Ecologist 1

About EarthCorps 

EarthCorps is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington that develops leaders to strengthen community and restore the health of our environment.  We believe in the power of people – acting through their collective responsibility to one another and our planet – to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our world, and we envision a world whereall people and nature thrive together.   

To cultivate this important work, EarthCorps brings together passionate and hardworking aspiring leaders from the US and across the globe for a year-long environmental leadership development program.  Participants gain hands-on leadership experience, cross-cultural skills and learn technical environmental restoration while building a close-knit community as they care for our natural world.  These emerging environmental leaders “think globally and act locally” in leading community volunteers to complete restoration projects such as native tree planting, invasive plant removal, salmon stream restoration, wetland and shoreline restoration and trail construction. 

At the conclusion of the program, these leaders return to their local communities with the skills and enthusiasm required to tackle the pressing issues of our time – including climate change, pollution and ecological degradation – to help create a better world for all of us.  Since its inception in 1993, EarthCorps has trained more than 1,000 environmental leaders from the US and nearly 80 countries around the world.   

Statement of Solidarity and Commitment to Racial Equity 

EarthCorps strongly believes in the values of diversity and inclusion.  We work to ensure that everyone, regardless of who they are or the work they perform for our organization, feels involved and supported in all areas of our operations. In addition to that basic principle, we are striving to become an anti-racist organization.  We stand in solidarity with the Black community and are deeply committed to racial equity in our internal and external work.   

People of color are disproportionately impacted by environmental hazards, and far too often the organizations that advance environmental work perpetuate similar injustices, excluding people of color from educational and job opportunities in this space.  A world in which all people and nature thrive together requires leaders who understand that social injustice and environmental issues are intertwined, and we will solve neither as a society if we fail to solve both.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Ecologist 1 is a full time, 1 year term (with possibility of extension) exempt position responsible for supporting EarthCorps’ professional services.  This position will work closely with EarthCorps’ Sr. Ecologist to carry out professional services for EarthCorps’ Clients related to survey and inventory projects, data evaluation, and monitoring habitats on public and private lands throughout the Puget Sound region, compiling habitat restoration plans and monitoring reports. This will be accomplished through generating, managing, and conducting fee-for-service work and grant funded projects.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Ecological Field Surveys (70%) 

• Design, plan, and conduct ecological field studies to determine the structure, composition, and ecological health of habitats on public and private land.  
• Identify, measure, and monitor vegetation and ecological restoration sites within a variety of upland, riparian and wetland habitat types.  
• Assist Sr. Ecologist in the creation, updates, and maintenance of EC databases for numerous projects. 
• Conduct quantitative analyses of vegetation data for scientific and professional reports using Microsoft Access, Excel, and ESRI GIS software. 

Communication (20%)  

• Ensure inclusive language in all communications.  
• Prepare oral and written reports including vegetation management plans, monitoring plans, project summaries, equipment use and maintenance logs, performance evaluations, and incident reports. 
• Conduct GIS mapping and photo documentation of projects when required for the field team. 
• Create and manage web-based mapping applications and mobile data collection systems. 
• Maintain project files, including documentation of work, receipts, and contract compliance. 
• Represent EarthCorps at public events.  

Organizational engagement (5%)  

• Actively participates in all staff retreats, meetings, committees, workshops, Revive!   

Training and instruction (5%) 

• Training the corps in field maps, data collections, mapping etc.   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• A commitment to racial equity and environmental justice. 
• Affinity for EarthCorps’ mission and commitment to the development of young adults. 
• Degree in botany, biology, restoration ecology, urban horticulture, or related field and at least two years field experience (professional or academic).   
• Experience measuring and monitoring vegetation, particularly forested uplands, and riparian plant communities. 
• Experience writing scientific reports. 
• Understanding of experimental design, sampling, and statistical analysis as they pertain to ecological studies. 
• Proficient with Trimble GPS, ArcGIS, Microsoft Office equipment and programs. 
• Demonstrated Puget Lowland plant identification skills, including non-native invasive and common ornamental plant species. 
• Hands-on experience with field work such as wetland, riparian, nearshore, and upland habitat restoration. 
• Demonstrated ability to complete simultaneous complex projects in a timely manner. 
• Demonstrated leadership in a team setting working with staff, volunteers, agency personnel, resource user groups, and others to accomplish conservation or restoration objectives. 
• Ability and willingness to work in adverse field conditions. 
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. 
• Positive attitude and sense of humor. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

• Experience working with communities of color and managing diverse teams. 
• Washington State Applicator Pesticide License. 
• Experience with scientific writing and publishing. 
• Basic web and computer programming skills (Python, CSS, C++, or other programs.). 

Salary and Benefits 

• Pay Range: $70,000/year 
• Competitive benefits package includes employer provided health insurance, dental insurance, vision, 401k match after 6 months, paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, subsidized transit pass and staff training.  

COVID-19 Considerations 

We are requiring all employees to be fully COVID-19 vaccinated prior to the start of employment. Proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination should be submitted on or no later than your scheduled start date. If you believe you are entitled to either a medical or religious exemption to our vaccination requirement, please contact the Finance and Admin Director and your situation will be evaluated.  

Our Hiring Process 

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and recent example of work that shows your ability to write technical scientific reports (scientific report, map product or mapping application, journal article, etc.) by clicking on “Apply Now” on our career page. In your cover letter, please describe as specifically as you can how your experience, interests, and values are a good fit for this position and with EarthCorps. In addition, please share how your lived and/or professional experiences inform your understanding of what it means to be anti-racist. 

The priority deadline will be 05/31/24. All applications will be reviewed by the priority deadline. Any application submitted after the priority deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We expect to conduct phone screenings, and first round panel interviews in June. Top candidates will be invited to a final-round interview with the Executive Director.  

We hope to extend an offer by late June with a start date by July 1, 2024. The position will remain open until we find the right candidate. 

EarthCorps is committed to building a diverse organization and strongly encourages applications from members of marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the qualifications listed above. 

EarthCorps is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other class protected by law.