Applied Forest Ecologist
 Mohonk Preserve | |
 United States, New York, New Paltz | |
 Sep 14, 2025 | |
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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 - see Job Description for full details: 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 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 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 length of employment. How to Apply: Email your resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specics 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. What You'll Bring: 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 o Wilderness First Aid certification or higher o Familiarity with prescribed fire and writing/implementing burn plans o Familiarity with Lidar, ortho-imagery, and remote-sensing data tools o Quantitative data analysis skills o Intermediate/advanced proficiency in GIS data management, spatial analysis, and map creation o Pesticide Applicator license o Training and experience safely using a chainsaw and operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as pole saws, and brush cutters o Game of Logging Level I & II, I-IV preferred o Bilingual 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 recblid hbyre4nnkow5racjz7ur1ivytrg2m4 | |