SEASONAL BOTANY/ECOLOGY POSITIONS

SEASONAL BOTANY/ECOLOGY POSITIONS
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
DATE: 05/12/2008
The California Native Plant Society is seeking applicants for up to 12 Botanist/Ecologist positions for field work in the spring/summer 2008. At least three of these positions may extend into April 2009. Successful candidates will participate in vegetation inventory and mapping projects in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Candidates will be hired as either a Team Leader or a Field Assistant, depending on qualifications and experience. They will be hired to work either out of the main office in Sacramento or the satellite office in Fresno. Employees will be expected to live within commuting distance of their office though they will participate in 3-5 day sampling missions, usually camping overnight.
The principal focus of this work will support a vegetation mapping and classification project in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and the San Joaquin Valley ecosystems of California. As defined here, this includes the foothills above the Central Valley to around 1200 m in elevation, as well as the Carrizo Plain, Temblor Range, Elk Hills, and the San Joaquin Valley south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, geography, and conservation in California.
The CNPS seasonal botany/ecology positions offer experience in the collection of field survey data using standardized CNPS vegetation protocols. CNPS maintains a uniform system for vegetation sampling, vegetation classification and mapping, and plant information databases. Developed over the past 15 years by CNPS, these systems are used by both government and non-government institutions. Physical job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, and hiking. The position requires the ability to work long field days under rigorous conditions (including inclement conditions), to hike in rugged terrain, and to lift/carry equipment that is up to 1/3 of your body weight.
Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
. Basic knowledge of plant taxonomy and vegetation sampling techniques.
. Identification of plants to the species level, with a focus on the identification of California’s Central Valley
and Sierra Nevada Flora.
. Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather and
poison oak.
. Good organizational skills, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
. Undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or a related field - OR - work towards an undergraduate
degree with completed courses including plant taxonomy, field botany, sampling design, or related
courses.
. Ability to take direction and to work well in a team setting.
. Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.
. A valid driver’s license, proof of current car insurance, and a safe driving record are required.
Additional experience / skills for Team Leaders:
. Strong background in California plant identification and experience conducting vegetation sampling.
. Ability to lead field assistants and ensure safe working environment while navigating in variable terrain.
. Ability to coordinate daily field tasks.
. Manage data for field team, ensuring data are recorded and entered accurately, consistently, and
efficiently.
. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
. Experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) units and other plant survey equipment (e.g., tape
measure, compass).
. Experience with databases and/or spreadsheets.
The salary is offered at $13.50 to $16.70 per hour, commensurate with experience. These are full-time, temporary field positions, beginning in May 2008 and extending through August 2008. Additional work is available for some Team Leaders from September 2008 to April 2009, in the field and office. Extended employment may be possible through future grants/contracts.
To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest, résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email). Please indicate whether you are applying for the Team Leader and/or Field Assistant positions. The primary contact is Jennifer Buck, Vegetation Ecologist. Send your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:
California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Vegetation Positions
Fax: (916) 447-2727
Email: jbuck@cnps.org.
Application deadline and interview: Review of applications will begin immediately, and hiring will occur by late May 2008. Please see the CNPS website for a detailed description of the jobs, and descriptions of the CNPS organization and Vegetation Program at www.cnps.org.
The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F