About The Institute for Applied Ecology

The Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) is a non-profit founded in 1999 with a mission to conserve native species and habitats through restoration, research, and education. Our vision is a world where all people and wildlands are healthy and interact positively, biological diversity flourishes, and environmental challenges are met with a social commitment to solving problems with scientific principles.

IAE values diversity and equity, and we encourage applications from all groups of people. We recognize that the strength of IAE is in our people, and we believe that every employee has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. IAE does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices, and our commitment to equal employment opportunity applies to every aspect of the employment relationship.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), women and other marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

Closing date: Sunday, January 5th, 2025

Number of available positions: 2

Location: Corvallis, OR (some travel required)

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Compensation: $22.00/hr.

Plus, travel expenses associated with overnight field work (food and lodging), paid holidays, sick

leave, overtime pay, and a $100 gear stipend.

Start date: 4/7/2025

End date: 8/1/2025 (with the possibility of extension, pending funding and need)

About the role

The Conservation Research Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology (IAE) will be hiring two Field Crew Leaders for the 2025 season. Crew Leaders will work on multiple rare, endangered, and threatened plant species projects throughout Oregon. Leaders will lead 2-4 person field crews to conduct rare plant habitat surveys, implement threatened and endangered species studies and monitoring, and execute invasive species research. One crew will work on local projects (with occasional overnight travel); another crew will conduct out-of-town/overnight trips for ~50% of the work (with accommodations including camping and occasionally hotels).

What you'll do

Specific Responsibilities

• Field work: lead 2-4 person field crew on single- and multiple-day hitches
• Assist project managers to plan for each field hitch (safety and logistics, protocols, data collection)
• Oversee data entry, management and quality control
• Effectively use and enforce safety and communication protocols
• Assist project managers to coordinate communication with partners

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany
• Effective communication skills and experience working on a team
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Basic computer skills
• Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing
• Able to work in a variety of adverse weather conditions and rugged terrain in bear country
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD truck

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to conduct creative problem solving independently
• One field season leading crews
• Comfortable working and camping with a multiple-person field crew
• Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field
• Plant ID skills using technical keys
• Knowledge of plants of the Pacific Northwest
• 2+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling
• Electronic data collection experience with Esri suites (ArcPro, Survey123, FieldMaps)
• Able to lift up to 40lbs
• Hike up to 10 miles a day

Cover Letter Instructions

In your cover letter please address the following questions:

1. What about this position appealed to you and motivated you to apply?
2. Please highlight any of your skills or experiences that you believe would make you well suited to this position.
3. How would this position support your long-term goals?