Spring and Summer Botany Job; Seasonal Plant Conservation Field Assistant

What:

The Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Native Plant Conservation Program (NPCP) will be hiring one field assistant for the 2012 field season (with a probable mid-April start date).

Summary:

The position will focus on a federally-funded project dealing with the  re-introduction of the endangered western lily (Lilium occidentale), and include work on several other sensitive species over the course of the spring and summer.  Significant portions of many work weeks are expected to be spent in overnight travel status, involving assignments in many areas of the state.

Duration:

The position would be full-time (40 hours/week), start in mid April, and would likely continue through mid-October.  The successful applicant must be available for work from 8 am to 5 pm daily, with occasional early and late days related to field work requirements.

Where:

When not in travel status, the position would be based in Cordley Hall, on the OSU campus in Corvallis.

Job Description and Requirements:

NPCP support staff work with many of Oregon’s listed plant species, conducting field surveys and assisting in the implementation and monitoring of research projects,which increase our knowledge of the biology, ecology, and conservation requirements of target species.

Common tasks include population assessments, greenhouse work, transplanting cultivated plants in the field, collecting wild plant material for future cultivation work, data entry and analyses, etc. The successful applicant will have good plant identification skills and some previous background in field research.  A familiarity with ecological principles and Oregonnative plants is desired.

Applicants must be willing to work long hours outside under harsh conditions (such as exposure to dust and temperature extremes, poison oak, ticks, etc.), often on rough terrain in remote areas.  Physical labor, e.g., hiking, lifting, and carrying of field equipment and supplies may be required.  NPCP field staff may work independently as well as closely with others.  Frequent overnight travel will be necessary, often necessitating long drives.  Camping may occasionally be required, and overnight trips may be for up to 5 days.  Basic computer skills are required, along with a valid driver’s license and  an excellent driving record.

Are You Interested?

To apply send a cover letter, résumé, and three references via email to Jordan Brown at brownj@science.oregonstate.edu or drop your application packet off at room 1050, Cordley Hall.  Applications will be reviewed as they are received and the position will remain open until filled.

If you have questions, please contact Jordan via e-mail, call him at (541)-737-2346, or stop by the office in room 1050 in Cordley Hall.