POSITION TITLE: WETLAND ECOLOGIST AND BOTANIST JOB LENGTH: 3-4 months COMPENSATION: $14 per hour JOB LOCATION: Helena, MT
SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) serves as the state's principal source of information on species, habitats, and communities of conservation concern. The MTNHP seeks 2-3 experienced field ecologists for summer field projects in wetland ecology and botany. All projects require field botany or field ecology skills. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and plant species identification is required. Experience in wetland ecology and identifying Montana flora is preferred. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The Wetland Ecologist and Botanist will work with the Project Lead in the field to successfully complete fieldwork. The fieldwork involves extensive collection of vegetation, soil, and environmental data, identification of plant species, and completion of field survey forms. This position will require identification of Montana flora and the ability to use GPS, aerial photographs, and maps. Willingness to travel extensively during the field season, work unusual schedules, camp, and backpack into remote areas of Montana is expected. Position will begin in June 2011. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: Bachelors or Masters degree in ecology, biology, botany, natural resources, or a related field required. Minimum of two field seasons conducting field surveys and assessments. Knowledge of dichotomous botanical keys and field guides, and the major angiosperm plant families required. Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules (up to 8 consecutive days), backpack, car camp, and live in rustic conditions for extended periods in remote areas of Montana required. Good physical condition and ability to work long hours in the field required. Careful attention to detail required. Comfort and familiarity with the use of computers required. Professional and respectful demeanor when communicating with private landowners and agency personnel required. Knowledge of Rocky Mountain flora required. Experience or familiarity with the use of GPS preferred. Experience working in wetlands and knowledge of wetland ecology preferred. Experience with species identification and vegetation sampling techniques preferred. Knowledge of Montana flora preferred. Experience with aerial photograph and topographic map interpretation preferred. Experience with vegetation community classification or habitat typing preferred. Experience with soil sampling and soil taxonomy preferred. Demonstrated interest in, and enthusiasm for, conservation preferred. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Ability to work in variable weather conditions in remote locations, often under physically demanding circumstances. Valid drivers license and a safe driving record. Ability to hike long distances (5-8 miles) over rough terrain carrying field equipment and field gear. Willingness to work occasional long hours or extended periods in an isolated setting. Work may require extreme physical exertion and/or physical strain to the point of fatigue. Work environment involves exposure to job hazards (including but not limited to wild and domestic animals, poisonous plants, falling trees/ rocks, and loose or unstable ground) where there is a possibility of injury. ADDITIONAL DUTIES SPECIFIC TO THE POSITION: Verify the accuracy of wetland maps and provide professional and technical support for wetland mapping. Perform office or field work as assigned relating to wetland assessment, inventory, and mapping. Assist in the organization of field data and enter into appropriate spatial and tabular databases. APPLICATION INFORMATION: Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers electronically to [email protected]. Closing date is March 31, 2011, but suitable applicants will be considered as application materials are received. Contact Karen Newlon by email ([email protected]) for any questions.
