Govt. Natural Resources - Forest Ecologist II

GRANT FUNDED :   Grant End Date : December 31, 2027

POSITION SUMMARY :

The Forest Ecologist II, under the direction of the Wildlife Program Manager, is responsible for leading tribal vegetation assessment, planning, applied research, and restoration activities necessary for the proper management of tribal lands and ecosystems and the regulation of tribal vegetation harvesting in the 1836 Treaty Ceded Territory.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Plans and leads vegetation and associated ecological assessment and applied research activities that produce scientifically valid data for tribal management.
• Performs data / statistical analysis and modeling; including technical evaluation of harvest regulations and broader management actions.
• Develops technical and administrative reports and presentations to advise Tribal decision-makers on vegetation management and related actions.
• Reviews other agencies' policy and regulatory actions and prepares formal responses with appropriate analyses and recommendations.
• Represents Sault Tribe interests on inter-governmental technical committees.
• Contributes to vegetation permitting and reporting activities.
• Pursues funding for assessments, management, and applied research, with budgeting, review, monitoring, and reporting.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES : (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

CONTACTS :

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor / manager, managers in other departments, executives, Sault Tribe Board of Directors, tribal members, conservation law enforcement, outside vendor / service providers, Federal, Tribal, State, and local Natural Resource Management Agencies and academic partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Position requires team or dual lifting up to 100 pounds and frequent lifting / carrying of more than 50 pounds. Physical factors include constant standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, driving and bending; frequent carrying / lifting of 50 pounds, reaching, manual handling, use of hearing, near / midrange / far vision, depth perception, field of vision and occasional sitting, pushing / pulling 100 pounds, crawling, use of smell, color vision and typing. Working conditions include constant exposure to weather, frequent exposure to extreme heat / cold and wet / humidity and occasional exposure to noise, vibration and air quality in settings that may include indoor, outdoor, and aboard vessels in exposed areas. Potential hazards include frequent interactions with moving mechanical parts and a variety of equipment such as trucks, trailers, boats, and hand and power tools, plus occasional high places, electric shock, chemicals, and infectious materials like needles and syringes. Required protective gear includes sanitary gloves, safety glasses, cold weather outerwear, rain suits / boots , and other PPE needed to perform functions of position. Role demands flexibility with frequent extended days and weekends during field seasons and occasional overnight travel.

REQUIREMENTS :

Education : Master’s Degree in Plant Biology, Forestry, Ecology, or related field required.

Experience :  Three years of experience in plant biology, plant population dynamics-statistical analysis, and vegetation management required.

Certification / License : Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department.  Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities : Strong understanding of Lake States plant communities and their management required. Knowledge of vegetation data collection techniques, population dynamics, statistical analysis and modeling required. Ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, population modeling, and statistical analysis software. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems required. Supervisory skills and experience required. Financial administration and management skills required. Advanced leadership and team-building skills required. Grant development and management skills required. Organizational, strategic planning, project management, and governmental administration skills required. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively communicate technical findings and recommendations to policy-makers, leadership, membership, and the general public. Must be able to prepare clear, concise, thorough, meaningful, and grammatically correct written reports, letters, memoranda, policy and procedural drafts, and other written documents. Must be able to identify management needs and develop data collection, analysis, and management plans. Must, at times, work extended hours outdoors in inclement weather, operate and work on a boat, and operate a four-wheel drive vehicle in the backcountry. Must be able to handle pressure in meetings with public and other management agencies. Must have dispute-resolution skills and ability to maintain self-discipline and objectivity. Must be able to maintain tact and diplomacy under duress. Must be able to handle, resolve and direct multiple Program issues and projects with composure. Must be willing to and able to work in a changing dynamic environment. Must be able to maintain confidentiality. Must demonstrate a readiness to support Sault Tribe culture and engage Anishinaabe knowledges and ways in Program activities. Native American preferred.