Ecologist

~ Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading citizen organization working to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities area. ~

We strive to create positive changes that improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, create education and recreation opportunities, and inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder that flows through our community.

The goal of FMR's conservation program is to work with public and private landowners to protect and restore ecological connectivity along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. The organization has a staff of 18, a 20-member board of directors and more than 1,700 members.

Position Overview

The Ecologist will report to the Conservation Director and work closely with the Senior Ecologist to develop natural resource management plans (including vegetation surveys, assessment of historic and existing ecological conditions, and management/restoration recommendations), coordinate restoration/land management activities, lead volunteers at restoration events, and other related activities.

The position is right for a hard-working, motivated, and independent person with a commitment to and a passion for environmental protection and ecosystem restoration.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, or botany, will be very skilled in native plant identification, will have a solid understanding of Minnesota ecosystems, knowledge of native fauna, and be an experienced GIS user.

Experience in ecosystem management or restoration and in preparation of ecological management plans will be highly valued, as well as experience in budget management and record keeping. Strong organizational skills and time-management skills are essential.

The position is full-time and permanent. Primarily regular weekdays hours, but includes some weekend and evening events.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office building and outdoors at various sites. Driving is required. Some weekend and evening hours are required. Employee will sometimes be required to work in outside weather conditions with exposure to temperature changes, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust and pollen. Types of equipment include telephone, computer, printer, copier, fax, loppers, handsaws, cameras and GPS units.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent ecological evaluations at specified project locations in the metropolitan area, using standard scientific methods, procedures and classification systems. Includes vegetation surveys (e.g. releve and other methods), soils assessment, evaluation of erosion and other ecological concerns, documentation of birds and other animals.
• Prepare detailed natural resource management plans including historical background, existing conditions, restoration/management goals and methods, project timeline and cost estimates.
• Prepare and manage project budgets.
• Hire and oversee contractors to implement restoration and management activities.
• Keep detailed records of project activities and data collected.
• Analyze vegetation or animal data collected, as part of monitoring work.
• Plan and lead restoration events for volunteer groups.
• Assist with preparation of grant applications and grant reporting.
• Conduct other related activities as directed by Conservation Director.
• Assist/participate in organizational events as needed.
• Provide a positive image of FMR to people encountered while in the field.
• Develop effective cooperative relationships with staff from county, state and local governments, private entities, landowners and others.

Qualifications

Required 

• Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, or related field (especially forestry, forest ecology, wetland ecology, botany). Applicants with a BS and substantial professional field experience will be considered.
• Ability to identify a majority of native plants in a variety of different habitats in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• Strong familiarity with the DNR Native Plant Communities of Minnesota and the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS).
• Experience or solid understanding of standard vegetation surveys methods.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people of all ages and provide educational presentations, both in the field and in public forum settings.
• Ability to direct/instruct volunteers in ecological stewardship activities.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver's license.
• Ability to work outdoors in difficult terrain under adverse field and weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to plan work and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Interest in and commitment to protecting the health of the Mississippi River.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasionally long hours, some evenings and occasional weekends.

Additional desired qualifications:

• Identification knowledge of birds, herpetofauna, insects and other wildlife.
• Experience writing natural resource management plans and prescriptions.
• Field experience conducting restoration and management activities such as prescribed burning, and herbicide application.
• Experience with aerial photograph interpretation.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants who have knowledge of water quality & erosion BMPs, rare plant identification, streambank stabilization, wetland ecology, soil science, tree diseases or land protection methods.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS 10.
• Grant management.
• Budget management.
• Experience in developing RFPs and hiring/overseeing contractors.
• Background or skills in conducting ecological research.

Compensation: Friends of the Mississippi River offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include health and dental insurance, parking/transit allowance and generous paid vacation, sick and holiday leave.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your consolidated application into one PDF document that includes:

• A cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position.
• A 1-2 page re?sume?.
• The names, titles and phone numbers of three professional references (or two professional and one personal reference).
• Please include your last name in the file name and send as an attachment with "Ecologist" as the subject line, to Tom Lewanski.  

Finalists will be asked to submit a writing sample.

Note: Submit application by Friday February 27, 2015. The desired start date is April 1, 2015. The position will remain open until filled.

~ Friends of the Mississippi River is an equal opportunity employer ~