Overview

Title: Avian Conservation Project Manager

Reports to: Director of Avian Conservation

Location: Olympia, Washington

Position: Full-time (1.0 FTE), exempt; benefits (Health, dental, vision)

Salary: $52,000 – 65,000 – Dependent on Experience

Application deadline: Open until filled

Ecostudies Institute is a 501(c)(3) scientific non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of native species and their ecosystems. We achieve our mission through effective partnerships, sound scientific research, strategic land management and ecological restoration. At the core of our mission is a cooperative conservation model that strives to realize improved conservation outcomes by developing shared goals and vision through partnerships. These partnerships, in turn, encourage information transfer, advances in cutting edge restoration techniques, and the development of integrated range-wide conservation approaches.

Established in 2001, Ecostudies initially focused on bird conservation in Florida and the Pacific Northwest, establishing a strong foundation of successful conservation outcomes. In 2020, Ecostudies broadened its conservation capacity and vision to incorporate all facets of ecosystem restoration and species recovery and concentrates its efforts solely in the Pacific Northwest. Based in Olympia, Washington, the Ecostudies team currently numbers over 20 permanent and seasonal staff.

Overview Summary:

Ecostudies is seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Avian Conservation Program as a Project Manager. Work in this position will primarily support on-going projects aimed at conserving and recovering imperiled bird species, in particular streaked horned larks and Oregon vesper sparrows, in prairie-oak and other habitats in the Pacific Northwest. The position will encompass a range of responsibilities from project management, field work, and data management and analysis. Much of the work will be conducted on Joint Base Lewis McChord Military Base. The successful applicant will have a strong quantitative background, experience developing research and management studies, the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, and a proven track record of producing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications. This position is a full-time exempt position that is supervised by the Director of Avian Conservation. The position is funded for 24 months with the potential to extend and/or be promoted based on performance and available funding. The Avian Conservation Project Manager position is based in Olympia, WA.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Apply quantitative methods and modeling, as appropriate, to current and future data to support conservation objectives.
  • Manage project data to maintain integrity, metadata, and security for current and future use.
  • Develop and implement science-based, targeted research, management, and restoration projects aimed at conserving imperiled avian species and their habitats in prairie, oak woodland, and other habitats in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Participate in field-based activities, and coordination of such activities, with biologists and other staff associated with the Avian Conservation program, maintaining a professional work environment for all staff.
  • Work independently and in team settings with Ecostudies staff and personnel from agency partners to complete project activities. Collaborate with Ecostudies staff to generate grant and other funding to support future conservation projects.
  • Maintain state-of-the-art knowledge of significant developments and trends in the avian ecology field.
  • Communicate results and lessons learned to partners, Ecostudies staff and the public through written reports/publications, oral presentations and other communication efforts.
  • Complete other duties as requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

  • Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in avian ecology or closely related natural science field
  • Experience working with or knowledge of natural systems; ability to recognize plant and animal species as required to complete position activities.
  • Proven ability to successfully work in a collaborative team setting.
  • Knowledge of experimental and survey design and sampling methods.
  • Experience with advanced quantitative methods related to monitoring birds (e.g., occupancy, N-mixture) and investigating avian-habitat relationships.
  • Strong R programming skills.
  • Experience designing, implementing, or evaluating research proposals, planning and implementing field based programs related to conservation of birds
  • Ability to synthesize, interpret and communicate scientific information to influence conservation practice.
  • Experience managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while operating professionally and producing high-quality reports or other documents.
  • Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Regularly works indoors in an office setting, as well as outdoors in natural and wildland areas. Frequently visits natural lands and other areas – hikes across uneven ground and conducts work within native habitats.
  • Regularly sits or stands at a desk or computer workstation.
  • Frequently works alone with minimal supervision.
  • Frequently communicates with others through emails, voice conversations, and meetings.
  • Works within an organizational context of both traditional and virtual offices
  • Occasionally works in conditions involving pesticides or prescribed fires.
  • Some evening and weekend responsibilities, including travel.
  • Occasionally lifts, positions, or otherwise moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

OTHER:

Full vaccination for Covid-19 is required for employment at Ecostudies Institute.

HOW TO APPLY:

See webpage for a full Position Description.

Qualified applicants should provide a detailed letter of interest, current résumé or curriculum vitae, and three professional references (names, affiliations, and contact information only). Application package should be combined into one file. All applications will be acknowledged.

Email these materials to: ecostudies@ecoinst.org, with Avian Conservation Project Manager Application in the subject line.

Ecostudies Institute is an Equal Opportunity employer. Personnel are chosen on the basis of ability without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, marital status or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Ecostudies Institute management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.