The Zumwalt Botanist and Crew Lead performs ecological monitoring projects as part of a team on grasslands in northeast Oregon. This is a fulltime, 35 hours per week, 9-month active, 3 months leave without pay during winter months, 2-year term position ending December 2019.
The Zumwalt Botanist and Crew Lead contributes to conservation and active management of the Zumwalt Prairie by implementing botanically-focused monitoring, research and inventory projects on Conservancy-owned and other private lands in northeast Oregon. This person plays a major role in leading and mentoring a small crew of resident volunteers to conduct field work from May through October. Field work requires use of standardized protocols for sampling vegetation plots, identification of plants to species level, and utilization of databases for collecting and managing data. Other essential activities include: maintenance of project databases (including GIS), management of field data collection devices, data analysis and report writing.
- Independently navigates rough terrain, using GPS and maps to locate survey sites.
- Follows detailed protocols for sampling and documenting vegetation and other site characteristics.
- Identifies plants to species and teaches others to recognize common grassland plant species.
- Maintains high standards of data accuracy, maintenance and organization using a variety of technology.
- Uses ArcMap to display and analyze data and make maps for field use.
- Uses statistical software to analyze data and produce reports.
- Coordinates and supervises day-to-day activities of volunteers and interns, under supervision of the Zumwalt Science Specialist.
- Works in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with GIS software and data to create maps.
- Experience identifying grasses and flowering plants of the Western US.
- Experience training and leading field crews and ensuring the safety of a group.
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 2 - 3 years of experience in ecological monitoring and field data collection.
- Knowledge of grassland ecology, including effects of livestock grazing and invasive plant management.
- Experience organizing and ensuring the quality of large datasets.
- Experience performing statistical analysis of biological or environmental data.
- Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment when encountering uncertainty.
- Ability to work cooperatively with staff, volunteers and external parties, sometimes under pressure, to complete project goals in a timely manner.
- Confidence and skill operating 4 x 4 trucks and ATVs.
- Preferred hiring range: $21.48-$22.82
- This is a full-time, 35 hours per week, 9 month active, 3 months leave without pay during the winter, 2-year term position with ending in December 2019
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."