The Seasonal Botanist will be an integral part of a new project aimed at increasing the climate-adaptation of grassland restoration in the northern Plains. The Botanist will work alongside TNC staff to enhance the diversity of seed sources available for grassland restoration seed mixes.
The Seasonal Botanist will lead a two-person crew in locating and mapping large populations of key forb species across a large landscape. Once mapped, the Botanist will lead the crew in hand harvesting seed from multiple sources and storing and tracking seed for each species by location.
Four Seasonal Botanist positions are available, and each position, leading one crew, will focus on mapping and seed collection in one landscape for the summer. The landscapes include: 1) the Missouri Coteau in central South Dakota, 2) the Sheyenne Delta in southeastern North Dakota and the Prairie Coteau in Minnesota, 3) the Agassiz Beach Ridges along western Minnesota, and 4) the Tallgrass Aspen Parkland in northwestern Minnesota. Mapping with GPS and good data management and organization skills will be important in this position. These positions are full-time, seasonal and will run from June 3, 2019 to September 20, 2019.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Maintain project records and data.
- Conducts field surveys and seed collection, spending the majority of their time outdoors, experiencing the beauty of the Great Plains prairies.
- May perform administrative work related to project and data management.
- May purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget.
- Will lead a crew in the field to identify forb species, collect seed and store seed in an organized manner.
- May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
- Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong field botanical skills.
- Experience surveying and identifying grassland plants in the upper Midwest or Great Plains is a plus.
- Ability to work and communicate well with others.
- Ability to work independently and exercise independent judgment.
- Basic supervisory skills.
- Time management and organization skills.
- Willingness to travel to many different properties within the work area.
- Ability to work with Microsoft office software and ArcGIS software
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.