Hello, The Bay Area Early Detection Network is seeking an early detection Coordinator. For the right candidate, the position is a rare opportunity to revolutionize invasive plant management in the Bay Area --and beyond!
I hope you will help us to get the word out as broadly as possible. Please forward to your contacts and to any relevant listservs. You can download the job announcement and most recent annual report, as well as subscribe to the listserv, at our basic website: http://BAEDN.org Thank you, -dan ____________________________________________ Daniel Gluesenkamp, Ph.D. Director, Habitat Protection and Restoration Audubon Canyon Ranch 415-939-6681 mobile Bay Area Early Detection Network Coordinator ABOUT THE BAY AREA EARLY DETECTION NETWORK: The Bay Area Early Detection Network (BAEDN) is a collaborative partnership of regional land managers and invasive species experts which serves the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. The BAEDN coordinates Early Detection and Rapid Response to infestations of invasive plants, proactively dealing with new outbreaks before they can grow into large and costly environmental threats. This stitch-in-time approach prevents the environmental and economic damage caused by these invaders; educates citizens regarding natural resource stewardship; and reduces the need for the planning and resources required to control large, established invasive plant populations. POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Coordinator will lead development and implementation of the Bay Area Early Detection Network (BAEDN), with input and direction from the BAEDN Steering Committee. Key components of the BAEDN include: Weed risk assessments of non-native plant species, to identify priority detection targets; Baseline point-maps showing known occurrences, based on existing species lists and herbarium records; Online occurrence reporting database, to enable public reporting of new detections; Early detection field protocols; Training for detection partners, to ensure outbreaks are detected and reported; System which prioritizes occurrences for eradication, based on threat and ease of eradication; Geographically-explicit lists of eradication target, to support partners in their rapid response efforts; Formulae for distributing eradication funding to local Rapid Response partners; Maps and reports (including annual report), to communicate progress made and remaining needs. The Coordinator will develop some of these components independently, e.g. data-mining existing databases, developing maps and reports, and adapting existing methods. However, much of their work will involve coordinating the considerable expertise of BAEDN partners and contractors. The Coordinator will facilitate the efforts of key partners and relevant committees to ensure that they develop technically sound and transparent systems for prioritizing species for detection and occurrences for eradication. The Coordinator will also work with contractors and vendors to develop online reporting systems and other technical components. The Coordinator will work to ensure widespread awareness and use of the BAEDN, communicating with potential partners throughout the nine-county region. For example, the Coordinator will produce and distribute materials to interested partners, make presentations to local groups (including CNPS, Master Gardeners, hiking clubs, WMAs, and many others), and will train partners to train others. Trainings performed by coordinator and partners will involve public outreach and contact to recruit observers, and give those observers the tools to gather and report information. The Coordinator will work with partners to prioritize occurrences for eradication, will take maps to regional Weed Management Areas for further input, will distribute final map showing eradication targets, and will coordinate funding and reporting of Rapid Response efforts. The Coordinator may also be responsible for compiling best management practices data on treatments from partners. The Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling BAEDN meetings, and will participate in developing ongoing funding to support the program. The position is largely office-based, with some site visits and outdoor trainings expected. Office work may involve extended periods of sitting and using a computer, mouse, and telephone. Work location is flexible, and travel throughout the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area region is expected and will be reimbursed. The Coordinator will be hired on a contract basis at billing rate $23-$30/hour, depending on experience. Alternative work schedules will be considered. Minimum qualifications: BA/BS or better in biology, botany, environmental science, or related field Knowledge and experience with natural resource management Strong communications skills; ability to work with a broad range of people Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access; webpage design and management Excellent organizational skills Project management experience Valid California Driver's License, clean driving record, good driving skills. Preferred qualifications: Familiarity with use of GPS equipment and GIS software 1-2 years experience conducting field surveys and identifying plants Grant writing and reporting experience Knowledge of plant species and habitats in California, especially the San Francisco Bay Area region TO APPLY: Submit cover letter and resume to [email protected]. In the cover letter, please describe your experience addressing plant invasions, managing projects and grants, and coordinating diverse groups across multiple locations. Review of applications will begin May 18, 2009 and will continue until position is filled. For additional information please contact [email protected]
