Forest Ecologist

Coeur d'Alene Tribe; Plummer (ID); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

A Native American Tribal organization in Plummer, Idaho is seeking a Forest Ecologist to manage forest restoration programs, develop management plans, and conduct ecological surveys. The ideal candidate will have a Master's Degree in Forestry or a related field along with substantial experience in forest management, ideally in a Tribal setting. You will work closely with multiple departments to promote biodiversity and sustainability, while also handling grant administration and regulatory compliance. This full-time position offers competitive compensation and benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of experience in forest management.
• At least two years of experience with a Tribal natural resource management program.
• Valid State driver's license required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and manage the Landscape Scale Fee Restoration program.
• Develop forest management plans and conduct ecological surveys.
• Conduct data analysis using GIS and statistical software.
• Ensure compliance with Tribal values and environmental standards.

Skills

Stand conditions knowledge

Environmental considerations knowledge

Forest ecology expertise

Silviculture of major forest cover types

Technical report writing

Data analysis

GIS skills

Knowledge in firefighting techniques

Ecological sampling techniques

Education

Master's Degree in Forestry or related field

Bachelor's Degree with extensive experience

Tools

Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS)

Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Access

Excel

ArcGIS and/or ArcPro

Job description

Position Title: Forest Ecologist
Department: NR-Forestry
Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000)
Additional Note: Full-time, benefits, 3-year position
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Forest Ecologist is responsible for planning, scheduling, directing, and managing the “Landscape Scale Fee Restoration” program, which includes developing forest management plans, administrating forest restoration projects, and conducting ecological surveys on Tribal Fee and Trust Lands. The incumbent should be familiar with the five core values of the Tribe and how those core values are expressed within the actions of the Program and the duties of this position. Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Major duties include:

• Responsible for administrating a $300,000 Forest Service grant award through FY2026-2029.
• Work alongside Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Programs Office, and Water Resources to create desired forest structure for multiple wildlife species and their habitats, and ensure protection and restoration of biodiversity and water quality on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
• Conduct ecological surveys to gather data on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife habitats.
• Use statistical software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze data and identify patterns.
• Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and presentations for various stakeholders.
• Develop and implement forest management plans (FMP), and environmental analyses (EA) that focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and align with Tribal values.
• Track the effects of climate change, invasive species, and human activities on forest ecosystems.
• Ensure Tribal lands are maintained in accordance with administrative objectives, Tribal values and goals.
• Monitor forest road usage and check for Tribal permits.
• Enforce trespass and theft of timber resources on Fee and Trust Lands.
• As qualified, develop and oversee research projects to address specific ecological questions.
• As qualified, assist in fire suppression and prescribed burning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of stand conditions, environmental considerations, forest ecology, and silviculture of the major forest cover types found on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation.
• Experience with Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS) and/or Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
• Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically with other departments, Tribal members, Tribal leadership, employees, and contractors.
• Ability to write technical reports, prepare maps and graphs, analyze data, and to summarize results, reports, and findings to multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcGIS and/or ArcPro.
• Knowledge and experience in firefighting and/or prescribed burning techniques.
• Knowledge of ecological sampling techniques.

Desired Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or related field of science. However, a Bachelor’s Degree might be considered with extensive experience.
• A minimum of five years of experience in forest management, silviculture, and/or ecology. Preferably, at least two years of the required experience was with a Tribal natural resource management program.
• Must possess a valid State driver's license and maintain a good driving record, capable of being insured.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills are essential.
• Expertise in forest ecology, conservation methods, and the impacts of climate change.
• Good physical condition and the ability to traverse forestlands for long periods of time.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty within the past five years.
• Roughly 75% of the work will be performed in the office with the Forestry Program at the Department of Natural Resources Building in Plummer Idaho. The remaining 25% will be spent working with other programs such as Fish & Wildlife, Land Services, and/or the Forest Service, and will require working in the field on restoration projects, administrating forest regulations, and conducting ecological surveys.
• This position will report to the Forestry Manager, and will not have supervisory responsibilities.

Guidelines are provided by the Coeur d'Alene Policies and Procedures Manual, Forest Management Plan, federal laws and regulations, Bureau of Indian Affairs manuals and handbooks and technical publications. Other guidance includes scientific literature, environmental assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, written and oral communication from the Forest Manager and other employees of the Natural Resources Department. Professional judgement within those guidelines is necessary to meet landowner objectives, field conditions and special situations.

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An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether he/she meets the minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of employment with the Tribe.
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and at-random testing following employment. Positions with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month orientation period.