IMPORTANT: Candidates must have certification as a Certified Rangeland Manager recognized by CalPac-SRM and the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection.

JOB SUMMARY

Our team of scientists provide land management support for a wide variety of landowners and managers. We are looking for a Senior Range Ecologist/Certified Rangeland Manager to help grow and manage our rangeland department as we gain new contracts in California and other states. We are looking for an experienced rangeland ecologist who has excellent communication and leadership skills and works well in a team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Vegetation and Grazing Management: Develop tailored grazing and vegetation plans, including multi-species livestock grazing, to meet specific objectives like fire fuel management, crop rotation, invasive species control, and the protection of special-status species.

Project Planning and Development: Create long-term monitoring and baseline condition reports, pasture management plans, and livestock grazing leases; oversee data collection, management, and analysis to inform project decisions.

Environmental Compliance and Permitting: Prepare and manage environmental permit application packages; work with federal, state, and local permitting authorities to ensure compliance with NEPA, CEQA, and other regulatory frameworks; oversee Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans and Erosion and Sediment Control Plans.

Budgeting and Resource Allocation: Manage project budgets, schedule field surveys, coordinate with internal teams (including GIS for mapping and data requirements), and secure contracts with environmental consultants to support project costing and budget management.

Client and Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with clients, agency personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders; act as an in-house subject matter expert on environmental compliance, developing Biological Assessments, Mitigation Plans, and Biological Reports to regulatory standards.

Environmental Impact Research and Reporting: Research potential environmental impacts of projects, recommend methods to mitigate or improve environmental conditions, and ensure all environmental records and reports are maintained in compliance with regulatory standards.

Contract and Project Management: Identify and secure new rangeland contracts, managing projects from initiation through to completion, including conducting site visits and providing detailed management recommendations.

Landscape Assessment. Use accepted landscape assessment tools and methods to characterize habitat functions and make informed landscape management recommendations and plans.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Provide range management updates and training for junior staff.
• Active member in Society for Rangeland Management (SRM) and the SRM's California-Pacific (Cal-PAC) section.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelors, Masters, or PhD degree in Range Science or Landscape Ecology.

Experience: Minimum 15 years of experience as a rangeland ecologist or equivalent. Minimum 10 years of experience as a CRM.

Knowledge: Statistical knowledge and Knowledge of GIS processes for data and mapping needs.

Skills: Leadership skills and ability to lead the rangeland department projects.

Abilities: Excellent verbal and written communication.

Licenses/Certifications: Certified Rangeland Manager by CalPac-SRM is required. Must also have a valid Driver's license.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Requirements: Occasionally able to lift, pull or push up to 50 lbs. Will sit, stand or walk short and long distances for up to the entire duration of a shift. May be required to hike rough terrain and walk long distances in uneven terrain. Able to wear personal protective equipment (including but not limited to; safety boots, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, FR long-sleeve shirts, hard hat, and respirator or N95 mask).

Working Conditions

Must be able to work outside for long hours when needed in variable weather conditions (windy, rainy, cold to 10 degrees F, heat to 110 degrees F).

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive of all job duties and responsibilities. Althouse and Meade, Inc. reserves the right to revise this job description as it deems necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. I acknowledge I have read and understand my responsibilities stated in this job description.