Rangeland Ecologist, Reno, NV, United States

WORK WITH US

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Rangeland Ecologist is a part-time (60% FTE) with benefit position whose duration is currently determined by a two-year workload. The desired location is Reno, NV. However, for the ideal candidate location may be negotiated and extended travel to Reno or other Nevada locations will be expected. The Rangeland Ecologist provides technical and scientific support in rangeland ecology and management for existing state-and-transition simulation modeling and spatial analyses in the R language for Nevada rangeland projects where greater sage-grouse, vegetation, and livestock management are critical issues of analysis. The position is entirely focused on state-and-transition simulation modeling, populating/updating existing models, R programming, and other computer analyses in support of modeling, but is not expected to involve field work. A strong emphasis will be placed on modeling complex livestock grazing systems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in range ecology and management.
• At least 1 year experience in livestock grazing systems in Intermountain West shrublands and woodlands.
• Experience, coursework or other training in Intermountain West rangeland species, including greater sage-grouse, natural communities, ecosystems, ecosystem processes, and their conservation practices, including restoration and grazing management.
• Experience in advanced R programming.
• Experience in conceptual or simulation state-and-transition models
• Experience manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting statistical data on natural communities or environmental data on ecological communities.
• Record of peer-reviewed publications relating to species, natural communities, ecosystems, or ecosystem processes or related topics.
• Experience working with other professionals and partners on western livestock grazing systems.
• Experience leading and/or participating on cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite Software.
• Experience in oral and written communication skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to learn the ST-Sim software (www.apexrms.com) to conduct advanced state-and-transition simulation modeling.
• At least 4 years experience in livestock grazing systems in Intermountain West shrublands and woodlands.
• Experience writing R code that processes non-spatial and raster data and that uses raster operations and statistical function from R's library.
• Experience with state-and-transition simulation modeling using the software ST-Sim by ApexRMS, Inc.
• Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, Web browsers) and ability to use provided computer technology to enhance the quality of work.
• Experience in GIS environment preferred, but not required.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL EFFORT

• If field work is involved, must work in variable weather conditions, at remote desert locations, in hazardous terrain, under physically demanding circumstances, and may need to drive a 4WD vehicle.

AUTO SAEFTY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered 'high risk drivers.' Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

This position has a scheduled end date of October 30, 2016

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 42462, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 30, 2014.

Click submit' to apply for the position or “save for later' to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.