Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Ecologist 2025
🌲 Greater Yellowstone Whitebark Pine Ecologist
📍 Location: Yellowstone National Park Area (YELL, Livingston, or Bozeman, MT)
🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time
🎓 Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
💼 Department: Resilient Forests
💵 Salary: $60,000–$80,000/year (commensurate with experience)
About American Forests
Founded in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national nonprofit conservation organization in the U.S. Our mission is to create healthy and resilient forests — from cities to wildland landscapes — that provide essential climate, ecological, and societal benefits for all. We focus on forestry innovation, restoration partnerships, and movement-building to promote forest equity and sustainability across the nation. We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all aspects of our work and organization.
🌐 Position Summary
Whitebark pine is a keystone species found in high elevations across the western U.S. and is currently threatened under the Endangered Species Act. As part of a five-year collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), American Forests is seeking a dedicated Whitebark Pine Ecologist to help restore this critical species within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE).
This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of federal and nonprofit sectors and lead impactful restoration work alongside agencies, tribal nations, and research institutions.
🌱 Key Responsibilities
Whitebark Pine Data Management (30%)
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Compile and analyze existing data (YELL and GRTE) on whitebark pine health and distribution.
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Conduct spatial data analysis using tools like ArcGIS, Excel, R, and MS Access.
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Author technical reports and scientific summaries.
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Collaborate with NPS staff to define restoration priorities.
Restoration Support & Coordination (30%)
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Partner with NPS and Greater Yellowstone Coordination Committee on recovery efforts.
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Help draft and revise restoration plans, monitoring protocols, and compliance documentation.
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Assist in securing funding through proposal writing and year-end reporting.
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Contribute whitebark pine-related content for ESA Section 7 documentation.
On-the-Ground Conservation Implementation (35%)
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Conduct field surveys, identify five-needle pines, collect vegetation data.
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Coordinate, train, and support field crews during restoration campaigns.
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Navigate remote, high-elevation terrain with gear (up to 50 lbs).
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Implement science-based restoration treatments in priority areas.
Cross-Program & Communication Support (5%)
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Participate in regional program meetings.
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Support related Resilient Forest projects.
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Work with science communicators to share project outcomes.
✅ Qualifications & Skills
Required:
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3+ years of relevant experience in forestry, restoration ecology, botany, or environmental science.
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Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Forestry, Environmental Science, or related field.
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Proficiency in fieldwork planning, data analysis (including spatial data), and technical writing.
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Strong collaboration and communication skills.
Preferred:
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Master’s degree or advanced coursework in relevant discipline.
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Knowledge of whitebark pine ecosystems and restoration strategies.
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Experience working in multi-partner initiatives and federally managed landscapes.
🏔️ Working Conditions
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Field/Office Split: ~40% backcountry fieldwork, ~60% office/remote work.
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Schedule: Typically Monday–Thursday, 7am–5pm.
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Location: Based near Yellowstone NP (YELL), Livingston, or Bozeman, MT.
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Travel: Regular backcountry travel, overnight camping, and physical fieldwork in rugged, high-altitude terrain.
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Wildlife Exposure: Work in proximity to large wildlife (bears, bison, elk, wolves).
🎁 Compensation & Benefits
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Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000/year (based on experience and skills)
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Benefits:
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Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
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Paid Time Off and Holidays
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Professional Development Opportunities
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Field Gear and Equipment Support
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Travel Support for On-Site Duties
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🌍 Inclusion & Equal Opportunity
American Forests is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from underrepresented communities, including Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, women, and people with disabilities, to apply.
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