Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) is a 501c3 non-advocacy, mountain education and research center established in 2002 to develop the capacity of southwest Colorado mountain communities to thrive and live sustainably. To accomplish MSI’s mission and vision, we engage scientists, citizens, and land managers in collaborative efforts to put science into action.
As MSI is a growing research and education center, we are looking for candidates with the ambition and passion for mountain research to help grow the Institute, explore new ways to communicate and share information, and apply our research for the betterment of the region and the world.
MSI is looking for a creative and strategic natural resource professional to lead MSI’s Forest Program. As the Program Director, you will lead the Forest Team in implementing a suite of collaborative, research, and monitoring projects in the San Juan Mountain region, and will develop new initiatives to lead the program into the future. You will supervise and mentor a team of 3-4 full-time staff, plus seasonal field crews as needed, and will work closely with the Executive Director on strategic direction and funding for the MSI Forest Program.
You can learn more at this web page.
A successful Forest Program Director will actively engage with the network of stakeholders working in forest management in the Southwest (and the San Juan National Forest specifically), will have a pulse on current forest science and management, and will work to find the niches where MSI can act as the bridge between science and management in this collaborative setting.
Job duties will include maintaining and growing MSI’s position as a trusted partner in forest science and management, and building rapport with partners and funders.
This position will reward systems thinking – learn a system and understand how it works, then identify intervention points that treat root causes and catalyze needed change. You will enjoy this position if you like the idea of creatively applying your skillsets in forestry, ecology, and natural resource management to find solutions to community needs across multiple scales.
Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Forestry, Ecology, Geography, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or other relevant field.
Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteering, school or coursework, work experience, and other related experience. No candidate will meet every requirement – if you’re excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies to all aspects of one’s employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. MSI is a drug free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. MSI believes in a collaborative and supportive work environment that encourages and inspires professional growth.
For questions about this position, contact Melissa May at melissa@mountainstudies.org