For the full announcement and information on how to apply: https://mainebhr.hire.trakstar.com/jobs/fk0pzhi/

The Senior Ecologist will be responsible for overseeing, prioritizing and conducting field-based inventory and research to document the location, condition, and status of Maine's natural communities and ecosystems of statewide significance and rare, threatened, and endangered plant species. New field inventory sites will be initially identified using remote sensing tools and modeling. The Senior Ecologist will also summarize and analyze information more broadly on the status and trends of biodiversity in Maine and communicate the results in both written and oral form to a variety of audiences. The Senior Ecologist frequently supports landowners, land managers, and conservation organizations in need of assistance with natural resource inventories, land acquisition, development of management plans, reviews of harvest prescriptions, and climate change mitigation. This position will work in concert with other MNAP ecologists and IFW biologists on statewide efforts.

The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of botany, forest ecology, forestry, and conservation biology. Successful candidates will be able to use information systems and technologies to collect, analyze, and interpret natural resource data; present at workshops, and engage stakeholder groups. The successful candidate will demonstrate effective oral, written, and electronic communication skills, and be able to employ these skills when interacting with different audiences, ranging from lay people to technical experts and scientists. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of field staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships, and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support division/department goals. Candidates must be able to think creatively, demonstrate initiative, and implement multiple projects independently. Work will require overnight travel, including multi-day trips with irregular hours, field work in remote and off-trail places throughout the state, primarily during the growing season but as needed at other times of year.

There will be some remote work opportunities with this position in accordance with DACF Telework Policy and with management approval.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, Wildlife Management, or related field -AND- three (3) years’ experience in laboratory or field research of fish and wildlife including experience in a supervisory capacity. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Strong field botanical skills for northeast flora and knowledge of Maine's rare plants, natural communities, and ecosystems.
• Expertise with GIS, GPS, data management, remote sensing, and data analysis.
• Knowledge of forest management and timber harvesting principles, practices, and procedures, including ecological management.
• Familiarity with Natural Heritage program methodologies, vegetation sampling, forest inventory, and field survey design. 
• Experience with project management, report writing, budgets, supervision, and fund raising.
• Graduate degree in Forest Ecology, Conservation Biology, Botany, or related subject.