Seasonal Forest Ecologist

National Audubon Society

4d•$21 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Audubon Upper Mississippi River is seeking two seasonal Forest Ecologist to assist in our long-term bottomland forest restoration and enhancement on the Mississippi River system at Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge. Reporting to the Sr. Manager, Conservation – Missouri and based in Ste. Genevieve, MO, the seasonal Forest Ecologist will work on habitat restoration and forest management for birds across Missouri and Illinois with a focus along the Middle Mississippi region of the Mississippi River. The Forest Ecologist will work in partnership with a community of federal and state agencies and conservation groups to assess and improve forest conditions on the river. The Forest Ecologist will help implement habitat management practices including forest inventory, tree and shrub planting, seeding, encouraging natural regeneration, prescribed fire, invasive species management, and help address other maintenance and operational needs at associated refuges. The Forest Ecologist may also conduct and/or support vegetation, bird, and soil monitoring to ensure landowners are compliant with program goals and are enhancing their lands to benefit birds. Length of Assignment: June 1, 2026 – November 30th, 2026 Hours: Roughly 40 hours/week This role is on-site, based out of the US Fish and Wildlife Middle Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge in Ste. Genevieve, MO Compensation: $21.00 / hour

Requirements

University education in forestry, natural resources, conservation biology, wildlife management, or a closely related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred)
3 year relevant professional experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Demonstrated experience and skills in planning and implementing land management projects.
Knowledge of forest wildlife of Missouri and Illinois and their habitat requirements
Professional knowledge of forestry science principles and practices including silviculture methods and forest ecology.
Experience with project management including writing and interpreting management prescriptions, coordinating with key partners, implementing projects, and completing reports.
Demonstrated experience working with foresters and biologists from public agencies (federal and state) and private landowners and promoting good public relations.
Strong leadership and collaborative ethics, as demonstrated in previous work.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate with diverse audiences, including landowners and forestry professionals.
Must be results-oriented.
Ability to work independently and as part of a larger team in a dynamic environment.
A positive attitude and sense of humor is essential.
Willing to travel within the local region with occasional out-of-region travel and be comfortable working evenings and weekends as job demands.
Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, ipads, and geospatial mapping hardware and software.
Willingness and ability to work outdoors, including in inclement weather, life and carry equipment up to 50 pounds, surrounded by biting insects, and traversing across uneven and steep terrains with or without accommodation.
Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to work in person in Ste. Genevieve.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Nice To Haves

General use pesticide applicators license is desired. We can provide training if necessary.
Experience with the safe operation of a chainsaw is desired. We can provide training if necessary.

Responsibilities

Implement land management practices to improve habitat conditions for birds
Manage invasive plant species
Plant trees
Prepare sites for future tree plantings and other management activities
Perform follow up maintenance work following land management
Perform Timber Stand Improvement activities
Implement biological monitoring techniques to inform land management.
Maintain excellent communication with supervisor, supporting partner organization, and administrative staff.
Attend training events held by local partners, such as USFWS, NPS, and state agencies.
Assist in the maintenance and operations at USFWS refuges as needed
Partner with Audubon staff to ensure equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated in our conservation programs.
Coordinate with Audubon communications, policy, and center staff to help ensure their work is represented internally and externally, and communicated to target audiences.
Other job-related duties as assigned.