Office Location:  Corvallis, Oregon

IAE: The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) fills a unique niche among non-profit organizations in Oregon because of its combined focus on restoration, research and outreach. Located in Corvallis, Oregon, we work with a diverse group of partners including other nonprofits to accomplish our mission: to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research and education. Our board and staff work together through our programs: Habitat Restoration, Conservation Research, Ecological Education, Estuary Technical Group, and the Native Seed Network. Thanks to a dedicated staff and board, IAE has become a leading organization in the Pacific Northwest developing and implementing cutting-edge techniques for habitat restoration, conducting large scale habitat restorations and reintroductions of threatened and endangered plant species, initiating educational opportunities and distributing materials for school-aged children in the fields of ecology and habitat conservation, and conducting research on rare and invasive plants and native habitats crucial to restoration and conservation in our region.

IAE seeks a Conservation Research Program Director with exceptional communication skills and a research background in species and habitat conservation on public and private lands.  We are especially interested in candidates with experience and willingness to work in a nonprofit environment.

Overview of Position: We seek a qualified botanist or plant ecologist to manage our Plant Conservation Research Program. This program conducts studies and long term monitoring of plant populations primarily in Oregon with funding from a diversity of government and private agencies.  Areas of emphasis include evaluation of habitat management practices on rare plant and butterfly populations, habitat restoration and species reintroduction; development of invasive species assessment and control methods; assessing effects of climate change; conducting population viability analysis; and long-term population monitoring.  There will also be some opportunity to initiate new research, particularly in collaboration with program partners.  This position will join our technical staff of able ecologists, and will work with a wide range of federal, state and private agencies to implement a broad variety of projects, mostly on federal lands.

Specific responsibilities:

Program management

• Plan and manage day-to-day aspects of the Conservation Research Program, including staff, budget, coordination with IAE business office and other programs, and working with the Executive Director.
• Obtain funding for program staff and research activities, largely through grants from agencies.
• Communicate with agency partners about projects and conservation research activities through written reports, emails, orally and in person as needed.
• Supervise a staff of 2-8 ecologists and technicians.
• Mentor Conservation Interns hired seasonally to assist with projects.
• Plan and coordinate field research activities including field work, botanical surveys, plant propagation and outplanting, data collection, statistical analysis, etc.
• Write annual technical reports on individual projects, as well as manuscripts for publication as appropriate on a case by case basis.

Field Work

• Conduct field research activities, approximately 70% of time April-August; occasionally during the remainder of year.  Activities include botanical surveys, plant propagation and outplanting, measuring of individual, population, and community data.
• Overnight (1-4 nights/week) out-of-town travel and field work will be required approximately 30% of the time.  Overnight travel is expected seasonally (primarily April – August) and on an as needed basis.

Required Education: PhD plus 3-5 years of relevant experience or MS plus 5-10 years of relevant experience in ecology or related field.

Required Qualifications:

• Broad understanding of ecological principals, habitat management, and conservation biology.
• Demonstrated understanding of experimental design within a variety of systems and methodologies and ability to perform advanced statistical analyses.
• Highly organized.  Experience managing multiple simultaneous projects, preparing and managing budgets, and supervising staff in a team environment.
• Successful track record of funded grant proposals.
• Proficiency with computer software packages including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) and statistical software.
• Strong people skills.  Positive, outgoing, energetic, and flexible.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Must be physically capable of walking on uneven terrain for sustained periods, lifting moderate weight, and working in inclement weather.  Must have a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with land managers and government agency staff.
• Experience with Oregon habitats and flora.
• Experience and willingness to work in a nonprofit environment on soft money.
• Problem solver who can successfully apply experience, judgment, and creativity to both short and long-term challenges.

Compensation and start date:

• The pay rate for this position will be $48,000-$55,000 annually, based on education, skills and experience, and a 40 hour work week.
• This is a full-time position and is eligible for IAE’s competitive benefits package, including 50% contribution to health insurance, retirement plan, holidays, and paid time off.
• Preference will be given to applicants who can start on or before July 1, 2014.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed as received until March 17, 2014 or until the position is filled.  To apply for this position, submit via mail or email all of the following materials, preferably in a single pdf:

• Cover letter with description of your qualifications
• Resume
• Graduate school transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable)
• Contact information for 3 professional references (letters of recommendation may be requested for top applicants)

We can only accept applications from US citizens or those who hold a Green card or work visa. IAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Selection for this position will be based solely on merit, fitness, and qualifications without regard to race, sex, color, religion, age, marital status, national origin, non-disqualifying handicap conditions, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors.

For more information about IAE visit our website http://appliedeco.org/get-involved-with-iae.   Please direct questions or application materials (via mail or email) to:

Tom Kaye, Executive Director

Institute for Applied Ecology

PO Box 2855

Corvallis, Oregon 97339-2855

E-mail:  tom@appliedeco.org

Phone:  541-753-3099 ext. 111

Fax:  541-753-3098