Applied Forest Ecologist

Mohonk Preserve

Town of Gardiner (NY)

Hybrid

USD 61,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance with employer contribution

Retirement plan

Access to nature preserve lands

Job summary

A nonprofit nature preserve is looking for an Applied Forest Ecologist to develop and implement ecological research for sustainable forest management. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Ecology and at least 3 years of experience. Responsibilities include evaluating climate impacts, supervising technicians, and designing research projects. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $61,000 to $65,000 and is based in Gardiner, NY. Hybrid work schedules may be available.

Qualifications

3+ years of experience in related fields.
Ability to work irregular hours, including weekends.
Knowledge of theory and practices of forest management.

Responsibilities

Evaluate climate change impacts on forest communities.
Design and implement ecological research projects.
Supervise seasonal field technicians and interns.

Skills

Field leadership for ecological surveys

Ecological data collection

Excellent communication skills

Knowledge of forest management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Ecology or related field

Tools

GIS data management

Quantitative data analysis

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Applied Forest Ecologist role at Mohonk Preserve.

This range is provided by Mohonk Preserve. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$61,000.00/yr - $65,000.00/yr

Who We Are

Located in the Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,200 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, enjoy winter recreation and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and a long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the “Home of the Gunks,” one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here. To read more about our Vision and learn more about the Preserve, visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/.

Our Core Values

Teamwork: We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
Transparency: We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
Belonging: We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
Exploration: We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
Stewardship: We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position

As a core member of the Conservation Science team of the Conservation & Community Education department, the Applied Forest Ecologist is responsible for developing and implementing ecological research, and decision-support tools to enhance the management of forest lands so they can be sustainable and resilient in a changing world. This position requires an understanding of how forests work and how it intersects with applied knowledge linked to forest management and assessment. The Applied Forest Ecologist will work with land managers and practitioners, within and external to the Preserve, to produce data-driven science that informs, improves and expands land management decision making. The Applied Forest Ecologist reports to the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations

Evaluate the impacts of multiple climate change drivers on forest communities to inform landscape conservation and the creation and implementation of management plans
Design and implement ecological research and monitoring projects, ensuring scientifically valid methodologies for evaluating forest stand improvement, invasive species management, and ecological and/or human impacts on the land
Contribute applied ecological knowledge and recommended practices towards community science efforts
Support the Associate Director of Conservation Science & Research in the collection of ecological data for the Preserve’s broader monitoring projects
Provide creative and data-informed content and expertise for new grant proposals, and aid in other Development efforts to support Mohonk Preserve’s Conservation and Community Education initiatives
Serve as the program administrator for Mohonk Preserve’s hunting-based Deer Management Program
Serve as the primary contact for external contractors enacting forest management plans
Supervise and mentor seasonal field technicians and interns

(See Job Description for full details: https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Applied-Forest-Ecologist.pdf)

What You’ll Bring

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Climate Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Forestry, or related field and 3+ years of related experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
Knowledge of theory, policy, principles and practices of forest management as applied to the Northeastern United States
Ability to lead field efforts for delineations, monitoring, and ecological surveys, including working knowledge in local flora and fauna
Excellent communication abilities including written, oral, and presentation skills; experience communicating with partner organizations.
Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including some weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.

Bonus If:

Wilderness First Aid certification or higher
Familiarity with prescribed fire and writing/implementing burn plans
Familiarity with Lidar, ortho-imagery, and remote-sensing data tools
Quantitative data analysis skills
Intermediate/advanced proficiency in GIS data management, spatial analysis, and map creation
Training and experience safely using a chainsaw and operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as pole saws, and brush cutters
Game of Logging Level I & II, I-IV preferred

Physical Demands

Frequently uses a computer keyboard, reads, writes
Frequently works outdoors; ability to traverse and navigate back-country, off-trail land conditions of varying, sometimes rugged terrain while carrying 30 lbs. of equipment for extended periods
May require standing, walking, hiking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, carrying equipment
Occasional events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve

Total Rewards Package

This is a permanent, full-time position with a generous benefits package including health insurance (with substantial employer contribution toward premium), retirement plan, vacation, paid holidays, sick time and other paid time off.

Salary: $61,000 – $65,000 per year
Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
Access to lands and some activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including employment status.

Location

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position will be based out of the Preserve’s Daniel Smiley Research Center (DSRC) on the grounds of the Mohonk Mountain House resort. Mohonk Preserve offers hybrid work schedules at this time – coordinated with their supervisor and depending on the job, staff may be able to split time working remotely, as well as in the office and in-person on the land. Generally standard working hours, with some flexibility, to be coordinated with supervisor. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

How to Apply

Email your resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to speciﬁcs in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email) to:

research@mohonkpreserve.org with the subject line “Applied Forest Ecologist application.”

No phone calls please. This position will be open until it is filled. Anticipated start date for this position is mid-October 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mohonk Preserve is an equal employment opportunity employer dedicated to creating a culture where employees from various backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups. We provide reasonable accommodations to individuals who require them based on disability, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, and religion. Accommodations are meant to enable employees to perform the essential functions of their positions without imposing an undue hardship on our operations. If you require an accommodation, please contact human resources.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

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