As part of my faculty duties I oversee the IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas at the University of Florida. We will be advertising a new position with the program soon, hopefully within the next month. A brief job description is below. I will be at the ESA meeting next week and would be happy to meet with anyone who is seriously interested in the position. Again, this position is not yet open but should be soon.
S. Luke Flory [email protected] 352-231-2376 The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Floridas Natural Areas (Assessment, plants.ifas.ufl.edu/assessment/) includes 1) the Status Assessment, used to evaluate the invasiveness of non-native species that currently occur in Floridas natural areas, 2) the Infraspecific Taxon Protocol, used to evaluate the invasive potential of horticultural selections and cultivars, and 3) the Predictive Tool, used to determine the potential invasiveness of species that are not currently found in Florida but are proposed for introduction (e.g., for biomass crop, ornamental, etc.). The employee will implement the Assessment with minimal supervision. They will collect information on non-native plant species from biologists and land managers throughout Florida, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, compile and analyze data, and produce written reports and oral presentations. They will also oversee maintenance of a database containing more than 700 non-native species that occur in Floridas natural areas and will collaborate with the Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services (FDACS) on assessing potential bioenergy crops. The employee will also assist with mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, writing extension fact sheets, producing peer-reviewed publications, and conducting presentations at conferences and in university classes. Depending on areas of interest and time available, the employee may also participate in empirical research on the ecology of invasive plants. The successful applicant will be highly organized and self-motivated, and will possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Also desirable is a strong interest and significant experience in invasion ecology and in determining the invasion risk of non-native plants. Candidates should have a M.Sc. in ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related field and preferably one or more years of experience with non-native invasive plants, or a Ph.D. Experience with MS Access and web site maintenance is a plus. The position is administered through the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (plants.ifas.ufl.edu/), located immediately northwest of Gainesville, FL, but the employee will be housed on the main campus. Expected salary: ~$55,000/yr with full benefits Contact: S. Luke Flory, [email protected], 352-231-2376
