ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 2011-031
RESOURCE SCIENTIST (Grassland Botanist) (CS H)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
As part of the Grasslands Systems Field Station team, designs and conducts
management evaluations and field research projects related to grassland
ecosystem management of native and restored prairies, warm season and cool
season grasses, with an emphasis on grassland plant species and
communities. Conducts field studies in cooperation with Department of
Conservation staff, universities, other state and federal agencies and non-
government partners, and follow up management evaluations and research
with timely reporting of results. Serves as principal investigator on
applied grassland plant research focused on ecosystem processes including
fire, grazing, succession, fragmentation and nutrient cycling, and how
these ecosystem processes impact and influence community dynamics. Works
with intra- and inter-agency collaborators to identify and prioritize
management questions and determines the most appropriate method of
providing needed information through literature reviews, management
evaluations, workshops and pilot projects. Consults with managers,
biometricians, Human Dimensions staff, GIS staff, field station supervisor
and other collaborators to develop key management questions into research
project proposals and management evaluations, and then takes those
proposals through the Resource Science Division project review process.
Conducts and coordinates components of multidisciplinary, long-term
systems-level research projects including budgeting, data collection, data
analysis, progress reports, grant reporting and final reporting.
Collaborates with interagency research/management professionals and
university faculty on cooperative, applied research efforts focused on
maintaining/increasing biodiversity on public and privately owned
grasslands in ways that benefit native plant communities. Develops and
conducts training and workshops for managers, administrators, educators,
other researchers and the public regarding plant identification and
grassland ecosystem processes and management. Prepares and presents final
reports, journal manuscripts, MDC Science Notes and popular articles
summarizing scientific research projects for distribution to managers,
administrators, policy makers, educators, researchers, granting agencies,
the media and the public. Submits element of occurrence data for plant
species of conservation concern to the Missouri Natural Heritage Program
Database. Serves on species recovery teams and on graduate student
advisory committees as needed. Responds to public inquiries about issues
involving grasslands, especially related to native WSG and CSG
establishment (including seeding rates) and haying management practices.
Prepares and monitors budgets, tracks and manages equipment inventory and
orders supplies as needed. Assists other MDC staff as requested and as
time permits. Serves on review teams and other special ad hoc committees
within MDC as needed. Develops technical and professional skills through
training and by attending professional meetings, conferences and
workshops. Attends all MDC Professional Development Academy training as
required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree
in Biological Sciences, Botany, Ecology or closely related subjects with
coursework or thesis work related to botany/plant taxonomy/plant ecology,
plus two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience in
scientific research or community ecology; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience.
LOCATION: Position is headquartered at the Grasslands Systems Field
Station in Clinton, Missouri. Position is in the Resource Science
Division.
SALARY RANGE: Annually $40,140 - $70,812
Beginning salary will be $40,140 to $45,132 depending on
qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply on-line at:
http://www.mdc.mo.gov/about/jobs
If you are unable to apply on-line, you may obtain an employment
application at any Missouri Department of Conservation Office or by
calling (573) 751-4115, ext. 3686.
CLOSING DATE: You must apply by Thursday, April 7, 2011.
If you are a person with a disability and need accommodation, contact
Human Resources Division at (573)751-4115.
Human Resources Division, Missouri Department of Conservation
P. O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 Telephone (573) 751-4115
Fax (573) 522-1787, Missouri Relay Center 1-800-735-2966 (TDD)
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
is an equal opportunity employer
For more information, contact:
Kevin Sullivan
Grasslands Field Station Supervisor
Missouri Department of Conservation
660-885-8179 ext.224
[email protected]
