Job
Title: Seasonal Botanist
Research Assistant (5 months)
Job
Description:The
Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. (www.nantucketconservation.org),
Department of Science and
Stewardship is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant field assistant
with strong botany skills. This is a
field-based position inventorying rare species and habitats, monitoring
vegetation communities and applying management techniques in native
ecosystems. Botany field assistants will
have the opportunity to gain experience in rare species conservation, land
management-based research and applied ecological monitoring.
Responsibilities:
1. Participate in multiple projects monitoring vegetation community
composition and rare plant species to evaluate the influence of different
management regimes (prescribed burning, brush-cutting, sheep grazing, shrub
removal, deer exclosures, tidal flow reintroduction) on the restoration and
maintenance of rare grasslands, heathlands, shrublands and wetlands;
2. Conduct population ecology studies of several plant and animal
species of conservation concern;
3. Inventory of state-listed plant species that currently or have
historically occurred on Nantucket;
4. Inventory, monitoring, and removal of invasive plant species;
5. Assist in greenhouse-based projects related to propagating native
species and research on invasive species.
Required
Qualifications:B.S. or B.A. in Ecology, Botany, Environmental Science, or a
related biological/ecological
field. Strong plant identification
skills required. At least one season of field work
post-college. Experience in plant community monitoring techniques,
ecological field data collection, GPS use, and data entry. Strong
observational, critical thinking and organizational skills are essential, as is
the ability to accurately collect data and record field notes. Individuals must
be able to work both independently and as a member of a team, under potentially
adverse field conditions. A valid driver’s license is required.
Dates/Hours:This is a full-time, temporary position
beginning in mid to late May and ending in mid October; exact dates are
somewhat flexible. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, averaging eight
hours per day, although work times may vary depending on weather, tides, etc.
Wages/Benefits:Housing and work-related
transportation is provided. Wage is commensurate with experience (avg. is $11-13
per hour). Medical and unemployment insurance, paid holidays, and paid sick days
are not available to seasonal employees. Transportation is not provided after
working hours.
Location: The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is
located on Nantucket Island, MA, ~ 33 miles south of Cape Cod, in the Atlantic
Ocean. Nantucket ecosystems are
dominated by sandplain grasslands, coastal healthlands, and scrub oak
shrublands (rare habitats in the Northeast), coastal plain ponds and tidal
marshes. For more information on our mission and research projects, please see
the Foundation’s website (www.nantucketconservation.org).
Application: Application deadline
is March 8th, 2012 by 5pm, although we will being interviews as qualified
applications are submitted. For a complete application, please submit a cover
letter, resume and contact information for three professional references, along
with a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial is fine). All applications
must be submitted online at:
http://www.smartrecruiters.com/NantucketConservationFoundation/574276-seasonal-botanist
For
more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Karberg:
[email protected]
The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is an equal
opportunity employer
