We are looking for a plant ecologist/physiologist to lead an effort to identify native plant materials for use in restoration efforts on the Colorado Plateau Desert. This will require field observations and experimentation, laboratory measures, and the synthesis and analysis of large, complex ecological datasets. This position will work closely with the BLM’s Colorado Plateau Native Plant Program’s Lead and in consistent consultation with the program’s geneticist. This position will characterize the morphological (e.g., rooting array, root-shoot ratio), eco-physiological (e.g., gas exchange, water potential), and phenology traits of plant species/genotypes/ecotypes to identify plant material most likely to establish and thrive under future climate changes across a range of different settings (soil types, climate envelope, vegetation community). This position will also design, implement, and closely assist in experiments, as well as lead technicians the data collection using sophisticated eco-physiological and ecological equipment; employ complex statistical techniques to analyze data, such as various types of multivariate analyses, multiple regressions and correlation analyses, and mixed model analysis using block designs, split plots, and repeated measures; synthesize data to explore patterns of plant response to treatments (e.g., simulated climate change or space-for-time substitutions); work as a full team member in the BLM’s Native Seed Strategy, which includes regular phone calls, annual reports and meetings, strategic document development, and other communications/duties agreed upon by this position and the program manager. This position will review pertinent ecological literature such as professional journals, protocols from other experiments, manuscripts, notebooks, equipment manuals, standard reference materials, and bureau procedural manuals and policies and then summarize these and their own research results for distribution/communication to a variety of audiences, both as briefings and published materials.
This position will be located in Moab, UT at the USGS Canyonlands Research Station (for more information on Moab, go to discovermoab.com). This is a term GS-12 ($71,000) with full benefits. A PhD and background in plant ecology/physiology is required. For further information, please contact Jayne Belnap, [email protected] and Sasha Reed, [email protected].
