As a member of the Forest Strategy team, The Forest Ecologist works closely with the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests, as well as local, state, federal, tribal partners, and other diverse interests, to guide planning, implementation, and monitoring of fire-adapted forest restoration activities across Central Oregon. The Forest Ecologist independently evaluates, selects, synthesizes, and applies best-available science and research to inform conservation and restoration priorities, treatments, costs, and benefits, using strong science communication and translation skills to share this technical information with diverse groups and individuals. The position is responsible for planning, leading, and participating in workshops, trainings, field trips, and other forums internally and externally, with TNC, agency, NGO, and partners to advance and support the development and implementation of forest restoration strategies and projects. The person will develop proposals, write grants and grant reports, engage in research, fieldwork, monitoring, and trainings with partner organizations, provide logistical support for such projects. The Forest Ecologist will help plan and deliver programs and activities funded by the Oregon Fire Learning Network, such as prescribed fire training and capacity building, community outreach and education, and other actions to increase capacity and support for wildland fire in the region.

 

Supervised by the Oregon Forest Strategy Director, and working as part of the Oregon Forest Team and with colleagues across strategies and functional areas within TNC, the Forest Ecologist will:

• Serve as liaison between TNC and U.S. Forest Service, Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.
• Represent TNC internally and externally with a wide range of partner organizations, agencies, entities, and individuals.
• Work independently and as part of a team, within and outside TNC, on a range of projects that advance priority dry forest restoration projects within Central Oregon.
• Use strong scientific, technical, analytical, and communication skills to build support and foster collaboration internally and externally to meet strategy goals.
• May supervise staff, technicians, interns and/or volunteers on a project-by-project basis.
• May write and manage grants, subawards, project budgets, and contracts.
• May negotiate and contract with vendors.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.