Title: Grassland Science Field Supervisor - 1 Position Available Agency: The Nature Conservancy Location: South Dakota with travel to Minnesota and North Dakota Work Period: June 1 - September 22, 2017 Pay: $14-$16/hr; Housing is provided Job ID on Nature.org: #45063 Closing Date: January 30, 2017
The Grassland Science Field Supervisor (GSFS) will work closely with other Conservancy staff to lead the field work for two of the chapter's flagship grassland projects: Adaptive Management (response of prairies to fire and grazing management) and Dakota Skipper Habitat Assessment. The GSFS will also assist with data management, analysis and science communication to enhance the chapter's grassland science program. The GSFS will be responsible for overseeing and conducting rapid belt transect surveys and Dakota skipper habitat assessments. Over the course of the field season, the GSFS will supervise two other seasonal staff members in completing vegetation surveys at 8 locations across three different landscapes: Missouri Coteau (ND, SD), Black Hills (SD), and the Northern Tallgrass Prairie. The GSFS will be responsible for overseeing the crew, managing data safely and assisting with data clean-up and analysis at the end of the field season. The GSFS will have the ability to assist with other science and planning projects as interest and time allows. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance leadership skills, botanical skills and experience first-hand the unique beauty and biodiversity of the northern prairies. The GSFS will spend the majority of the summer outdoors, experiencing the beauty of some of the highest quality prairies across Minnesota and the Dakotas. Terrain can be rugged with numerous ephemeral and semi-permanent wetlands scattered throughout. The GSFS must be prepared for hiking across this terrain, and dealing with often hot and humid conditions. Strong field botanical skills and experience conducting field sampling and leading field crews are preferred, but training will be provided for all aspects of the position. Experience working in grasslands or other terrestrial ecosystems of the upper Midwest or Great Plains is a plus. The individual must be willing and able to travel to different properties within the work area. The most important qualification is enthusiasm for working outdoors and the desire to learn. During the summer, the GSFS will oversee and work alongside two other seasonal staff to complete the sampling. After a training period, the entire crew will be in the field during the day working independently, with landscape-based staff around in the mornings and afternoons for questions and interaction. Therefore, the GSFS should be able to work and communicate well with others as well as independently. For questions about the position, contact Marissa Ahlering, [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>, but applications must be submitted online. Cover letter, resume and contact information for 3 references required and should be uploaded as one document. Apply online here: https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1 Marissa Ahlering, Ph.D. Prairie Ecologist The Nature Conservancy, MN ND SD Brookings, SD 57006 Office Phone: 605-692-8626 CELL: 573-289-1423
