Job Title: Research Technician/Field Supervisor Start Date: December 1, 2007, with some flexibility for the right candidate
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) Department of Science and Stewardship is seeking an experienced Research Technician/Field Supervisor to work full-time on a variety of projects involving inventorying, monitoring, and managing species, habitats, and other natural resources found on the Foundations conservation lands. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in gaining experience working in rare species conservation, habitat management, and applied ecological research. The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is a private, non-profit land trust that owns and manages over 8,850 acres of conservation land on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. The mission of the Foundation is to assist in the preservation of Nantuckets character by permanently conserving, maintaining, and managing natural areas and habitats and to encourage an appreciation of and interest in the islands natural resources. For more information about the Foundation and the research projects being undertaken by the Department of Science and Stewardship, please visit the NCF website at www.nantucketconservation.org. The NCF Research Technician/Field Supervisor position offers experience in a range of plant and animal monitoring techniques conducted in a variety of upland and wetland plant communities, research protocol development, data summary, analysis and report writing, participation in a multi- organizational prescribed fire management program, and training and supervising interns and volunteers in the field. Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following: -MS in Plant Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Natural Resource Management (or biology-related field) or a commensurate level of experience. -Experience with plant identification and the use of dichotomous keys. -Experience with vegetation monitoring techniques. -Proven experience supervising, training, and/or teaching. -Proficiency with Trimble GPS units, EXCEL, and ESRI ArcView or ArcGIS software. -Ability to assist with experimental design, manage data, and perform and interpret statistical analysis. -Knowledge and familiarity with the common plant species in the Northeastern United States. -Ability to work efficiently, independently, as part of a team, and under adverse field conditions. -Strong observational, critical thinking, writing, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills with attention to detail are essential. -Candidates that are highly motivated and exhibit a good sense of humor will be give strong consideration. -National Wildfire Coordinating Group S130/190 training (Basic Firefighting and Wildfire Behavior), experience with animal monitoring, knowledge of the flora of Nantucket, and familiarity with PCORD and SPSS statistical software are desirable. -A valid drivers license is necessary. Position Responsibilities: During the active field season (May through November), the Research Technician/Field Supervisor is responsible for participating in and providing training and oversight to seasonal interns conducting field work on a variety of ecological inventory, monitoring, and management research projects, ensuring that data is being collected in an accurate and efficient manner, and providing the necessary equipment and logistical support needed to complete the tasks at hand. Outside of the active field season, s/he is responsible for accurately entering and summarizing data, assisting with the preparation of final reports describing project updates and results, developing and updating project protocols, and participating in collaborative projects with outside conservation partners. S/he may also assist with statistical analysis and the development of research projects that further the goals of the Science and Stewardship Department and lead to the development of detailed conservation management plans for the Foundations properties. Dates/Hours: This is full-time, year-round position with benefits. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 hours per day, although work times often vary depending on project scheduling, tides, weather, etc. Wages/Benefits: Housing and work-related transportation is provided. Wage is commensurate with experience. Medical Insurance, paid holidays, and paid sick days are provided. Transportation is not provided after working hours. Application: Deadline for applications is October 15, 2007. Please submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and contact information for three professional references to: Karen C. Beattie, Science & Stewardship Manager Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. Post Office Box 13 Nantucket, MA 02554-0013 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
