Seasonal Field Research Assistant - Botany

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation, Inc. (www.nantucketconservation.org), Department of Science and Stewardship is seeking two motivated, enthusiastic, self-reliant field assistants with strong botany skills. This is a field-based position that includes rare species identification and habitat inventory, monitoring vegetation communities and applying management techniques in native ecosystems.  Field assistants will have the opportunity to gain experience in rare species conservation, land management-based research and applied ecological monitoring.

Responsibilities:

1. Monitor vegetation community composition and rare plant species to evaluate the influence of different management regimes (prescribed burning, brush-cutting, sheep grazing, shrub removal, deer exclosures, tidal flow reintroduction) on the restoration and maintenance of rare grasslands, heathlands, shrublands and wetlands;
2. Conduct population ecology studies of several plant and animal species of conservation concern;
3. Inventory state-listed plant species that currently or have historically occurred on Nantucket;
4. Inventory, monitoring, and management of invasive plant species including hand digging and pulling and assisting a certified herbicide applicator in invasive species management by cutting stems, bagging and hauling away treated material;
5. Assist in various wildlife management projects: spotted turtle monitoring, bee trapping and netting, horseshoe crab monitoring and tagging, etc;
6. Assist in greenhouse-based projects related to propagating native species and research on invasive species.
7. Co-lead interpretive walks for Conservation Foundation members;
8. Data entry, quality control, and proof-reading;

Required Qualifications: B.S. or B.A. in Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related biological/ecological field. Strong plant identification skills are required as well as at least one season of field work. Experience in plant community monitoring techniques, ecological field data collection, GPS use, and data entry. Strong observational, critical thinking and organizational skills are essential, as is the ability to accurately collect data and record field notes. Individuals must be able to work both independently and as a member of a team. A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:  This is a field intensive position and applicants must be able to tolerate adverse field conditions. Field work includes the possibility for inclement weather and variable terrain, potential exposure to herbicides, poisonous plants and biting insects. The work involves hiking, standing, bending, kneeling, and hauling field gear on a routine basis.

Desired Qualifications: Familiarity with the flora of the northeastern United States and plant taxonomy coursework. A familiarity with and/or a willingness to learn and participate in wildlife monitoring. Interest in invasive species management and willingness to participate in manual aspects of herbicide management projects.

Dates/Hours: This is a full-time, temporary position beginning in mid to late May and ending in mid October; exact dates are somewhat flexible. Hours are generally Monday through Friday, averaging eight hours per day, although work times may vary depending on weather, tides, etc.

Wages/Benefits: Housing and work-related transportation is provided. Wage is commensurate with experience (avg $12-13 per hour). Medical and unemployment insurance, paid holidays, and paid sick days are not available to seasonal employees. Transportation is not provided after working hours.

Location:  The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is located on Nantucket Island, MA, ~ 33 miles south of Cape Cod, in the Atlantic Ocean.  Nantucket ecosystems are dominated by sandplain grasslands, coastal healthlands, and scrub oak shrublands (rare habitats in the Northeast), coastal plain ponds and tidal marshes. For more information on our mission and research projects, please see the Foundation’s website (www.nantucketconservation.org).

Application deadline is January 31, 2013 by 5pm.

To Apply to this job - please following these steps:

1) On this application page, Click the I'm Interested button.

2) On the popup window - click Apply with Resume

3) When prompted to upload your Resume - please upload ONE DOCUMENTwith a cover letter, resume, contact information for three professional references and a copy of your college transcripts (an unofficial copy is acceptable!).

Required Application Materials - do NOT submit your application unless it is complete:

---- Create ONE Document (pdf or Word) that contains ALL of the following: 

Cover Letter

Resume

Contact Information for 3 Professional References

Unofficial Copy of your College Transcripts

For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Karberg:jkarberg@nantucketconservation.org

The Nantucket Conservation Foundation is an equal opportunity employer