Conservation Ecology Specialist

Description: The Conservation Ecology Specialist supports MDLT’s strategic land acquisition, stewardship, and management objectives through fieldwork, ecological assessment,

restoration support, mapping, reporting, and coordination with staff, volunteers, contractors, and partners.

This position may be filled at either the I or II level depending on qualifications and experience.

• Level I is appropriate for a candidate with a strong foundation in field-based ecological or stewardship work who is ready to continue building skills under closer

supervision and guidance.

• Level II is intended for a more experienced professional who can independently perform ecological assessments, site inspections, stewardship scoring, reporting,

and related compliance-oriented work with limited supervision. 

Responsibilities: 

• Conducting or assisting with ecological assessments of conservation lands, including native plant communities, fuel loads, wildfire risk, and disturbance indicators 
• Supporting targeted species surveys and habitat evaluations 
• Implementing restoration and stewardship activities such as invasive plant control, native seeding and out-planting, debris cleanup, and vertical mulching 
• Supporting the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of fences, trails, roads, and related site infrastructure 
• Assisting with or independently conducting pre-acquisition environmental due diligence, site inspections, and stewardship scoring 
• Using GIS and related tools to analyze land conditions and prepare maps, graphics, reports, and other work products 
• Maintaining monitoring records, stewardship documentation, and land management data 
• Collaborating with internal staff, volunteers, contractors, landowners, and external partners 
• Assisting with facilities inspection and maintenance coordination on conservation lands 

Qualifications: 

• A bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience

  • Level I: at least 1 year of relevant field experience

  • Level II: at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience in field ecology, land stewardship, habitat restoration, conservation planning, or a closely related field

  • Experience with ESRI ArcGIS or similar GIS platforms

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office

  • A valid Class C driver’s license

  • Wilderness First Responder certification, or the ability to obtain it within 12 months of hire 

• Helpful additional experience includes desert wildlife or vegetation knowledge, Mojave or Colorado Desert plant identification, 4WD/off-highway driving, trailer handling, volunteer coordination, and technical writing or reporting.

Learn more about the Mojave Desert Land Trust and apply here.