Forest Ecologist

Job Title: Forest Ecologist

Department: Michigan Chapter

Location: Remote within Northern Michigan

Reports To: Chapter Director

Supervises: N/A

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. 

Sierra Club is comprised of staff across the country and a network of volunteers organized in local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: The Forest Ecologist is responsible for advocating for the protection of Michigan’s public and private lands to ensure our home state’s ecological health. This position is responsible for assessing and providing feedback on proposals impacting Michigan’s forests and wild spaces, establishing and maintaining relationships with relevant state agencies, and working closely with tribes, partner organizations and volunteers to advance the Chapter’s goals. This position requires occasional evening and weekend work for volunteer meetings and public events; requires an ability to travel within the state with a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.

• Forest, Wildlands and Wildlife Management. Review state compartment reviews and other proposals that impact Michigan’s forests and wild lands. Advocate for forest and land management practices that support at-risk wildlife in the state. Educates staff, volunteers and partners on potential impacts and make recommendations in alignment with Sierra Club values and policies.
• Programmatic Strategy and Implementation. Plans, coordinates, and implements campaigns for various programs and projects in collaboration with the key staff and volunteers. Develops tactics and metrics, tracks policy and regulatory proceedings, and identifies opportunities for engagement, mobilization, or intervention for one or more campaign outcomes. Coordinates and measures the success of these campaigns with the State Director and volunteer leaders to ensure progress towards meeting the campaign's goals.
• Communications. Supports communications and base building by leveraging digital organizing tools and internal and external communications. Represents the Sierra Club to the public and in the media. Writes newsletter articles, op-eds, and action alerts.
• Collaboration. Identifies and is responsible for developing strong relationships with key people of influence, including community leaders, especially from frontline communities and public officials, to positively influence campaign or program outcomes. Seeks opportunities to advance the Sierra Club’s diversity initiatives through new partnerships and engagement strategies where appropriate. 
• Volunteer Development & Engagement. Identifies, trains, informs, and motivates volunteers to build and sustain grassroots power that centers frontline communities, influences decision makers and achieves campaign victories. Provides information, research, and other assistance to Sierra Club leaders, the public, and others about the campaign or program and priority issues.
• Community Engagement. Organizes events, trainings, rallies, outings, meetings, members of the media and communities to ensure visibility of the Sierra Club in a way that is strategic and values-aligned.
• Fundraising. Tasks include grant writing, donor engagement, grant management, data management and reporting in partnership with the Chapter Director and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Performs administrative, clerical, and other miscellaneous duties as assigned by supervisor.

• Forest Succession. You understand Michigan’s forest succession process and can communicate that to a variety of audiences.
• Research  Experience. You have strong research skills and an ability to understand policy. You can synthesize information and present it in an easy-to-understand and engaging format.
• Strong written, oral  & facilitation skills. You can communicate complex topics clearly and concisely while tailoring your message to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. You are comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups, hosting virtual convenings, leading group discussions, and facilitating hands-on workshops. You are able to convey information and help everyone share their ideas while moving through an intentional agenda in a timely manner.
• Collaboration. You are effective and efficient, working independently as well as cooperatively to accomplish complex work projects, and can point to specific examples of your experience with each. You know how to manage a project or campaign timeline while engaging the relevant staff and volunteers in a timely manner.
• Equity analysis & practice. You are aware of your personal group identities and how they have shaped your life and work experiences. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities, positions, and roles. 
• Tech Skills. Experience with Google Suite, Zoom and social media platforms.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

• Forestry Management. Experience and understanding of forest management practices, understanding of the role field work plays in influencing environmental policy.
• Self-motivated. Ability to work independently but also cooperatively and effectively with staff and volunteers.
• Grassroots organizing & teamwork. You have experience working with groups using democratic decision-making. You have worked with partners to achieve shared goals by building pressure on a decision-maker through escalating advocacy tactics. You can manage a fast-moving, dynamic campaign plan involving multiple stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and decision-makers. You can motivate groups of people to take action for a cause and find joy in developing leaders while building grassroots power.
• Prioritization. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fundraising. Experience writing and managing grants, grant reporting or experience engaging individual donors.
• Communications. Experience working with traditional media and campaign tools like Hustle or VAN. 

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.