| Description |
| | The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. | | ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS | | The Research Assistant – Northeast Minnesota (RA-NM) will implement a program to monitor ecological conditions for biodiversity targets at priority sites in northeastern Minnesota. Work will focus on two projects: 1) collecting pre-treatment forest vegetation data on an ecological silviculture project, and 2) tree seedling surveys on sites that have had soil scarification treatments to create mineral soil seedbeds. Additional work may include surveys of deadwood and tree seedlings at Encampment forest. The RA-NM will work with other Conservancy staff in the Northeastern Minnesota Program; will be supervised by the Forest Ecologist but will supervise no staff. This is a full-time short term position from July 13 through September 4, 2009. | | BASIC QUALIFICATIONS | | • Two years work towards a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management and vegetation sampling experience, or progress towards degree and related work experience including vegetation sampling methods in forested habitats.
• Experience identifing major tree, shrub and herb layer plant species in northeastern Minnesota, or field botany experience in other regions.
• Experience navigating in forested lands with GPS, compass, maps and aerial photography. | | ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION | | KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management and vegetation sampling experience, or progress towards degree and related work experience including vegetation sampling methods in forested habitats.
• Ability to identify major tree, shrub and herb layer plant species in northeastern Minnesota, or field botany experience in other regions.
• Ability to navigate in forested lands with GPS, compass, maps and aerial photography.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain under adverse conditions.
• Ability to organize time and manage diverse activities. Meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word, Excel, and Access.
COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines and manage a timeframe.
• Resolve routine problems independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex or unusual problems.
DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
• Perform duties under general supervision and established guidelines.
• Prioritize work independently, exercise judgement.
• Consult with supervisor to address any issues that may affect the work of others or the program as a whole.
RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT –FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
• May participate in work groups.
COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
• Formulate ideas and communicate clearly with others, both orally and in written form.
• Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, preserve staff, and others, providing and obtaining needed information.
• Function productively as a member of a work team.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
• Willingness to work long hours in an isolated setting.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring physical exertion, outdoors, in all weather conditions and on difficult and sometimes hazardous terrain.
• Willingness and ability to travel in the Northeastern Minnesota area.
• Must have a valid driver's license and good driving record. Must have a reliable vehicle (work related travel expenses will be reimbursed). | | BENEFITS | | The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. | | SALARY INFORMATION | | $10 - 12 per hour depend on experience and qualifications |
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