RESEARCH BOTANIST
Type: Full time
Employer: NatureServe
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area (Arlington, Virginia)
Supervisor: Director, Species Science
This is an exciting opportunity with the
possibility of advancement for a
botanically-inclined conservation biologist to
join an international environmental organization
and make a positive impact on pressing
environmental issues. The position is based in
our office in Arlington, VA, within a convenient
walk of the Rosslyn Metro Station.
About Us
NatureServe, a nonprofit conservation science and
technology organization, provides the scientific
basis for effective conservation action. With
nearly 100 staff and an international network of
over 80 natural heritage programs across the
United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are
the leading source of information on rare and
endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We
provide information and tools to conservation
groups, government agencies, corporations,
academia, and the public to help them make
informed decisions about managing our natural
resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by
providing scientifically sound guidance for major
conservation investments across the hemisphere.
NatureServe offers a high-intensity,
results-oriented, and collaborative workplace
where a common mission provides focus and
excitement, and inspires staff to invest their
best creative, intellectual, and personal efforts to ensure mission success.
Summary of Position:
The research botanist develops, reviews, and
revises information relating to the conservation
status of native plant species, primarily rare
species, throughout the United States and Canada.
Much of the work centers on compiling data on
geographical distribution, abundance, threats,
trends, habitat requirements, natural history,
and management needs, followed by application of
NatureServe criteria to synthesize this
information into a standardized estimate of
conservation status. The position requires
extensive communication with state, federal,
academic, and independent botanists, as well as
searching and synthesis of published scientific
literature. The position is project oriented,
with some projects directed to meeting specific
data needs of U.S. federal land-management
agencies, while other work, including data review
and taxonomic reconciliation, supports the
information needs of state natural heritage
programs/conservation data centers or other
clients. The research botanist also assists in
using NatureServe botanical data to address
conservation problems such as alterations in land
use patterns and climate change, as well as
providing botanical expertise for the development
of NatureServe methodology. S/he often works on a
tight schedule to meet deadlines, and helps write
proposals and supervises interns.
Essential Job Functions:
1. Compile botanical data from the scientific
literature, unpublished sources, and personal
communications to update and fill gaps in
NatureServe's central scientific databases, with
emphasis on documenting and updating the
conservation status of globally rare native plant
species. Apply both NatureServe and IUCN (Red
List) conservation status assessment systems to estimate relative imperilment.
2. Conduct internal review and quality control of
database information. Assist in review and
taxonomic reconciliation of data received from
network member programs (e.g., state natural
heritage programs). Perform data analyses and
write reports relating to plant species conservation.
3. Complete other botanical information
development tasks as needed, including projects
such as assessing the vulnerability of native
species to climate change, estimating the
invasiveness of exotic species, and compiling
georeferenced records to assess plant distributions.
4. Represent NatureServe via presentations to
scientific meetings or public audiences, respond
to information requests, and assist in liaison
with plant conserva¬tionists, land managers,
academic researchers, and government officials.
Maintain relationships with key NatureServe partners.
5. Assist in preparation of proposals to federal
agencies and private foundations to secure funds
for botanical research projects.
Required Experience & Qualifications:
1. M.S. in botany or in biology or ecology with a botanical emphasis.
2. At least one year of experience working in a botanical field.
3. Strong working knowledge of some portion of
the North American flora, either a particular
region, group of habitats, or plant family or clade.
4. Knowledge of systematic concepts.
5. Strong research skills.
6. Excellent speaking and writing ability
required, especially the ability to write clearly
and concisely for an educated lay audience.
7. Team player and ability to interact
efficiently with geographically-dispersed colleagues.
8. Flexibility to travel, sometimes with short notice.
Preferred Skills
1. Experience working with rare and/or endangered plant species.
2. Proficiency working with complex databases (e.g., SQL query skills).
3. Extensive contacts with professional North American botanists.
4. Experience with natural heritage methodology
and/or with conducting IUCN Red List Assessments.
5. Working knowledge of GIS, including basic spatial analysis skills.
6. Experience fundraising public and/or private
funds for conservation or scientific projects.
7. Knowledge of the potential impact of climate change on plants.
How to Apply:
Send cover letter and C.V. to:
Attn: Job #RB910
1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor
Arlington, VA 22209
Fax: 703-908-1917
E-mail:
<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]
(Please refer to Job # RB910 in subject line)
NATURESERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
