Ecologist​/Botanist

Jodi McGraw Consulting (JMc), a Santa Cruz County-based environmental consulting firm, seeks qualified applicants for the positions of Assistant or Associate Ecologist. The selected applicant will have significant experience with the identification, ecology, and conservation and management of the California Flora that can be applied to a broad range of applied science projects as outlined below.

The position will report to the Principal Ecologist and will be responsible for leading or assisting with a variety of ecological consulting projects in Central Coastal California (), including:

• Rare species habitat enhancement and population management;
• Research, surveys, and long-term monitoring of populations and sensitive communities;
• Habitat restoration and management;
• Conservation planning at the site, local, and regional levels;

Typical responsibilities and the approximate time dedicated to each are as follows:

• Design and conduct field surveys, assessments, mapping studies, experiments, and long-term monitoring studies for rare and endangered species, sensitive plant communities, and habitat management and restoration projects, including experimental trials (25%);
• Design and implement habitat restoration and management projects including revegetation, exotic plant management, and site and species-specific habitat enhancement projects (25%);
• Conduct data analyses, and prepare technical plans, reports, databases, and other products (25%);
• Develop conservation strategies for biodiversity and co-benefited natural resources (e.g., water resources, scenic resources based on a critical synthesis of scientific reports and literature (10%);
• Facilitate endangered species protection during large-scale restoration and construction projects occurring in their habitat (10%); and
• Conduct project management and administrative duties (5%).

Applicants proficient in geographic information systems, who are strongly encouraged to apply, will also implement cartography, spatial analyses, and spatial database management.

The Assistant/Associate Ecologist/Botanist is responsible for a high level of professionalism in both field and office environments. As a member of a small, dedicated, and highly collaborative team, these positions involve both expertise-based leadership and hands‑on program implementation. This requires a high level of energy, productivity, flexibility, durability, attention to detail, and commitment to the projects.

• A biology, environmental studies, or related degree(s), with training and field experience in plant taxonomy/systematics and plant ecology;
• A minimum of two years of experience in the field (Assistant-level position), or either five years of experience or a master’s degree and two years of experience for the Associate-level position;
• Keen attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work;
• Strong quantitative skills and experience and proficiency working with quantitative data;
• Experience in habitat management and restoration strategies used to conserve biodiversity in Mediterranean-type ecosystems;
• Strong botanical field identification skills and an interest and ability to develop expertise in the California fauna as well as flora;
• Strong organizational and professional skills, and capability of prioritizing and managing diverse tasks independently and with direction and support from the Principal Ecologist;
• The ability to work, and supervise others to work, safely, responsibly, and independently outdoors, and under physically or mentally demanding conditions including inclement weather;
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively communicate with people with a broad spectrum of backgrounds and interests;
• An entrepreneurial, self-starting, and highly collaborative approach to work, and the ability to teach, train, and inspire effective work by others, including staff and university interns; and
• An ability to be flexible, adaptable, perform within a time-sensitive environment, and maintain a positive solution-oriented attitude.

• Proficiency in data entry, database management, and statistical…