American Forests
Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Ecologist
American Forests, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Ecologist
Location: Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Sen ior Director Forest and Restoration Science
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Category: Non-Exempt
Salary: $60,000-$80,000
About Us American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
Position Summary Whitebark pine is an iconic tree species that thrives at high elevations across seven western US states and is known as both a keystone and foundation species where it exists. Whitebark pine populations have been in a well-documented decline as a result of three primary threats: white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetles, and climate induced changes (drought, changing fire regimes). Whitebark pine was listed as threatened on January 17, 2023, under the Endangered Species Act, and is the widest ranging tree species to receive this designation.
In 2023, American Forests partnered with the National Park Service under a five-year agreement to work together to restore whitebark pine populations in western National Parks. As a part of this agreement, American Forests is working with National Park units in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) to expand restoration capacity and leadership for whitebark pine. This position is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to gain experience working within both federal and nonprofit sectors. This position will be positioned within the Resilient Forests program at American Forests but will be directly supervised by the Deputy Chief of the Yellowstone Center for Resources at Yellowstone National Park (YELL). The incumbent will work on projects in YELL and help support projects in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE).
Responsibilities Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Whitebark Pine Data Management (30%)
Compile and organize existing whitebark pine data in YELL and, as requested, GRTE.
Analyze data, including spatial data, and summarize findings of whitebark pine status and health assessment for YELL and, as requested, GRTE.
Use ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, database programs, Excel, or R (or similar systems) to enter, manage, and analyze tree and other vegetation data collected in the field.
Evaluate and interpret trends and interrelationships among data, review scientific literature, write technical reports and papers synthesizing findings thereof, and give presentations on findings to inform a variety of audiences.
Work with NPS staff to outline priority populations for restoration actions and ensure that NPS.
Whitebark Pine Recovery Support and Coordination (30%)
Work with YELL and GRTE and Greater Yellowstone Coordination Committee (GYCC) partners to support the work of and update as necessary management plans.
Engage with GYCC partners, other NPS units, other federal agencies, researchers, tribes, and NGOs on projects and identify and implement projects.
Work with partners to support science-directed, genetically-informed, climate-adapted restoration actions.
Implement, and revise as necessary, inventory and monitoring plans.
Review literature and research on and restoration best practices.
Lead or assist with writing funding proposals and submitting year-end reports.
Coordinate compliance for restoration planning in YELL, GRTE as requested.
Author whitebark pine content for YELL’s Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Assessments for consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service and work with park wilderness and historical preservation coordinators to meet park compliance needs.
Restoration and Conservation Implementation (35%)
Identify trees, specifically five needle pine trees including whitebark pine, and native and exotic flora, collect tree and other vegetation data in the field using survey protocols and portable data collection platforms, and implement restoration measures.
Lead and supervise others by planning and participating in field projects, establishing crew itineraries, hiking and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry areas, while carrying backpacks and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and navigating to field sites using topographic maps, compass, GPS, and tablet.
Train and work with supervisor to direct the work of field crews tasked with whitebark pine monitoring and compliance surveys and restoration actions.
Begin implementing restoration actions in priority locations, with a focus on priority areas.
Develop and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, partners, and the public.
Work with partners to support restoration actions.
Participate in regular American Forests Resilient Forest team and regional program meetings, ensuring that this position is an active and visible component of our work in the GYE.
Represent American Forests and help represent YELL and GRTE in regular coordination meetings with external stakeholders and partners.
Work on related Resilient Forests projects.
Work with science communicators and interpretive staff to share work products and highlights.
Qualifications While we do not expect any one candidate to possess all of these qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated proficiency in: 1) forestry, botany, ecological restoration, or other ecological field work, 2) experience in data analysis and reporting, including spatial data, 3) project development and coordination with a team, 4) planning field work and training field staff in restoration or monitoring actions
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Agriculture, or a related field. Master’s degree or graduate education leading to master’s degree in related field preferred (this education can supersede undergraduate degree field).
Familiarity with whitebark pine, whitebark pine habitat, or similar threatened species and systems.
A well-rounded, interpersonal skill set with the capacity to build and maintain relationships within a small team, with agency staff, service subcontractors, landowners and researchers, and to work effectively in a larger team environment, both regionally and nationally
Impact-driven, self-motivated quality with strong time management and organizational skills and the ability to meet recurring deadlines
Ability to conceptualize annual project targets, characterize site-specific challenges through scoping activities and meet annual goals with measurable impacts; the ability to adapt as needed
Candidate must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or Green card holder; or must have lived for three consecutive years of the last five years within the US and have a legal permit to reside and work in the US.
American Forests Core Competencies
Attitude: Brings a positive outlook to work and helps inspire others to achieve excellence.
Communication: Produces strong written documents, edits documents effectively, engages in effective verbal communication—1-on-1 and small group—and conducts effective large group presentations.
Organization: Prioritizes tasks effectively, accomplishes tasks efficiently, follows through on all commitments, breaks down large projects to make them manageable, and effectively manages complex projects involving multiple actors.
Problem-Solving & Creativity: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyzes data to produce insights, and generates wise, actionable recommendations. Understands the limited resources available and produces creative solutions.
Representing the Organization: Serves as an effective ambassador, builds connections, and maintains relationships with outside partners, vendors, and donors. Brings credibility to the organization in how they present themselves.
Working Conditions, Salary, and Benefits
This position will entail working in both field and office environments in YELL and occasionally GRTE. The position will require on-site work from May through October, but some duties can be accomplished through teleworking agreements. The position will be assigned duty stations in YELL, Livingston, or Bozeman, MT and may be offered temporary or long-term office space there. The position will require the incumbent to be able to reach the duty station using their own transportation for on-site meetings. A government vehicle will be provided for travel to and from field sites. The incumbent would be required to use personal transportation to arrive at their set office location.
Normal work hours will take place from approximately 7am - 5pm, Monday through Thursday.
Work will be performed in a combination of office (~60%) and backcountry field settings (~40%), which will include: travel on and off-trail at high elevations on steep rocky slopes, in forests, streams, and wetland environments in a variety of weather conditions in wilderness, including landscapes home to various large mammals such as bears, bison, cougars, wolves, elk, etc. Work may include overnight travel, front- and backcountry camping with a team.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply
Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Sen ior Director Forest and Restoration Science
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Category: Non-Exempt
Salary: $60,000-$80,000
About Us American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to large forest landscapes, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water, and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal, and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for over 150 years.
American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.
Position Summary Whitebark pine is an iconic tree species that thrives at high elevations across seven western US states and is known as both a keystone and foundation species where it exists. Whitebark pine populations have been in a well-documented decline as a result of three primary threats: white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetles, and climate induced changes (drought, changing fire regimes). Whitebark pine was listed as threatened on January 17, 2023, under the Endangered Species Act, and is the widest ranging tree species to receive this designation.
In 2023, American Forests partnered with the National Park Service under a five-year agreement to work together to restore whitebark pine populations in western National Parks. As a part of this agreement, American Forests is working with National Park units in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) to expand restoration capacity and leadership for whitebark pine. This position is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to gain experience working within both federal and nonprofit sectors. This position will be positioned within the Resilient Forests program at American Forests but will be directly supervised by the Deputy Chief of the Yellowstone Center for Resources at Yellowstone National Park (YELL). The incumbent will work on projects in YELL and help support projects in Grand Teton National Park (GRTE).
Responsibilities Responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
Whitebark Pine Data Management (30%)
Compile and organize existing whitebark pine data in YELL and, as requested, GRTE.
Analyze data, including spatial data, and summarize findings of whitebark pine status and health assessment for YELL and, as requested, GRTE.
Use ArcGIS, Microsoft Word, database programs, Excel, or R (or similar systems) to enter, manage, and analyze tree and other vegetation data collected in the field.
Evaluate and interpret trends and interrelationships among data, review scientific literature, write technical reports and papers synthesizing findings thereof, and give presentations on findings to inform a variety of audiences.
Work with NPS staff to outline priority populations for restoration actions and ensure that NPS.
Whitebark Pine Recovery Support and Coordination (30%)
Work with YELL and GRTE and Greater Yellowstone Coordination Committee (GYCC) partners to support the work of and update as necessary management plans.
Engage with GYCC partners, other NPS units, other federal agencies, researchers, tribes, and NGOs on projects and identify and implement projects.
Work with partners to support science-directed, genetically-informed, climate-adapted restoration actions.
Implement, and revise as necessary, inventory and monitoring plans.
Review literature and research on and restoration best practices.
Lead or assist with writing funding proposals and submitting year-end reports.
Coordinate compliance for restoration planning in YELL, GRTE as requested.
Author whitebark pine content for YELL’s Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Assessments for consultation with US Fish and Wildlife Service and work with park wilderness and historical preservation coordinators to meet park compliance needs.
Restoration and Conservation Implementation (35%)
Identify trees, specifically five needle pine trees including whitebark pine, and native and exotic flora, collect tree and other vegetation data in the field using survey protocols and portable data collection platforms, and implement restoration measures.
Lead and supervise others by planning and participating in field projects, establishing crew itineraries, hiking and camping in rugged mountainous backcountry areas, while carrying backpacks and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, and navigating to field sites using topographic maps, compass, GPS, and tablet.
Train and work with supervisor to direct the work of field crews tasked with whitebark pine monitoring and compliance surveys and restoration actions.
Begin implementing restoration actions in priority locations, with a focus on priority areas.
Develop and maintain effective professional working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, partners, and the public.
Work with partners to support restoration actions.
Participate in regular American Forests Resilient Forest team and regional program meetings, ensuring that this position is an active and visible component of our work in the GYE.
Represent American Forests and help represent YELL and GRTE in regular coordination meetings with external stakeholders and partners.
Work on related Resilient Forests projects.
Work with science communicators and interpretive staff to share work products and highlights.
Qualifications While we do not expect any one candidate to possess all of these qualifications, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following:
Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, including demonstrated proficiency in: 1) forestry, botany, ecological restoration, or other ecological field work, 2) experience in data analysis and reporting, including spatial data, 3) project development and coordination with a team, 4) planning field work and training field staff in restoration or monitoring actions
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Agriculture, or a related field. Master’s degree or graduate education leading to master’s degree in related field preferred (this education can supersede undergraduate degree field).
Familiarity with whitebark pine, whitebark pine habitat, or similar threatened species and systems.
A well-rounded, interpersonal skill set with the capacity to build and maintain relationships within a small team, with agency staff, service subcontractors, landowners and researchers, and to work effectively in a larger team environment, both regionally and nationally
Impact-driven, self-motivated quality with strong time management and organizational skills and the ability to meet recurring deadlines
Ability to conceptualize annual project targets, characterize site-specific challenges through scoping activities and meet annual goals with measurable impacts; the ability to adapt as needed
Candidate must be a US Citizen, Permanent Resident or Green card holder; or must have lived for three consecutive years of the last five years within the US and have a legal permit to reside and work in the US.
American Forests Core Competencies
Attitude: Brings a positive outlook to work and helps inspire others to achieve excellence.
Communication: Produces strong written documents, edits documents effectively, engages in effective verbal communication—1-on-1 and small group—and conducts effective large group presentations.
Organization: Prioritizes tasks effectively, accomplishes tasks efficiently, follows through on all commitments, breaks down large projects to make them manageable, and effectively manages complex projects involving multiple actors.
Problem-Solving & Creativity: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyzes data to produce insights, and generates wise, actionable recommendations. Understands the limited resources available and produces creative solutions.
Representing the Organization: Serves as an effective ambassador, builds connections, and maintains relationships with outside partners, vendors, and donors. Brings credibility to the organization in how they present themselves.
Working Conditions, Salary, and Benefits
This position will entail working in both field and office environments in YELL and occasionally GRTE. The position will require on-site work from May through October, but some duties can be accomplished through teleworking agreements. The position will be assigned duty stations in YELL, Livingston, or Bozeman, MT and may be offered temporary or long-term office space there. The position will require the incumbent to be able to reach the duty station using their own transportation for on-site meetings. A government vehicle will be provided for travel to and from field sites. The incumbent would be required to use personal transportation to arrive at their set office location.
Normal work hours will take place from approximately 7am - 5pm, Monday through Thursday.
Work will be performed in a combination of office (~60%) and backcountry field settings (~40%), which will include: travel on and off-trail at high elevations on steep rocky slopes, in forests, streams, and wetland environments in a variety of weather conditions in wilderness, including landscapes home to various large mammals such as bears, bison, cougars, wolves, elk, etc. Work may include overnight travel, front- and backcountry camping with a team.
American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.
Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply
Reasonable accommodations may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience.
In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.
#J-18808-Ljbffr