State Lands Ecologist

State Lands Ecologist, Natural Resource Scientist 2 (NRSci2)
Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
Salary: $4,632.00 – $6,227.00 Monthly

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 4/22/25. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

• In close coordination with the Lead Natural Heritage Vegetation Ecologist, uses a vegetation key to assist DNR staff in identifying vegetation types occurring on state trust lands.
• Review and assess the presence of existing or potential new element occurrences (rare plant and rare/high-quality ecosystem locations).
• Describes vegetation composition and structure, disturbance history, environmental features, and landscape setting of sites and each ecosystem within the state.
• Evaluates viability, ecological condition, size, and landscape context of ecosystems/communities. Maps the extent of ecosystems in GIS, on orthophotos, or quad maps
• Coordinates with the Lead Natural Heritage Vegetation Ecologist to refine, calibrate, and apply assessments to plant communities/ecosystems to determine whether a location meets element occurrence criteria and/or to estimate how proposed activities may impact plant communities.

Required Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree with a major study in natural science AND three years of professional experience. Relevant experience includes professional work experience in botany, vegetation ecology, ecosystem analysis, forestry, range science, environmental science, or other closely related fields;
  OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Experience identifying plant species using technical keys.
• Experience with ecological and rare plant field inventory methods, assessing ecosystem characteristics, and vegetation/ecological monitoring techniques.
• Knowledge of existing vegetation/ecosystem classification schemes.
• Ability to communicate clearly to land managers (and other decision makers) the biological and ecological information important to their decision making.
• Ability to provide leadership on projects, including those involving formal teams as well as those involving informal work groups.
• Commitment to fostering and supporting an environment that honors diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices.