Seasonal Botanist (3 Positions Available) Agency: The Nature Conservancy Location: Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota Job Period: June 3 - September 20, 2019 Pay: $14.50 - 15.50/hr; Housing is provided Job ID on Nature.org: 47134 Closing Date: January 13, 2019
The Seasonal Botanist (Botanist) will be part of a exciting project beginning in 2019 to implement climate-adapted grassland restorations across 6 landscapes in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. Climate change is significantly impacting grasslands, and the northern Great Plains have been especially hard hit due to other extreme pressures. The goal of this project is to demonstrate the use of multiple-source seed mixes in grassland restorations, develop resources for sourcing seed and communicate the importance of adopting this practice to partners. Climate models for this region predict warmer, wetter springs which will continue to change the growing seasons and degrade prairies. Floral diversity is the foundation for biodiversity and ecosystem function in grasslands, and therefore, we focus our climate-adaptation strategy on building restorations that include a high diversity of forb species and genetic diversity to allow those forb species to adapt to changing conditions. The Botanist will lead a two-person crew in locating and mapping large populations of key forb species across a large landscape. Once mapped, the Botanist will lead the crew in hand harvesting seed from multiple sources and storing and tracking seed for each species by location. Three Seasonal Botanist positions are available, and each position, leading one crew, will focus on mapping and seed collection in one landscape for the summer. The landscapes include: 1) the Missouri Coteau in central South Dakota, 2) the Sheyenne Delta in southeastern North Dakota and the Prairie Coteau in Minnesota, 3) the Agassiz Beach Ridges along western Minnesota, and 4) the Tallgrass Aspen Parkland in northwestern Minnesota. Mapping with GPS and good data management and organization skills will be important in this position. The Botanist will be responsible overseeing and conducting the field surveys, GIS data collection and management, data entry and organization, keeping good records of seed collection, and assisting with seed storage. Strong field botanical skills are preferred, but training will be provided. Experience working in grasslands or other terrestrial ecosystems of the upper Midwest or Great Plains is desired. After a training period, the Botanist will be in the field during the day working independently from their direct supervisor and overseeing a field crew. Therefore, the Botanist should be able to work well with others as well as independently and communicate effectively. Good organization skills will be important to maintain records and data. The most important qualifications are enthusiasm for working outdoors and the desire to learn and contribute to meaningful conservation. A valid driver's license and good driving record are required. 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. 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. Lead Prairie Ecologist The Nature Conservancy, MN, ND, SD Moorhead, MN 56560 PH: 218-512-0476
