fyi...Stefanie
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SUPERVISOR: Michigan Natural Features Ecologist and State Parks
Stewardship Program Manager
LOCATION: Lansing, Michigan
DURATION: Three Years
START DATE: June 1, 1997
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI), The Nature Conservancy's
Heritage Program in Michigan is hiring a Stewardship Ecologist to work with
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), Parks and Recreation
(P&RD). MNFI is in its eighteenth year of developing and maintaining the
only comprehensive biological and conservation database (BCD) on the rarest
elements of the state's biotic diversity, including a continuing effort to
complete a natural features inventory of all of Michigan's 96 State Parks
(265,000 acres). MNFI's inventory work has identified many quality natural
areas within Michigan State Parks that are in need of restoration and
management.
The Stewardship Ecologist will assist the State Park Stewardship Program
with a variety of stewardship projects statewide. Examples of current
projects include lake plain prairie/savanna restoration at Algonac State
Park; prairie restoration at Highland Recreation Area and Fort Custer
Recreation Area; and sand mine restoration at Grand Mere State Park. The
Stewardship Ecologist must have a broad background and interest in
ecological restoration, plant ecology and field systematic botany.
Experience with herbicide use, biological monitoring, entomology, computer
database software and GIS is also important. Excellent oral and written
communication skills are required. The Stewardship Ecologist must have a
strong commitment to the conservation of biological diversity.
This is a position with The Nature Conservancy, not the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources.
DUTIES:
1. Prepare prescriptions for ecological restoration and management of the
state park natural communities, including ecological burn prescriptions.
Provide technical expertise to land managers as they implement the
prescriptions.
2. Develop and implement adaptive management monitoring of ecological
restoration projects. Prepare monitoring reports and revised management
prescriptions.
3. Perform site reconnaissance of proposed development projects (both
internal and external) on state park lands to determine natural resource
impacts. Provide technical assistance to Parks and Recreation Division field
staff and division office planning staff, including review of park
development projects, easements.
4. Conduct/oversee threat assessments of natural areas.
5. Prepare specifications for research projects and contracted resource
management.
6. Research and prepare informational materials, such as native plant
recommendations for use in State Parks for erosion control, habitat
enhancement, landscaping. Provide technical expertise for volunteer
restoration workdays, invasive plant control, native seed collection, etc.
7. Report on the status of element occurrences of sensitive natural
features for incorporation into MNFI's Biological and Conservation Database
and Park and Recreation Division management plans.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Minimum of Masters degree in botany, ecology, or related discipline
with a strong field emphasis. Field experience beyond that required for
degree is highly desirable. Bachelor's degree is acceptable with three years
of post-baccalaureate, field-oriented, professional experience focusing on
restoration ecology. Good understanding of biological monitoring,
experimental design and statistical analysis.
2. Demonstrated expertise and familiarity with Michigan or Midwest flora
and natural communities.
3. Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as to
productively participate on a work team. Interest and experience in working
with land mangers, volunteers and the general public. Excellent oral and
written communication skills.
4. Good physical condition to conduct long days of strenuous fieldwork,
often under adverse conditions in remote areas of state parks. Willingness
to travel with overnight stays.
5. Experience with word processing and database management programs.
6. Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of natural diversity.
REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS WILL BEGIN ON MAY 23, 1997. Applications received
after May 23, 1997 will be accepted and reviewed until the position is
filled.
Only completed applications will be considered and must consist of: resume;
readable copy of college transcripts; names, addresses, and telephone
numbers of three professional references; cover letter addressing your
experience, qualifications and interest in the position; 1-2 page sample of
your writing; date available to start work.
Please mail or fax or application to:
Sue Ridge
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
Phone: (517) 373-1552
Fax: (517) 373-6705
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
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Stefanie S. Rixecker
Department of Resource Management
Lincoln University, Canterbury
Aotearoa New Zealand
E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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