JOB TITLE: Botanical Research Associate EMPLOYER: NatureServe SUPERVISOR: Director, Botany Department LOCATION: Arlington, VA DATE POSTED: February 2007 CLOSING DATE: Open until filled FLSA STATUS: Exempt
INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND : NatureServe, a 501(c)3 conservation science and technology organization, provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. Together with our international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. With nearly 100 staff and a $10 million annual budget, NatureServe is a recognized leader in the application of scientific information and advanced technology for conservation purposes. NatureServe offers a results-oriented and collaborative workplace where a common mission provides focus and excitement and where staff is empowered to take ownership of projects and mission success. Benefits include a 401K savings and retirement plan; health and dental insurance; short and long-term disability; annual and sick leave; and life insurance. SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Botanical Research Associate researches, summarizes, revises, and manages information relating to native and exotic plant species of the United States and Canada, with a focus on rare species conservation. This position may work on a variety of projects that involve assessing rangewide conservation status, researching rare plant species attributes (e.g. habitat needs), maintaining database records reflecting differing taxonomic treatments, and evaluating the degree of invasiveness of non- native plant species. The Botanical Research Associate is responsible for reconciling, summarizing, and analyzing botanical data received from NatureServe member programs (Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centres) and other sources, reviewing scientific journals, and communicating (orally and in writing) about the botanical information holdings and the scientific methodologies of NatureServe and its network of member programs. The Botanical Research Associate is supervised by the Director, Botany Department and supervises no staff. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 1. Work collaboratively with other staff in maintaining the accuracy and currency of NatureServe's botanical data for North America, including conservation status, taxonomy, distribution, and U.S. and Canadian federal status. 2. Provide support to North American natural heritage programs by resolving problems related to taxonomic and nomenclatural discrepancies that affect data synchronization with central databases and by providing training, via formal sessions and personal communications, related to NatureServe scientific and technical methodologies. 3. Develop or revise information regarding the conservation status of native plant species, and integrate this information to determine species' overall status according to standard protocols. This work typically involves personal communication with natural heritage field botanists and other experts, as well as literature review. 4. Develop or revise information regarding the degree of impact of non- native plant species on native plants, animals, and ecological communities. This work typically involves personal communication with local and regional experts, as well as literature/ "gray" literature research. 5. Assist in outreach and project development activities related to the needs of federal agencies, universities, and other partners. Assist with grant/proposal writing and/or with project management as needed. KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS: 1. A master's degree in botany, ecology, or biology with coursework in plant taxonomy, biogeography, and plant ecology. 2. Strong familiarity with major North American geography, landforms, and vegetation types. 3. Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices of plant classification, synonymy, and nomenclature. 4. Experience with large complex databases, especially with data management, quality control, searching and reporting. Experience with SQL desirable. 5. Familiarity with NatureServe and/or IUCN Red List methods for assessing the conservation status of plant species highly desirable. 6. Knowledge of invasive species issues. 7. Strong writing and editing skills, including experience in summarizing and interpreting scientific data for various audiences. Strong verbal communication skills, including a capacity for explaining complex technical subjects. 8. Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, follow procedures, deal meticulously with details, and work productively with others in a collaborative atmosphere. Strong organizational skills, and an ability to handle workload and deadline pressures. A desire for intellectual challenge. 9. Flexibility and a willingness to work on multiple projects and to cope well with change and uncertainty. 10. Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of natural diversity. CONTACT: Send resume and cover letter to: Attn: Job #BATRA07 NatureServe 1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor Arlington, VA 22209 E-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Please refer to Job #BATRA07 in subject line) *Please indicate how you found out about this position.
