may involve riparian buffer and pollinator meadow establishments, forest stand improvement, water quality improvements, and re-establishing vegetation using native plants as a component of aquatic restoration projects (streambank stabilizations, stream culvert replacements, aquatic organism barrier removals, etc.). Invasive plant eradication will be implemented using Integrated Pest Management techniques including chemical and mechanical treatments. Management practices will include surveillance and/or occupancy monitoring, eradicating extant populations, and preventing the establishment or re-establishment in restoration sites. Project implementation will be carried out in a variety of terrain and weather conditions, and may require working in or traveling through aquatic environments using boats or canoes. This work often involves close cooperation with numerous project partners, agencies, and landowners; field work in remote locations for several days at a time; and budget constraints and deadlines. This is an ecologically-oriented position that supports projects as part of a small, fast-paced, and dynamic team in WV. The position is based in White Sulphur Springs, WV and may require significant travel throughout West Virginia and portions of Virginia.  

This position requires a combination of education and experience in natural resources management and botany as well as relevant field work experience in implementing habitat restoration projects or similar projects/programs; strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills; ability to work independently and as a member of a team; flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment; organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a talent for working with partners to solve problems and develop site-specific solutions; working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and GIS mapping software. Preference will be given to experience and working knowledge of safely and effectively implementing herbicide and forestry mulching treatments on habitat restoration sites using utility vehicles (UTV) and heavier equipment (e.g., tractors, skid steers). Travel throughout CVI’s West Virginia service area will be required; therefore, candidates must possess a valid driver’s license. Candidate must obtain and maintain a West Virginia Pesticides Applicator License from the WV Department of Agriculture and complete additional FWS-required trainings and/or certifications.

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, planning, coordination, and implementation of invasive plant management actions on habitat restoration project sites in WV and portions of VA working in close collaboration with the Appalachian Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office and other partners.
• Conduct botanical survey, monitoring, and assessment work.
• Accurately identify native plants of eastern North America at the species, genus, and family levels.
• Accurately identify invasive plants including, but not limited to, Autumn Olive, Japanese Stiltgrass, Japanese Knotweed, Kudzu, Multiflora Rose, Purple Loosestrife, Tall Fescue, Chinese Bushclover, and Japanese Barberry.
• Work with native plant producers to source locally adapted native plant materials.
• Implement planting projects designed to minimize the likelihood of invasive plant establishment or re-establishment.
• Assist with permitting and environmental regulation compliance for habitat restoration projects.
• Maintain positive professional relationships with landowners and other project partners.
• Maintain effective communication and coordination with landowners, regulatory agencies, and project partners throughout project development and implementation.
• Arrange for the procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Monitor, document, and report on ongoing and completed restoration projects.
• Assist in development and delivery of communications, outreach and environmental education activities, and grant-writing, as needed.
• Safely operate equipment such as chainsaws, hand tools, herbicide applicators, and other equipment. Maintain inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Desired Skills: Our ideal candidate contributes to a team that may include contractors to achieve the full complement of required skills. Candidates who can contribute one of more of these desired skills are preferred:

• Knowledge of local native and non-native flora and fauna.
• Theatened and Endangered Species Survey Experience or Certification.
• Experience and knowledge of non-native invasive plant species management using Integrated Pest Management techniques including chemical, physical or biological means and establishment of native species through various planting techniques including chemical and mechanical treatments.
• Experience operating heavy equipment such as UTVs, skid steers, and tractors to implement habitat restoration projects and/or ability to obtain heavy equipment training/certification.
• Familiarity with federal and state laws and regulations as they pertain to instream and riparian work and non-native species management.
• Data visualization and GIS software mapping skills.
• Experience operating and collecting data using drones.

Salary Range: ($26-30/Hr) Higher starting wage will be considered for individuals with exceptional qualifications or additional certifications/licenses beyond those required for this position.