The Wisconsin Natural Heritage Inventory program is looking for a new assistant botanist. Description follows:
Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Assistant Botanist/Mapping Specialist, Natural Heritage Inventory JOB LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin JOB STATUS: FULLTIME/SALARIED ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Assistant Botanist/Mapping Specialist will assist with or perform data management and collection of Wisconsin's endangered, threatened and special concern plant species and will work closely with all members of the state heritage staff. Duties include botanical field surveys, data entry, mapping, and quality control for Natural Heritage database, and assisting with project reports. Duties also include providing commentary to environmental review staff and establishing and maintaining contacts within the Wisconsin and the network of Natural Heritage botanical communities. Surveys may require long periods of fieldwork and extensive travel throughout the state. (Additional information about the Natural Heritage network can be found at www.natureserve.org) KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: - Advanced degree preferred in botany, ecology or a related natural science area or an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Knowledge and experience with the flora (botany position), natural communities, and geography of the western Great Lakes region, and the standard literature pertaining to those elements. - Ability to evaluate habitat conditions, assess rare plant population conditions, and collect (at the appropriate level) and process specimens. - Familiarity with the methodology of the network of Natural Heritage programs and Conservation Data Centers, remote sensing applications and geographic information systems, especially ArcView. - Ability to manage data in relational databases and digitally map with geographic information systems is highly desired. - Ability to maintain positive outlook in the face of conflict and potential differences of opinion on data interpretation. COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: - Ability to compile and organize scientific data with attention to detail. - Duties require non routine analysis, research and follow through. - Ability to ascertain the validity of data that are submitted to Botany program. DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: - Opportunity to act independently. - Makes sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment. COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: - Proven ability in written and oral communications. - Ability and willingness to work in a team setting and, as part of the data quality control process, to accept constructive criticism and help further program goals. - Good presentation skills. - Ability to simplify and explain complex scientific data to a general audience. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: - Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment. - Ability to maintain concentration while working with detailed information. - Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and occasionally in physically demanding circumstances. Valid driver's license and safe driving record. - Willingness to occasionally work long hours in an isolated setting. HOW TO APPLY: Send your resume and professional references with a cover letter by February 06, 2009 to: [email protected] Debra Hunt Contract Administrator Golden Sands RC&D 1462 Strongs Avenue Stevens Point, WI 54481 715.343.6215 Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer Craig Anderson Program Botanist Natural Heritage Inventory Program Bureau of Endangered Resources Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Phone: (608) 267-5037 Fax: (608) 266-2925 E-mail: Craig. [email protected]
