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Subject: Job Announcement (seasonal): Research Assistant ? Botany Crew Leader (3 positions)
Salary: $10.73/hour; free housing is provided
Location: Ellington and Winona, Missouri Employment Period: Temporary, full-time; May 12 through September 12, 2014 Last date to apply: February 28, 2014
Summary:
The University of Missouri (MU) and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) are recruiting 3 research crew leaders to assist in collecting vegetation data in southeast Missouri. Botany crews identify forest, woodland, and glade plant species, and record vegetation data for the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP), a landscape-scale, long-term study of the effects of forest management on multiple aspects of the ecosystem. This position is a great opportunity to hone botany skills, learn about forest ecology and natural communities, and interact with other students and professionals in the natural resources field. If you love learning about plants and natural communities, this is your job!
MOFEP is located in the heart of the Ozark Highlands, an extensively forested and ecologically diverse region, providing ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, and canoeing in the stunningly beautiful Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Housing is provided and is located on land owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Position will be paid by the University of Missouri ? Department of Forestry.
Job Description:
Botany teams identify up to 500 species of forest, woodland, and glade plants, estimate plant coverage, count soft mast flowers and fruits, and measure canopy closure using spherical densiometers. The data is recorded with a Trimble Ranger or Nomad (handheld field computer). Botany Crew Leaders work as a team with the botany technicians to collect data, while also supervising and motivating the technicians. Additional Crew Leader duties include planning the work schedule to ensure efficient and timely data collection, checking the crew?s work for accuracy, keeping track of supply and equipment needs, and periodically downloading and backing up data.
Botany crews drive 4-wheel drive trucks up to 50 miles a day on pavement, gravel roads, and trails through the woods; hike 1 to 4 miles a day across steep, rocky terrain in rain, heat, and high humidity; and navigate to permanent plots using GPS units, or map and compass. Botany crews will be required to work long hours outdoors, often in adverse weather conditions.
A field vehicle will be provided to conduct research activities.
Qualifications:
Applicants must have a B.S. in botany, ecology, natural resource management, environmental science, or forestry. Previous leadership and field experience is required. Preference will be given to candidates who have completed a field botany and/or taxonomy class and/or exhibit strong botanical skills. Intensive botanical training will be provided, but a solid foundation in plant identification is a prerequisite for the training. Candidates must be able to cheerfully endure harsh field conditions (heat, humidity, ticks, chiggers, gnats, spiders, snakes, briars, and steep terrain).
Crew leaders must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and possess a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills. Crew leaders must also possess exceptional leadership qualities and the ability to coordinate field efforts to meet research project goals and objectives.
Crew leaders must work effectively with minimal supervision and as part of a research team. Applicants must possess exceptional inter-personal skills. Crew leaders must be able to live and work in remote locations and conduct field work that is often strenuous. Applicants must be able to work long hours, including early mornings and late afternoons. Applicants must possess a valid driver?s license and a good driving record. Crew leaders must be able to share field housing with research technicians.
To apply, submit the following to Elizabeth Olson (elizabeth.olson@mdc.mo.gov). Please put ?MOFEP Botany Crew Leader? in the subject line of your e-mail.
1) cover letter stating why you are the best candidate for this position,
2) detailed CV,
3) college transcripts (unofficial is ok, but official transcripts preferred), and
4) contact information (phone and e-mail) for at least 2 professional references.
For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Olson
Missouri Department of Conservation
Plant Community Ecologist
Phone: 417-255-9561 ext.296
Email: elizabeth.olson@mdc.mo.gov