Click Here For Black Rock Forest 2027 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Information
JOIN BLACK ROCK FOREST!
Black Rock Forest (BRF) is a growing environmental non-profit organization with programs in environmental research, education, and conservation. The organization’s facilities, including offices, labs, classrooms, and a lodge, are in the 3,920-acre Forest of the same name in Cornwall, NY. BRF has a staff of 10 and functions as a biological field station with 26 miles of hiking trails and another 17 miles of gated forest roads.
Position Announcement- Ecologist (Postdoctoral Fellow)
Position Summary:
Join our research staff this winter to help us execute our research programs in wildlife ecology, forest ecology, and environmental monitoring. The ecologist can expect to contribute to several ongoing projects, including project management, field data collection, data management, and opportunities to contribute to publications.
Responsibilities & Opportunities:
The ecologist will experience a small non-profit and will execute scientific principles for conservation. The ecologist will support our research programs via field data collection (including camera trap surveys, deer snow tracking surveys, environmental monitoring stations, rare turtle surveys, long-term forest monitoring, etc.), further develop and manage our GIS, manage our existing data sets for quality assurance and publication, and contribute to ongoing publications. Additional research opportunities and experiences will arise via other ongoing projects at Black Rock Forest. The ecologist will be encouraged to explore research opportunities of their own interests as well.
Qualifications:
A top candidate will:
- have a Ph.D. at the time of hire (required),
- have received their Ph.D. after 2020 (less than 5 years ago)
- have an enthusiasm for field ecology,
- be detail orientated and excel in project management,
- have extensive experience in GIS, particularly with ESRI products, but alternatively QGIS and/or R,
- be proficient in dataset manipulation via R, including writing repeatable and transferable code,
- possess a valid driver’s license and dependable personal transportation,
- be comfortable navigating forest roads via an atv or willing to become so,
- be an effective communicator, both within the research team and the public, including a willingness to seek clarity when needed.
Timeline & Compensation:
This is a full-time, 9-month position, starting November 2026 through July 2027. The ecologist will have office space, receive a salary equivalent to $70,000 annually, and ACA-compliant health insurance. Start/end dates have some flexibility. This is an expected on-site, 40-hour work week role. Weekend work may arise but will be compensated with flex time. If desired, subsidized housing is available for the ecologist and immediate family at a BRF-owned residence in Cornwall, NY.
Additional Information & How to Apply:
At BRF we value diversity, in our ecosystems, and in our organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.
Deadline to apply: end of day, 12 October 2026.
Send the following via email to Dr. Scott LaPoint (slapoint@blackrockforest.org):
– your name, email address, and phone number,
– a list of three references with contact information (email and phone),
– and a single pdf containing a cover letter and your CV. Your one-page cover letter should explain your motivation for working here and describe your skills and experiences relevant to this position.
Email Dr. Scott LaPoint (slapoint@blackrockforest.org) with any questions.
Position Announcement – Black Rock Forest Internship Program
Position summary:
BRF is seeking interns to support our programs in forest stewardship & conservation, education, and research. Internships at Black Rock Forest require a minimum commitment of 100 hours and maximum of 200 hours and most are in-person. These are volunteer positions, but interns may be granted an equipment and travel stipend (~$500 – $1000, depending on length of service). Interns will be provided with opportunities to learn or interact with all aspects of the organization including non-profit administration, fundraising, education programming, public outreach, land conservation and stewardship, and research.
Competitive applicants will:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Enjoy and have experience working outside in forest settings, off-trail, in varied weather, and with limited communications.
- Be independent, motivated, detail-orientated, and willing to work with a team on projects, as assigned.
- Must be willing and able to hike ~ 5 miles per day carrying up to 30 pounds.
Additional information:
At Black Rock Forest we value diversity, in our ecosystems and in our organization. We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and in our science, education, and conservation. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented group members as we seek to diversify and strengthen our organization, science, and society.
Application materials:
- Cover letter with a brief personal introduction (limited to 1 page, 12-point font)
- Resume
- Names and contact information of up to three professional references
To Apply: Combine your cover letter, resume, and list of references into a single document and upload this document to the internship position you are applying for. If you are interested in more than one internship you must apply for each one separately.
Conservation Internship (Forest Stewardship)
This position would be looking to assist in creating and maintaining forest use and access. Working with hand tools, it would involve clearing debris, rocks, branches and sticks from roads and trails. These efforts maintain the design of the paths through the forest allowing for sustainable research, education, and recreation use. Along those paths we will focus on promoting native plants and mechanically removing invasives plant species when applicable.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Conservation Internship (Forest Infrastructure)
This position will be active in maintaining the forest infrastructure. From repairs to stone steps, installation of drainage culverts, repairs to plant fencing, to upkeep on seasonal outdoor structures this position will be working with hand tools and alongside staff throughout the forest on a strategic maintenance plan.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Conservation Internship (Invasive Plant Species Management)
This work would target locating, treating and removing invasive species in Black Rock Forest according to the forest management plan. Working with hand tools the position will require working on a variety of landscapes. The candidate will work solo and alongside staff to identify plants and monitor effectiveness of treatments.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Conservation Internship (Tree Nursery)
This work would support operations at the tree nursery and greenhouse at Black Rock Forest. The position will include working with hand tools and lifting heavy items to care for and propagate native trees and shrubs. The candidate will work solo and alongside staff on a variety of tasks including potting, collecting seeds, weeding, and mulching. Start date and hours flexible.
Please direct questions to mbrady@blackrockforest.org
Research Internship (Forest Ecology)
Support our forest monitoring and research efforts, including assisting with acorn and camera trap surveys. The position will also assist with managing research equipment and infrastructure at remote field sites. This is primarily in the field, requiring interns to enjoy working off-trail, hiking, and carrying gear. Opportunities for office work, including data entry, species identification, and mapping will arise. Start date in September or October, hours flexible.
Please direct questions to slapoint@blackrockforest.org
Research Internship (Turtles)
Support our turtle monitoring efforts, including assisting with trapping and visual surveys. This is primarily in the field, requiring interns to enjoy working off-trail, hiking, and carrying gear. Opportunities for office work, including data entry and mapping will arise. Position available from mid-April – mid-May.
Please direct questions to slapoint@blackrockforest.org
Environmental Education Internship (Education)
Perfect for those pursuing careers in environmental education, interpretation, or general education, this role involves facilitating outdoor programs, working with scientific field equipment across classroom and field settings, and fostering outdoor exploration. You’ll build a strong professional portfolio in environmental education and communication while helping connect diverse audiences to nature.
Please direct questions to aculotta@blackrockforest.org
Communications & Outreach Internship (Education)
Gain hands-on experience at the intersection of environmental science, interpretation, and public engagement. Designed for individuals pursuing careers in science communication or environmental education, this role spans both classroom and field settings where you will help translate complex field research—from camera-trap wildlife data to forestry studies—into compelling stories. You will assist in developing educational materials and outreach resources, document field trips and research programs, and create engaging social media, website, and newsletter content to connect our community with the forest.
Please direct questions to aculotta@blackrockforest.org