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

SCB Bulletin Board Tag: GIS

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

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