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: 5-7

Location: Corvallis, OR (some travel required)

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Compensation: $20.00/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: 4/21/2025

End date: 7/25/2025 (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 multiple technicians for field work and related activities. The Conservation Research Technicians will work on a crew on a variety of projects - working with a variety of rare, endangered, and threatened plant species throughout Oregon, with a large focus on rare habitats. Field crews will conduct rare plant habitat surveys, implement threatened and endangered species studies and monitoring, and execute invasive species research. We are hiring for two crews. 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

• Conduct botanical surveys, population monitoring, and plant community assessments
• Enter data and ensure data quality control throughout the field season
• Practice effective communication within a team setting and contribute to the success of the Conservation Research Program at IAE
• Effectively use safety and communication protocols during field work

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 in the presence of unavoidable Poison Oak
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway

Preferred Qualifications

• Able to problem solve creatively and independently
• Plant ID skills using technical keys with 1+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling
• Electronic data collection experience, (which may include experience with ArcPro, Survey123, FieldMaps)
• Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field
• Able to lift up to 40lbs
• Hike up to 10 miles a day
• Office and field work data management experience

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?