Ecologist

~ The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. ~

Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority, which was founded in 1951, operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.  The Authority is the largest groundwater supplier in the country.

Position Overview

The Ecologist undertakes ecological management and stewardship projects within the Central Pine Barrens to foster biological diversity, natural resource conservation, and ecosystem protection and restoration.

This position is strongly focused on management plan development and implementation; pre and post management monitoring; and long term monitoring to improve forest and grassland health, resiliency to emerging species and habitat for rare and endangered species.

Individuals with experience in fire ecology; leading or supporting prescribed fires; conducting habitat restorations, and ecological monitoring are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assesses ecological integrity; identifies conservation and restoration needs; designs, develops and implements ecological restoration plans; makes recommendations and provides scientific basis to stakeholders.
• Performs key roles in prescribed fire management, including application of fuel models, estimating fire behavior, and participating in prescribed fires/controlled burns.
• Supports forest health management and restoration activities including response to emerging forest health threats.
• Supports the development of multi-disciplinary, collaborative and independent, scientific research and monitoring to inform adaptive management for habitat protection and restoration.
• Communicates research findings through written reports, correspondence, peer-reviewed scientific journals, presentations and coordination of research forums.
• Supervises technicians, interns, consultants, contractors and volunteers.
• Prepares and manages grants, budgets, reports, and research-oriented contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Forestry, or related natural science required; MS or PhD preferred.
• A minimum of 6 years experience in a related field.
• Strong foundation and expertise in conservation biology and restoration ecology, especially pertaining to pine barrens ecological communities, fire ecology, prescribed fire and invasive species.
• Ability to work in woodlands, fields and other natural settings; utilize and maintain various forestry, prescribed fire and scientific tools/equipment including GPS units, remote sensing and GIS.
• Direct experience with applying adaptive management principles for natural resource management and the use of various ecological restoration tools.
• Field and supervisory experience in ecological research, monitoring, stewardship, restoration and plant propagation.
• Experienced in and willing and able to participate in or lead prescribed fires.
• Completion of NWCG S130/190 Firefighter training/Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior course & passing of physical pack test for hand crews.
• Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations related to wetlands, rare/endangered species and NEPA & SEQRA.
• Outstanding communication, writing and statistical skills.
• Professional Certified Ecologist designation preferred.