Forest Ecologist-The Nature Conservancy

Hiring Organization: The Nature Conservancy
Employment type: Full-Time
Job Location: Asheville, NC
Application Due Date: July 18, 2024

Position Description

The Forest Ecologist provides climate-informed forest science and technical leadership to Southern Appalachians program and the North Carolina chapter. They work collaboratively with both public and private partners to further TNC’s ecological goals at a landscape scale. The Forest Ecologist represents TNC in collaborative groups and appropriate regional professional organizations (like Society of American Foresters). They analyze existing forest restoration data, synthesize results, and share with appropriate networks. They use GIS and remote sensing to evaluate the effects of restoration practices using both silviculture and controlled fire in forested systems.

The Forest Ecologist develops planning tools and guidance documents for regional use by forest managers. The Forest Ecologist evaluates and monitors forest management practices that lead to climate-adapted forest systems in the region. They ensure application of best available scientific information such that forest practices and recommendations balance sustainability and a commitment to long-term forest resiliency. The Forest Ecologist oversees implementation of innovative silvicultural practices/projects on TNC preserves and when applicable, partner lands, to leverage lessons learned. This includes gaining cooperation from outside parties to apply practices, managing budgets, contracts, design, and on-the-ground implementation.

  • Performs fieldwork including ecosystem assessment and field monitoring.
  • Engage strategically within existing collaborative efforts to advise on forest restoration projects.
  • Timely completion of responsibilities and deliverables, including oversight and management of public and/or private awards.
  • Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
  • Supervises interns, seasonal staff, and/or volunteers on specific forest-related projects.
  • Acts as subject matter expert for TNC initiatives. Provides GIS analytical support for Asheville-based staff on restoration projects. Develops projects to answer ecological questions, as needed. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
  • As needed, acts as team lead and/or facilitator for local or regional internal conservation projects. Delivers decisions and/or deliverables in a timely manner.
  • Provides presentations, written works, and analyses to other natural resource professionals in order to influence agency practices.
  • Identifies and applies for grant funding from public and private sources. Assists philanthropy staff with development of donor solicitations and contact materials as appropriate.
  • Advises implementation of Forest Stand Improvement projects on TNC preserves as needed and available.
  • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

External candidates apply here.  If you need help applying please visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. 

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

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