The Montana Natural Heritage Program (NHP) is recruiting an Ecologist/Project Manager to:

conduct vegetation surveys in wetland and associated upland ecosystems

integrate data into spatial and tabular databases, and map layers

develop proposals, and lead and manage projects focused on wetland mapping, assessment, and inventory

produce reports and information summaries for presentations, publications, and the internet

provide training, consultation and expertise on the assessment, status and management of ecological systems and communities

effectively represent MTNHP to partners, information users, and landowners.

The position requires extensive fieldwork during spring and summer months, often working alone in remote locations with extremes of temperature and many natural hazards.

This position is a one-year, full-time (40 hours/week average) position with benefits, with the possibility of annual renewal based on funding.

The Ecologist/Project Manager will work with other staff ecologists, zoologists and botanists as well as state and federal agency personnel.
S/he may supervise contractors, temporary employees, interns, students, or volunteers. The position is supervised by the Senior Ecologist.

Qualified candidates will have an advanced degree in ecology, botany, range science or a closely related field, emphasizing wetland community ecology and plant taxonomy.

The position requires a minimum of two years experience as a professional ecologist, with at least two field seasons conducting vegetation surveys and assessments.

Other requirements are:

Working knowledge of the vegetation and flora of the Rocky Mountains and Western Great Plains

demonstrated proficiency in vegetation survey methods, including sampling and research design; strong plant identification skills.

Demonstrated experience in analyzing and applying inventory and research results to on-the-ground management of western ecosystems and wildlife habitat.

Experience mapping or delineating wetland habitats.

Demonstrated understanding of wetland classification systems (e.g. Cowardin, HGM).

Proficiency in working with databases and analyzing tabular and spatial data using statistical and GIS software.

Demonstrated experience with ESRI GIS software, including ArcMap and Spatial Analyst. Experience interpreting USGS topographic maps, aerial photographs, remote sensing imagery, soils and geologic maps, and using GPS.

Demonstrated ability to plan, implement, and successfully complete projects on time and within budget, and in report production and presentation; ability to set and reach goals, and problem-solve effectively.

Strong organizational skills, thoroughness, and attention to detail; initiative and ability to work independently and to lead project teams.

Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and an ability to build effective partnerships and collaboration with government agencies, academia and the non-profit sector.

Experience writing proposals and securing funding for projects.

Willingness and ability to travel extensively, especially during the field season, and to conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork, often alone and/or under adverse conditions or in remote areas.

Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles per day) over rough terrain carrying equipment and personal gear.

Current driver's license and clean driving record required.

The Montana Natural Heritage Program, operated by The University of Montana with the Montana State Library, is part of a hemispheric network of over 80 programs that maintain and disseminate data on the distribution, status and management of vulnerable species and important habitats. NHP is part of the Montana Natural Resource Information System (NRIS), a nationally-recognized leader in using emerging GIS and Web technologies to integrate and distribute spatially referenced data on natural resources.

The main MT NHP offices are located in Helena, Montana, with a smaller office on the campus of the University of Montana in Missoula. The Ecologist position is expected to be based in Helena, but a Missoula base is open to negotiation.