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POSITION PROFILE:
 
The Washington Natural Heritage Program  serves as the state’s principle source of information on species, habitats and landscapes of conservation concern. The Natural Heritage Botanist is responsible for leading rare plant conservation efforts for the Washington Natural Heritage Program (NHP) and Department of Natural Resources, including identifying high priority rare plant species, and making recommendations on management of and conservation actions for high priority species. The NHP Botanist also serves as an independent science consultant to other agencies and organizations. This person conducts various scientific projects, including research, inventory and monitoring, and is responsible for promoting the use of research information in land management and land-use decision-making
 
The NHP Botanist participates in, and collaborates with, the network of natural heritage programs (NatureServe), both nationally and internationally. This person also participates in outreach efforts to other agencies and organizations on plant conservation issues and topics, including making land management recommendations. This individual will participate in a variety of collaborative conservation planning efforts.
 
This position is critical to the effectiveness of the Washington Natural Heritage Program. In addition to this position, our team includes a program manager, two ecologists, a zoologist, an information manager, and a data management assistant. The Botanist reports directly to the Natural Heritage Program Manager.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in rare plant species inventory, monitoring and conservation planning.
• Working knowledge of the flora of the Pacific Northwest, including an understanding of relevant conservation issues and principles for rare species.
• Familiarity with field inventory and monitoring techniques, including mapping tools and techniques, appropriate for rare plant species.
• Ability to provide leadership on projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate scientific information to other scientists, land managers, policy makers, and others.
• Physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or backcountry landscapes and terrains.
• Ability to work with a variety of partners and cooperators on conservation-related issues.
• Be responsive to the priorities and needs of the Natural Heritage Program and the DNR.
• Ability to work and communicate successfully with individuals on varying levels of scientific understanding and technical skills.

This level of knowledge and skill is typically achieved after:

• A Master’s degree with major study in botany, plant ecology or field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species.
• Four years of professional scientific experience in rare plant research, inventory and/or monitoring and one year of rare plant conservation planning.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Working knowledge of, and experience applying, Natural Heritage methodology, specifically with regard to rare plant species.
• Experience making conservation recommendations for rare plant species based upon application of Natural Heritage methodology, including recommendations for land acquisitions, management designations, land management activities, etc.
• Familiarity with genetic principles as they apply to population biology and rare plant species conservation.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: research and data analysis, GIS/modelling, obtaining grant funding

SPECIAL POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

•  Ability to work on uneven terrain in all weather conditions.
• The incumbent in this position is required to travel.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function.  Employees who drive for state business, whether in a state or privately-owned vehicle, are required to possess a valid license as defined in policy PO02-006 and abide by all other driver responsibility requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire.

WHO MAY APPLY
This recruitment is open to anyone who meets the required qualifications for this position.
 
APPLICATION PROCESS

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above)
• You must submit the following:
  • Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile, required and desired position qualifications, and special position requirements.
  • Attach your Resume – do not add it into the text of the application, it must be an attachment.
  • The names of three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Carefully review your application materials before submitting. If you fail to submit the required documents, you may no longer be considered for the position by the supervisor.
• You may not reapply for this posting for 30 days.

Application Status – once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account.  Finalists for the position will be contacted by the hiring managers directly. 
 
Note: Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record issued from all states in which they have held a license during the past 3 years.
 
Questions?  Please contact Andrea Thorpe at phone number (360) 902-1690 / andrea.thorpe@dnr.wa.gov or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov.
 
By submitting the application materials you are indicating that all information is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  You understand that the state may verify information and that untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from applicant pool or dismissal if employed. This announcement is published by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).  The DNR is an equal opportunity employer.  Persons with a disability who need assistance during the screening process or those needing this announcement in an alternative format may contact DNR Recruiting staff (360) 902-1350 or (360) 902-1097.  DNR may be contacted using the Washington State Telecommunications Relay Service (TTY) by dialing 711.