Forest Ecologist

Summary Of Duties And Responsibilities

• Administer a $300,000 Forest Service grant award through FY2026-2029.
• 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.
• Maintain 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.

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.