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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. |
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POSITION SUMMARY |
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The Stewardship Ecologist will be primarily responsible for monitoring prairie plant communities on Conservancy preserves in northwestern Minnesota. Prairie reconstructions will be sampled using frequency plot methodology to evaluate the restored plant communities. In addition, the Stewardship Ecologist will assist with a variety of monitoring projects including an ongoing research project designed to determine the effects of spring and fall prescribed burning and haying on the western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera praeclara). The Stewardship Ecologist will search for and map rare plant and invasive species occurrences on preserves within the Northern Tallgrass Prairie Ecoregion. The Stewardship Ecologist will also help assess the effectiveness of various invasive plant species control methods and some after effects of prescribed burning. The Stewardship Ecologist will assess the success of the leafy spurge biological control program, and will participate in the collection and release of Apthona beetles for control of this invasive plant. The majority of this position is field-based, with some data entry and report writing. Lodging or camping will be available. |
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS |
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1. Assist with the re-establishment of western prairie fringed orchid monitoring grids.
2. Locate, count and mark western prairie fringed orchid plants within the grids and record the number of flowers and seed pods per plant
3. Cut and remove hay from treatment blocks using ATVs, mowers and rakes.
4. Conduct sampling of treatment areas used to assess invasive species control methods.
5. Sample prairie vegetation within prairie reconstruction projects at various sites.
6. Clip, sort and dry vegetation as part of an ongoing forage production study.
7. Assist with collecting biological control agents for the control of leafy spurge.
8. Map invasive species occurrences on Conservancy preserves using a GPS unit and/or aerial photographs.
9. Conduct species richness and percent composition sampling of prairie reconstructions.
10. Discuss calendar of proposed activities with supervisor on the first of each month. Maintain a daily journal of activities.
11. Enter field data into databases and provide a timely written report for each project.
12. Communicate frequently with supervisor.
Knowledge and Skills:
1. Two years work towards a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management and vegetation sampling experience, or progress towards degree and strong training and field skills with prairie plant communities and plant identification.
2. Experience with a variety of plant community monitoring techniques and the ability to follow established scientific protocols.
3. Ability to navigate using topographic maps and aerial photographs.
4. Experience operating handheld GPS units, experience with ArcPad, ArcGIS and/or ArcView preferred.
5. Must have excellent organizational and writing skills with extreme attention to detail.
6. Must be able to work independently, communicate well, and be willing to tolerate extreme weather conditions (i.e., heat and humidity).
7. Must be willing to use personal vehicle for some work-related travel. Reimbursable at the current federal rate (currently $0.50 per mile). |
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BASIC QUALIFICATIONS |
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1. Two years work towards a Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management and vegetation sampling experience, or progress towards degree and strong training and field skills with prairie plant communities and plant identification.
2. Experience with a variety of plant community monitoring techniques and the ability to follow established scientific protocols.
3. Ability to navigate using topographic maps and aerial photographs.
4. Experience operating handheld GPS units, experience with ArcPad, ArcGIS and/or ArcView preferred. |
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ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION |
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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 Northwestern 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).
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record. |
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