Summer Field Botanists and Botany Crew leaders Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) Missouri Department of Conservation
Temporary full-time, Science Research Technicians Based in Ellington, MO 63638 and Winona, MO 65588. Dates: May 18 – August 21, 2009 (a little earlier and later for crew leaders) Pay Rate: Crew members (10): $9.32/hr. Crew leaders (2): $10.73/hr. Housing provided. Hours: 40 hrs/week (4 ten-hour work days) Positions to be filled: 12 total including 2 crew leaders (8 in Ellington, 4 at Peck Ranch in Winona) Duties: The Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP) is a nationally- renowned, long-term study of the effects of forest management on multiple aspects of the ecosystem. Many natural resource professionals have begun their career working on this project over the last 18 years. As a botany technician, you will learn to identify hundreds of forest, woodland and glade plant species. At its heart, natural resource management is the management of plant communities, so an understanding of plants will give you an important competitive edge when applying for most natural resource professions (including wildlife biologist, forester, private lands conservationist, naturalist, and resource scientist). Botany technicians identify plants to species level, estimate plant coverage, count soft mast fruits, and measure canopy coverage. This position is a great opportunity to hone your botany skills, learn about forest ecology and natural communities, and to interact with other students and professionals in the natural resources field. Crew leaders will supervise the crews as well as collect data with the crews. They will also download data from electronic data collectors, check data for accuracy, and process paperwork for the crews. For more information about the MOFEP project, go to http://mofep.mdc.mo.gov/ Other information: Temporary housing is available. For more information about the housing, and a video about the MOFEP project, visit the MOFEP Bird Project website at http://www.centralmethodist.edu/employee/ppornelu/MOFEP/Home.htm MOFEP is centered in one of the prettiest parts of the Ozarks: you will have three- day week-ends to explore the surrounding region, including the stunningly beautiful Current and Jack’s Fork Rivers. Qualifications: College coursework toward a degree in natural resources: coursework in botany, ecology and forestry preferred. Bachelor’s degree required for crew leaders. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a field botany class and/or exhibit strong botanical skills. Intensive botanical training will be provided, but basic taxonomic knowledge is a prerequisite for the training. Successful candidates will be able to communicate effectively, will be detail-oriented, and will be able to cheerfully endure harsh field conditions (heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, snakes, briars and steep terrain). If you love learning about plants and natural communities, this is your job! Application deadline: February 13, 2009; early applications will be given preference Please send cover letter, electronic or paper resume, references, and transcripts (unofficial ok) to: Susan Farrington 551 Joe Jones Blvd. West Plains MO 65775 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Phone (417) 255-9561 ext. 307 Fax (417) 256-0429
