Range Ecologist I

Overview
The Range Ecologist I is a junior land manager with specific training in the science, data analysis, and services associated with rangeland management. The Range Ecologist I establishes and fosters an impeccable reputation with agencies, clients, and stakeholder groups that comprise the rangeland industry. The Range Ecologist I implements and documents plans for effective land management in projects of varied scope and scale. The Range Ecologist I seeks out opportunities to deepen their knowledge through professional development and the attainment of professional certifications and licenses. Finally, Range Ecologist I is an excellent communicator, who is equally proficient in written, verbal, and discursive communication.

Essential Duties

* Work alongside government agencies, corporations, private landowners, ranch managers and non-profit organizations to implement vegetation and grazing management plans.
* Implement grazing plans for industrial scale solar energy farms to protect endangered species while meeting other objectives such as fire fuel management.
* Describe land management plans including multi-species managed livestock grazing, wildlife management, crop rotation, threatened and endangered species management, and invasive species control.
* Describe long term monitoring plans, rangeland baseline condition reports, pasture management plans, livestock grazing leases.
* Perform work within budget constraints, conduct field surveys, write reports, conduct statistical analysis, and analyze project data.
* Travel as necessary to perform site visits.
* Make land management recommendations.
* Communicate with the GIS department to satisfy data analysis and mapping requirements.
* Pursue professional development with the support of Senior Rangeland Ecologists.

Additional Duties

* Present best practices and interesting findings to community and industry stakeholders at various conferences, universities, and non-profit organizations.

Minimum Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelors or Masters degree in Range Science or related field
Experience: 1-5 years of experience rangeland ecologist/manager
Knowledge: General rangeland monitoring and assessment methods. Working knowledge of California botany. Statistical knowledge and fluency in GIS processes for data and mapping needs.
Skills: Interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate on rangeland and other department projects. Ability to communicate effectively with landowners and clients.
Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication
Licenses/Certifications: Certified or Assistant Range Manager is a plus.

Working conditions:
Must be able to walk 5 to 7 miles per day on relatively flat ground with day pack, water, and supplies in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10 degrees F, heat to 110 degrees F). Periodic travel to remote sites to perform work in California and out of the state with hotel stays of 3-14 days.