RESEARCH ASSISTANT – BOTANY CREW LEADER Title: Research Assistant – Botany Crew Leader Last date to apply: February 8, 2013 Salary: $10.73/hr; Housing is provided Location: Ellington and Winona, MO Employment Period: May 13 through August 23, 2013
Summary: Identify forest, woodland and glade plant species and record vegetation data for the Missouri Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), a nationally- renowned, long-term study of the effects of forest management on multiple aspects of the ecosystem. If you love learning about plants and natural communities, this is your job! MOFEP is located in the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, providing ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, and canoeing in the stunningly beautiful Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Housing is provided and is located on land owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Job Description: Botany teams identify up to 500 species of forest, woodland and glade plants to species level, estimate plant coverage, count soft mast flowers and fruits, and measure canopy closure using spherical densiometers. The data is recorded with Trimble Ranger or Nomad (electronic data recording device). This position is a great opportunity to hone botany skills, learn about forest ecology and natural communities, and to interact with other students and professionals in the natural resources field. Botany Crew Leaders work as a team with the botany technicians to collect data, while also supervising and motivating the technicians. Additional Crew Leader duties include: download the data and check for accuracy, process paperwork for the crews, give out daily assignments, and efficiently work with the crews to ensure all work is completed. Daily work includes driving 4-wheel drive trucks up to 50 miles a day on pavement, gravel roads, and trails through the woods. Must be able to hike 1 to 4 miles a day in steep, rocky terrain in rain, heat and high humidity, and navigate to permanent plots using GPS units, or map and compass. Qualifications: Applicants must have a B.S. in botany, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or forestry. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a field botany and/or taxonomy class and/or exhibit strong botanical skills. Intensive botanical training will be provided, but basic taxonomic knowledge is a prerequisite for the training. Candidates must be detail-oriented, able to communicate effectively, and able to cheerfully endure harsh field conditions (heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, gnats, spiders, snakes, briars and steep terrain). A valid driver’s license is required. To Apply: Submit a detailed resume, including a cover letter and contact info for 2-3 references, to: [email protected] For more information, contact: Elizabeth Olson Missouri Department of Conservation Plant Community Ecologist Phone: 417-255-9561 ext.296 Last date to apply: February 8, 2013
