The Merrimack River Watershed Council in Lawrence, MA is hiring a part- time Restoration Scientist. To apply send a resume and 3 references to Dr. Caroly Shumway, Executive Director, at <cshum...@merrimack.org>. If you have any questions about the position, please email Dr. Shumway or Josh Chase <jch...@merrimack.org> or call 978.655.4742.
------------------------ POSITION SUMMARY, RESTORATION SCIENTIST The Merrimack River watershed is ranked the most threatened in the country due to loss of private forested lands from increasing developmental pressures, according to the US Forest Service; and as a result, is ranked 4th in the country for impacts to water quality and 7th for impacts to species at risk. The Merrimack River Watershed Council is working with partners to restore river buffers in NH and MA, as part of two grants (US Forest Service and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation); this project is designed to address the problem through both restoration and protection of riparian lands (both private and municipal). The Restoration Scientist coordinates and executes field and office activities related to riparian restoration of native riparian trees/shrubs, and supervises small teams of student interns, and/or volunteers. The Restoration Scientist will work with MRWC staff, partners, and volunteers to ground-truth the best sites for riparian restoration or protection, design the plans for planting, purchase planting supplies and coordinate efforts at each site, including preparing the site for installation, contacting contractors, and arranging logistics for staff and volunteers. S/he schedules field days, monitors a variety of physical and biological parameters on multiple simultaneous projects, is responsible for and maintains all equipment and supplies, and records and enters data (including GIS data). As part of the restoration work, the Restoration Scientist will need to assist in manual labor activities, including moving heavy materials over uneven and muddy ground. In addition, the Restoration Scientist will assist with outreach to communities and landowners. The work will also include the organization and analysis of scientific data for this and other MRWC projects, and may involve prioritization of green infrastructure (LID) sites as well. Office work will be required to organize and analyze data, coordinate planting and watering activities of MRWC, partners, and volunteers, summarize scientific literature, and arrange logistics of riparian restoration. Some weekend and evening work may be required. Term of position is 1 year, but may be extended, pending additional grant funding. The position will be located in Lawrence, MA. The position is for 20 hours of work per week at $20 per hour. Employees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the office. JOB DESCRIPTION: RESTORATION SCIENTIST REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS • BA/BS in a related field (botany, biology, forestry), and at least one to two years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience • Experience working with or knowledge of riparian and forest trees and shrubs • Experience writing project reports for multiple audiences (scientific, public, etc.) • Experience planning, managing, supervising, and/or managing multiple projects and timeframes • Knowledge of natural systems and environmental management techniques • Knowledge of how to analyze, manipulate, and interpret data, including statistics • Database management skills including report production • Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) • Ability to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources • Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g.; Word, Excel, Web browsers, Wordpress) • Demonstrated ecological, organizational, and communication skills • Ability to communicate clearly in English via written, spoken, and graphical means PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS • Environmental fieldwork and/ or plant monitoring experience • Riverine and landscape ecology experience • Experience using a handheld GPS unit and ArcGIS software to collect and manipulate spatial data • Knowledge of stormwater issues and solutions • Experience planning and executing fieldwork • Experience working with volunteers, landowners, nonprofits, and other organizations ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT • Work affords significant opportunity to demonstrate leadership and to exercise judgment in coordination with the ED and/or Conservation Planner. • Coordinate and execute field and office activities related to riparian restoration of native riparian trees/shrubs. • Prepare and deliver presentations, develop informational materials, and conduct other targeted education and outreach to increase awareness of the status and needs of riverine ecosystems. • Manage grants and contracts related to riparian restoration working with the ED; write and submit grant reports in close coordination with the ED. • May supervise and train interns and/or volunteers. • Purchase equipment and supplies, in consultation with ED as provided for in budget. • May assist with program budget development and monitoring. • Accountable for grants management and reporting deadlines. • May work under infrequent supervision. COMMUNICATIONS • Ability to work cooperatively with staff and external parties, sometimes under pressure, in order to complete project work and goals in a timely manner. • Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adjust to projects with changing deadlines. • Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people inside and outside of the organization, including scientists, other staff, volunteers, and others, providing and obtaining needed information. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT • The position requires someone who can work a flexible schedule, including occasional weekends and evenings. These conditions may: require physical exertion and/or muscular strain; require working in inclement weather; and require hours in isolated settings. The Restoration Scientist may also work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult, hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. The Restoration Scientist will work with a colleague(s) when these field conditions are present. Note: In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender or disability.
