25 hours per week

Friends of the Mississippi River

Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading citizen organization working to protect and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities area. We strive to create positive changes that improve water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, create education and recreation opportunities, and inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder that flows through our community. FMR’s conservation program is focused in Dakota and Washington Counties, where the goal is to work with public and private landowners to protect and restore ecological connectivity along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. The organization has a staff of 17, a 16-member board of directors and more than 1,500 members.

Position Description

This position will increase FMR’s capacity to provide land management and restoration services to landowners in its conservation focus areas. The Ecologist will report to the Conservation Director and work closely with the Ecologist/Project Manager to conduct plant surveys, complete land use histories, and develop natural resource management plans.

The position is right for a hard working and independent person with a commitment to and a passion for environmental protection and ecosystem restoration. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in restoration ecology, plant ecology, or botany and will have experience in conducting plant surveys, be familiar with native fauna and have extensive experience in developing natural resource management plans. In addition to the above, knowledge and experience in ecosystem management or restoration will be highly valued. The position, which is currently being offered at 25 hours per week, is expected to grow over time. The ideal candidate will have the flexibility to increase hours as needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent ecological evaluations, including plant and animal surveys, at specified project locations, using standard scientific methods, procedures and classification systems.
• Prepare detailed natural resources management plans including historical background, existing conditions, restoration/management goals and methods, project timeline and cost estimates.
• Document animal species that are observed.
• Document landscape features relevant to natural resource management plans.
• Keep detailed records of project data.
• Provide a positive image of FMR to people encountered while in the field.
• Conduct other related activities as directed by Conservation Director.
• Assist with organizational events as needed.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess an advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, or related field (especially forestry, forest ecology, wetland ecology) and have experience in conducting fieldwork for and developing natural resource management plans. Applicants with a BS and substantial professional field experience will be considered.
• Must possess a strong familiarity with the DNR Minnesota Native Plant Community Classification and the Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS).
• Must have excellent plant identification skills. Identification knowledge of birds, herpetofauna, insects and other wildlife also beneficial.
• Must have experience conducting vegetation surveys using standard survey methods (releve, transect, etc.).
• Should have experience writing natural resource management plans and prescriptions.
• Should have demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Should have experience in restoration and management activities such as prescribed burning, herbicide application and implementation methods.
• Should have experience with aerial photograph interpretation and field experience in setting up and conducting scientific plant or animal inventories.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants that have knowledge of water quality BMPs, rare plant identification, streambank stabilization, soil science, tree diseases or land protection methods.
• Should be proficient in ArcView 3.2 and/or ArcMap 9.2.

Additional Qualifications

• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to work outdoors in difficult terrain under adverse field and weather conditions.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to plan work and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Interest in and commitment to protecting the health of the Mississippi River.

Salary and Benefits

$17.00 - $21.00/hr. Benefits include paid health and dental insurance, generous paid time off and a monthly parking/transit stipend.

To Apply

Send a cover letter summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position, along with a résumé and the names and phone numbers of three professional references to:

e-mail: tlewanski [at] fmr [dot] org

Application Deadline

Submit application by May 15, 2008. The desired start date is June 2, 2008. The position will remain open until filled.

Friends of the Mississippi River is an equal opportunity employer. Read more…