SEASONAL FIELD BOTANIST (4 positions available) SALARY: $13.00/hour START DATE: June 29, 2009 LOCATION: Fort Hood, TX
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: •Associate’s degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience. Bachelor's degree preferred. •Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. •Experience performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks. •Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software. •Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people •Valid driver’s license. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Fort Hood Military Reservation, located adjacent to Killeen, TX, is home to two endangered birds: the golden-cheeked warbler and the black-capped vireo. The Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, is conducting long-term monitoring and research on these species. The seasonal field botanists will participate in several vegetation studies related to The Nature Conservancy's endangered species research. Projects include characterization of golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo habitat and studying the effects of fire on grasslands. Duties will include collecting detailed vegetation data using plots, transects, and pin frames; locating vegetation plots using GPS units; data entry and verification; and preparation of equipment for field work. This is a seasonal position running from June 29 to October 23. Four to six positions are available, depending on funding. ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: •Experience collecting biological field data and keeping accurate, detailed field records. •Familiarity with the vegetation (woody and herbaceous) of the Edwards Plateau is highly desirable. •Experience using GIS software and data to create maps, as well as using GPS units and reading maps. •Familiar with the operation of 4WD, standard transmission vehicles. Field sites are located in rugged, remote terrain. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: The Seasonal Field Botanist will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may include the following: •exposure to intense heat and sunshine •long work hours in isolated settings •contact with poison ivy, chiggers, fire ants, scorpions, thorns, and venomous snakes •extensive walking through brush, over loose rocks, and on steep slopes •require physical exertion and/or muscular strain •present occasional possibility of injury ABOUT US: The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. To apply, visit http://www.nature.org/careers. Click “how to apply”, “view positions” and then conduct an advanced search by Job opening ID #10783. Please upload your cover letter and resume as one document (Word or text file). Application deadline is April 15, 2009. Applicants will be screened, interviewed, and hired as applications are received. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
