Northeast Wilderness Trust’s (NEWT) mission is to conserve forever-wild landscapes for Nature and people. We safeguard over 82,000 wild acres across New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. NEWT is the only regional land trust focused exclusively on rewilding through forever-wild conservation. We believe in the immense value of wilderness, both for its intrinsic value and for its unique role to reverse the biodiversity crisis, mitigate climate change, and provide solace to the human spirit.  

The Wildlands Ecology Program was founded in 2021 to meet the growing need for ecological information relating to NEWT’s land protection work, coordinating and collaborating on ecological projects and research across the region, and on our protected lands.  

The ideal candidate is someone who has a deep commitment to wilderness and the intrinsic value of such places, and who enjoys working cooperatively in a dynamic and growing team with ambitious goals.

Duties of the Wildlands Ecologist

The Wildlands Ecologist will work closely with the Wildlands Ecology Director and broader conservation programs team to conduct ecological reviews of all land conservation projects across our six-state region, requiring regular overnight travel. Additionally, the Wildlands Ecologist will represent NEWT on collaboratives and coalitions related to our work across the region as needed/possible.

What You Will Do:

Land Conservation and Stewardship

• Conduct initial site visits to potential land conservation projects.
• Prepare Initial Site Visit Reports on all projects in collaboration with Wildlands Ecology Director.
• Prepare ecological sections of Baseline Documentation Reports for land conservation projects.
• Consult on ecological considerations of proposed stewardship activities on NEWT preserves and sanctuaries.
• Assist with stewardship activities as needed, including but not limited to boundary marking and annual monitoring.

Ecology

• Support long-term research projects including the establishment and resampling of Rewilding Forest Research Plots on NEWT preserves and sanctuaries.
• Work with communications team to publicize research and findings and provide photos and outreach materials from property visits.
• Support and participate in developing in-depth inventories of ecological knowledge for NEWT preserves and sanctuaries.
• Serve on committees/collaboratives/boards related to role, as needed.

Outreach, Development, and Miscellaneous      

• Support NEWT staff in communicating our mission and sharing accomplishments with the public through social and print media.
• Assist with grant proposals and other fundraising, particularly in support of ecology projects.
• Represent NEWT in meetings with local and regional land trusts and at conferences.
• Participate in the Ecology Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Take on other responsibilities as needed.

What You Will Bring:

• A master’s degree or equivalent experience in forest ecology, biology, natural resources, or other similar field.
• At least three years of professional ecology experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of and passion for wilderness and wildlands conservation.
• Proficiency in ESRI ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience using field technology such as an iPad with Avenza Maps, Gaia GPS, or other GPS apps.
• Experience navigating forested properties, often alone and in remote locations, frequently without trails.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed, often overnight, across the region and carry a valid driver’s license.
• A commitment to candid and transparent communications.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and team-oriented work environment.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills to meet deadlines and be self-starting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience or willingness to learn Landscape Conservation Database.
• Adaptability and openness to evolving job description as the organization evolves, grows.
• Ability to understand laws and regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
• Willingness to work outside of position’s prime focus and collaborate with staff on other organizational priorities.

To view the full Job Description, including benefits, please click here.