Job Title: Research Supervisor Start Date: July 1, 2008 (this date is flexible for the right candidate)
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) Department of Science and Stewardship is seeking a full-time, experienced Research Supervisor to oversee a variety of projects involving inventorying, monitoring, and managing species, habitats, and other natural resources found on the Foundation’s conservation lands. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in furthering their experience in experimental design, data analysis, supervising a research staff, and conducting research in rare species conservation, habitat management, and applied ecology. 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 Nantucket’s character by permanently conserving, maintaining, and managing natural areas and habitats and to encourage an appreciation of and interest in the island’s 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. Qualifications of the successful applicant include the following: -MS in Plant Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Natural Resource Management (or biology-related field). -At least three years of post-graduate experience in field research, experimental design, data summarization, statistical analysis, and report writing. -Proven experience supervising, training, and/or teaching. -Experience with vegetation monitoring techniques, plant identification, and the use of dichotomous keys. -Proficiency with Trimble GPS units, EXCEL, PCORD and SPSS (or similar) statistical software, and ESRI ArcView or ArcGIS software. Some experience with R is preferred. -Knowledge and familiarity with the common plant species in the Northeastern United States. -Ability to delegate and 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, and knowledge of the flora of Nantucket are desirable. -A valid driver’s license is necessary. Position Description and Responsibilities: The Research Supervisor is overseen by the Science and Stewardship Manager, who works with the NCF Board of Trustees to identify the goals and priorities of the Department of Science and Stewardship. The Research Supervisor contributes to the identification of research and monitoring priorities that provide critical information needed for the development of detailed conservation management plans for the NCF’s properties. S/he actively participates as a crew member in the Foundation’s prescribed fire management program, and also contributes to collaborative projects with outside conservation partners. During the active field season (April through November), the Research Supervisor is responsible for overseeing all aspects of field work on prioritized ecological inventory, monitoring, and management research projects, providing training and oversight to two full-time Research Technician/Field Supervisors and several seasonally-hired Field Assistants. S/he provides assistance to the Research Technician/Field Supervisors to ensure that data is being collected in an accurate and efficient manner, and provides them with the logistical support needed to complete the tasks at hand. The Research Supervisor is responsible for quality control of the data collected, data management, and data summarization during the field season. This involves extensive work with excel and GIS databases for a variety of projects. Outside of the active field season, the Research Supervisor is primarily responsible for overseeing the entry and summarization of data. Furthermore, s/he conducts statistical analyses on data collected during the field season, prepares final reports and/or manuscripts for professional publication, and periodically develops and delivers presentations of research results at professional conferences. S/he also provides assistance with experimental design and works with the Science and Stewardship Manager and Research Technician/Field Supervisors to develop and update project protocols and identify future research needs that further the goals of the NCF Science and Stewardship Department. 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: Applications will be accepted and reviewed immediately until this position has been filled. Please submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and contact information for three professional references by email to: Karen C. Beattie, Science & Stewardship Manager Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. Post Office Box 13 Nantucket, MA 02554-0013 [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
