Restoration Ecologist

Job Description

Job Description

Restoration Ecologist

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Conservation Science, the Restoration Ecologist will be responsible for overseeing NAC forest restoration projects in collaboration with the NYC Parks Department, forest restoration contractors, and other non-profit conservancies.

The Natural Areas Conservancy is tasked with ensuring the effectiveness of forest restoration activities across multiple sites within NYC parks. The Restoration Ecologist will be responsible for coordinating projects across these sites to ensure consistent framing, measurable success metrics, and overall efficiency in all aspects of forest restoration, from initial site design to implementation and subsequent monitoring. Under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Conservation Science, this position will function as the primary project manager for forest restoration initiatives, establishing a comprehensive project management cycle that ensures scientifically sound and ecologically appropriate site preparation, design, planting palettes, implementation, and monitoring. The Restoration Ecologist will be responsible for communicating directly with contractors, tracking and verifying day to day activities and creating reports. The Restoration Ecologist will collaborate closely with the NYC forest practitioner community to disseminate best practices and contribute to the community of practice. This role will occasionally involve supervising college interns.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage forest restoration contracts. Under the guidance of NAC senior staff, the Restoration Ecologist will supervise, track, and manage the day-to-day activities of forest restoration contractors. This includes meeting the contractor on-site to scope work, supervising site work, communicating clearly and effectively with contractors and project stakeholders, and tracking progress by daily and weekly logs. The job also includes tracking daily activities against the overall project tasks and timelines.

2. Coordinate with partners conducting implementation. Coordinate forest restoration activities with partner organizations (e.g., NYC Parks, Prospect Park Alliance, New York Restoration Project, Forest Park Trust) and NAC staff. Liaise with project partners, conduct site visits and track overall project progress and assist with monitoring, reporting, and evaluation activities at each site.

3. Project management and tracking. Using internal project management tools, track project activities across multiple sites against a timeline and keep up to date. Incorporate contractor work logs, partner-led conservation activities, and volunteer stewardship activities under the same project scope. Using established data systems for forest restoration in NYC (Natural Areas Management Activities database), complete entries for contractors and partners as needed. Keep permits and correspondence on file and organized. Keep the overall project on track and all partners and staff in the loop.

4. Coordinate and participate in forest restoration activities. Procure plant material, direct and assist with plant deliveries, conduct pre-post monitoring, and participate in volunteer stewardship activities and tree planting.

5. Communicate outcomes and contribute to science-driven tools and products that advance the care of natural areas, including management recommendations and best practices. Building on the NYC Forest Management Framework and working with colleagues and partners, synthesize project outcomes into case studies, reports, tools, and management plans for practitioner and policy audiences, specifically those focused on Forest Restoration in NYC. Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Conservation Science, supports strengthening the local community of practice through events, communication, and participation in meetings. Communicate outputs to stakeholders and partners with a focus on the practitioner community.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree in forestry, natural resource management, ecology, or similar

• Knowledge of forest ecology and management, forest conservation, silviculture, and/ or urban forestry.

• 3-7 years of work experience in natural resource management, forestry, forest research, or technical assistance—urban experience is a plus.

• Experience in project management tracking systems, geo-spatial tools, and using maps to direct and orient field-based work.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, and develop effective relationships with internal staff, partners, and peers to achieve project goals or objectives.

• Knowledge of NYC forested natural areas, tree species ID, understory ID, forest restoration principles.

• Proven ability to solve problems, listen to partner needs, and adapt project goals to achieve impact.

• Ability to spend time outside in inclement weather, carry 25lbs, hike on steep slopes and through brush.

• Valid driver’s license and no driving restrictions.

• Satisfactory proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States, and your completion of an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Experience in managing forest restoration contracts in NYC, complex project management, and knowledge of the NYC Forest Management Framework.

• Experience with engaging with community groups, students, or other constituencies through environmental stewardship.

• Experience in field-based monitoring for forest restoration projects.

JOB LOCATION

NAC currently offers a hybrid remote work schedule as projects allow, with staff reporting to the Manhattan office a minimum of two days a week with offices likely moving to Queens in 2026. This role should be willing to work from a primary office location in Manhattan, and field work reporting locations in all five boroughs of New York City up to 5 days a week. Some occasional domestic travel is expected for this position.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

• Salary Range: $72,000 - $95,000 depending on experience

• Competitive benefits package including generous Paid Time Off, eligibility for medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and professional development funds.

APPLICATION

Include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample as one PDF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Candidates must currently possess and maintain legal authorization to work in the United States. The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) utilizes the E-Verify system and does not offer, transfer, or sponsor employment-based non-immigrant or immigrant work visas (e.g., H-1B, permanent residency).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

Updated: October 31, 2025