SCB Bulletin Board Tag: conservation

Anonymous on "Start Up Garden event facility needs botanist"

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:59:57 +0000

Hello,

My name is Leah Canon and I am in the process of purchasing some land in Topanga Canyon, "Copper Grapes" for a garden wedding facility. It will be similar to Descanso Gardens with a Rose and Flower Garden for ceremonies. In addition, it will also have a Conservation Garden. I need a botanist to come on board with me so that I can apply for loans and grants in order to get this project started. There are a number of endangered plants that are indigenous to Southern CA and Topanga specifically that I would like to help save and protect. Experience or knowledge of these plants would be most beneficial for the gardens in acquiring seedlings from their custodians: Astragalus brauntonii "Braunton's Milk Vetch"; Atriplex parishii "Parish's brittlescale; Calochortus plummeraw "Plummer's Msriposa Lily", Camissonia lewisii "Lewis' Evening Primrose", Carpenteria californica, Cercocarpus betuloides "California mountain-mahogany", Chamaebatia australis "Southern Mountain Misery", Dichondra occidentalis "Western Dichondra", Hernizonia minthornii "Santa Susana Tarplant", Lasthenia glabrata coulteri "Coulter's Goldfields", Mucronea Californica "California Spineflower", Nama stenocarpum "Mud Nama", Sidalcea neomexicana "Salt Spring Checkerbloom" as well as several Dudleya and several Delphinium endangered varieties. Please contact me leahcanon@msn.com Thank you.

CNPS on "Botany/Ecology Positions at California Native Plant Society"

CNPS — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:53:30 +0000

FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
DATE: 01/22/2008

The California Native Plant Society is seeking applicants for up to 12 Botanist/Ecologist positions for field work in the spring/summer 2008. At least three of these positions may extend into April 2009.
Successful candidates will participate in vegetation inventory and mapping projects in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). Candidates will be hired as either a Team Leader
or a Field Assistant, depending on qualifications and experience.

The principal focus of this work will support a vegetation mapping and classification project in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and the San Joaquin Valley ecosystems of California. As defined here, this includes the foothills above the Central Valley to around 1200 m in elevation, as well as the Carrizo Plain, Temblor Range, Elk Hills, and the San Joaquin Valley south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, geography, and conservation in California.

The CNPS botany / ecology positions offer experience in the collection of field survey data using standardized CNPS vegetation protocols. CNPS maintains a uniform system for vegetation sampling,
vegetation classification and mapping, and plant information databases. Developed over the past 15 years by CNPS, these systems are used by both government and non-government institutions. Physical
job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, and hiking. The position requires the ability to work long field days under rigorous conditions (including inclement conditions), to hike in rugged terrain, and to lift/carry equipment that is up to 1/3 of your body weight.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
- Basic knowledge of plant taxonomy and vegetation sampling
techniques.
- Identification of plants to the species level, with a focus on the
identification of California’s Central Valley and Sierra Nevada
Flora.
- Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental
conditions, including inclement weather and poison oak.
- Good organizational skills, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
- Undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or a related field - OR -
work towards an undergraduate degree with completed courses
including plant taxonomy, field botany, sampling design, or related
courses.
- Ability to take direction and to work well in a team setting.
- Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.
- A valid driver’s license, proof of current car insurance, and a
safe driving record are required.

Additional experience / skills for Team Leaders:
- Strong background in California plant identification and experience
conducting vegetation sampling.
- Ability to lead field assistants and ensure safe working
environment while navigating in variable terrain.
- Ability to coordinate daily field tasks.
- Manage data for field team, ensuring data are recorded and entered
accurately, consistently, and efficiently.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) units and other
plant survey equipment (e.g., tape measure, compass).
- Experience with databases and/or spreadsheets.

The salary is offered at $13.50 to $16.70 per hour, commensurate with experience. These are full-time, temporary field positions, beginning in March 2008 and extending into July 2008. Additional work is
available for some Team Leaders from August 2008 to April 2009, in the field and office. Extended employment may be possible through future grants/contracts.

To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest, résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email). Please indicate whether you
are applying for the Team Leader and/or Field Assistant positions. The primary contact is Jennifer Buck, Vegetation Ecologist. Send your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:

California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Vegetation Positions
Fax: (916) 447-2727
Email: jbuck@cnps.org

Application deadline and interview: Review of applications will begin in February, although the positions will remain open until filled. Please see the CNPS website for a detailed description of the jobs,
and descriptions of the CNPS organization and Vegetation Program at www.cnps.org.

The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F

CNPS on "Vegetation Data Coordinator Position at California Native Plant Society"

CNPS — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 17:10:58 +0000

VEGETATION DATA COORDINATOR – JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
DATE: 01/09/2008

The California Native Plant Society is seeking an experienced ecologist, biologist, or GIS analyst for the Vegetation Program to work full-time on vegetation projects involving surveying, databasing, mapping, and describing vegetation throughout the state.

The principal focus of the work over the next year will support a vegetation mapping and classification project in the Sierra Nevada Foothills and the San Joaquin Valley ecosystems of California. As defined here, this includes the foothills above the Central Valley to around 1200 m in elevation, and it also includes the Carrizo Plain, Temblor Range, and Elk Hills, and the San Joaquin Valley south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, geography, and conservation in California.

The CNPS Vegetation Data Coordinator position offers experience in mission planning for field sampling, compiling and quality controlling field survey data, managing field and GIS data, mapping vegetation, categorizing vegetation through analyses and reports, and training and supervising others in the field or office. Compiling and analyzing field survey information collected by CNPS, cooperating agencies, and other organizations is an important facet of the job. CNPS maintains a uniform system for vegetation sampling, vegetation classification and mapping, and plant information databases. Developed over the past 15 years by CNPS, these systems are used by both government and non-government institutions.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
. A BS/BA degree in biology, ecology, or related field; graduate work in biology, plant ecology, or
geography is desirable
. Knowledge of California vegetation and/or the California flora
. Experience in biological fieldwork and in plant/vegetation survey techniques
. Proficiency in entering, quality controlling, assembling, and managing large datasets in databases
and spreadsheets (MS Access experience desired)
. Ability to interpret topographic, vegetation, aerial photography, and other maps
. Experience with GPS units and with GIS software (e.g., ArcView and/or ArcGIS)
. Ability to analyze vegetation and environmental data in statistical and/or GIS software
. Strong observational, writing, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills with attention to detail
. Ability to work efficiently, independently, and as part of a team
. Experience in supervising individuals and training or teaching people.

The salary is offered at $45,000 to $50,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The position is full-time with secured funding for at least eleven months, and extended employment may be possible through future grants/ contracts.

To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest, résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email). Please send your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:
California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Vegetation Position
Fax: (916) 447-2727

Primary contact is Julie M. Evens, Senior Vegetation Ecologist, at jevens@cnps.org.

Application deadline and interview: Review of applications will begin by January 22, 2007, although the position will remain open until it is filled. Interviews will begin on or after January 24, 2007 - by phone or in person. Please see the CNPS website for detailed description of the job, and descriptions of the CNPS organization and Vegetation Program at www.cnps.org.

The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F

jbuck on "Vegetation Project Leader / Assistant, CA Native Plant Society"

jbuck — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:37:20 +0000

The position will support Vegetation Program efforts of the California Native Plant Society CNPS) to inventory, describe, and map California's vegetation. The position works with CNPS staff, Chapter volunteers, and the Vegetation Committee to support activities such as the Manual of California Vegetation book revision, vegetation classification and mapping, field sampling and trainings, field data and analysis, and general outreach. The position also works directly with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), other public agencies, and conservation organizations. The Vegetation Project Leader / Assistant position reports directly to the Vegetation Ecologist, and it requires a highly organized, detail-oriented individual.

Organization Description
Founded in 1965, CNPS is a statewide non-profit organization that has grassroots and
volunteer-based efforts. CNPS is dedicated to increasing understanding and appreciation of California’s native plants and to conserve them and their natural habitats through scientific study, education, advocacy, horticulture, and land stewardship. CNPS has goals of habitat conservation through science-based methods and has been a state leader in developing protocols for inventorying and classifying vegetation, now widely used by many agencies and organizations. CNPS has approximately 10,000 members organized in 33 chapters, and it has 14 state and local staff.

CNPS Vegetation Program
The CNPS Vegetation Program is dedicated to developing and maintaining information
resources about California native plants, natural plant communities, and ecosystems. The
Program is developing quantifiable definitions of all types of vegetation in California to promote science-based conservation at the natural community level. The program views vegetation as the best single expression of the range of ecological variation, which can be depicted in maps across any landscape and can be described with standard analytical vegetation descriptions. The Program maintains a uniform system of vegetation sampling protocols and vegetation classification. The protocols have been developed over the past 15 years by the CNPS Vegetation Committee, and include the CNPS Vegetation Rapid Assessment Protocol and the CNPS Relevé method. Quantitative data collected and archived by CNPS provides information directly for A Manual of California Vegetation, a CNPS publication on vegetation classification. The sampling and classification methods of the Program have become standards for documenting vegetation patterns, utilized by state and federal agencies such as California State Parks, the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), the Forest Service, and the National
Park Service. The Program also works directly with DFG and other public agencies and
conservation organizations on vegetation classification and mapping projects around the state. Information about the CNPS organization, staff, protocols, and projects can be found at www.cnps.org.

Experience & Skills
The Vegetation Project Leader / Assistant must have the following skills and abilities:
• General botanical and ecology knowledge, California botany and floristics, conservation biology, and vegetation ecology.
• Identification of plants to the species level.
• General understanding of scientific methods and basic field sampling techniques for
plants and vegetation (e.g., knowledge of the relevé, rapid assessment methods).
• Strong general computer literacy (Windows OS, Word, Excel, and email at minimum),
and strong database management skills and data entry proficiency (e.g., MS Access).
• Strong writing, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills, with an attention to detail.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people, including
CNPS volunteers, agency personnel, academics, and other professional and amateur
botanists.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), ArcGIS/ArcView, and
vegetation mapping.
• Ability to work independently, to take direction, to train/teach others, and to work as part of the CNPS team.
• Ability to work long days in the field under various conditions including hot and cold
weather over a variety of terrain; ability to monitor safe working conditions.
• High degree of commitment and dedication to plant conservation goals.
• Minimum education: Undergraduate degree in botany, biology, or the equivalent.
• Physical job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, and hiking.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities
The duties of the Vegetation Leader or Assistant may include:
• Assist the principal authors in the editing of vegetation descriptions, reviewing of
geographic maps, and other details for the Manual of California Vegetation.
• Perform data entry, data cleansing, quality control, and management of vegetation data. Organize digital/slide photos.
• Provide research and information on rare plants and vegetation types by utilizing the
CNPS Inventory, the DFG Natural Diversity Database, Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), and agency contacts.
• Assist in vegetation mapping efforts. Use imagery and GIS/mapping techniques to
interpret and delineate vegetation patterns. Create projects in ArcGIS/ArcView.
• Work directly to support the efforts of the Vegetation Ecologist to compile vegetation
data in databases such as the California Vegetation Information System (CVIS)
database and rapid assessment database.
• Develop and write standardized descriptions of vegetation, based on information
collected in vegetation sampling projects of CNPS as well as other affiliated agencies
and organization projects such as DFG, National Parks, and NatureServe.
• Collect both quantitative and qualitative vegetation and environmental data using the
CNPS vegetation methods from various project locations in California.
• Assist in outreach, planning, and providing training and supervision of field assistants or volunteers in vegetation survey collection for local chapters and the public.
• General maintenance and organization of vegetation program equipment, supplies, etc.
• Periodically attend monthly CNPS staff, Vegetation Committee, and quarterly Chapter
Council meetings. Represent CNPS and the Vegetation Program at meetings as needed.
• Other job duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements
Physical job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, and hiking. The position requires office work with prolonged sitting and use of a computer and mouse, as well as some standing and bending. It also requires the ability to work long field days under rigorous conditions (including inclement conditions), to hike in rugged terrain, and to lift/carry equipment that is up to 1/3 of your body weight.

Additional Job Requirements
• Work times are generally eight hour days for five days a week, usually Monday to Friday.
• The main location for office work is in Sacramento, California; field work may be in various locations in the state.
• A valid California driver’s license and proof of car insurance are required, provided annually.

Salary
The position is offered at $14.42-18.27 per hour, commensurate with experience. This is a fulltime,temporary position with secured funding for at least 3 months. Extended employment is likely to include field projects in central and northern California, and is based on future contract funding.

To Apply
Please provide the following application materials: a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and a list of three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email, as references will be checked before hiring).

Your primary contact is Jennifer Buck, Vegetation Ecologist. Send your application materials via post mail, via fax, or via email to:
California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Vegetation Position
Fax: (916) 447-2727
jbuck@cnps.org

Application Deadline
Application is open until position is filled. Acceptable applicants may be contacted immediately after receipt of application, starting by Dec 10, 2007. Interviews may begin during the week of Dec 17-21, 2007, by phone or in person.