[APWG] JOB: Invasive Plant Research Asst. (Maui, HI)

[Plant Conservation]

Please reply/direct your questions to Melissa as I have nothing to do with
this position.

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Aloha all --
My appologies for duplicate postings.  The Nature Conservancy's Maui
Program is looking for a Research Assistant with Hawaii-specific
experience for a one year position.  If you know of anyone who might be
interested please share the job description.  To apply, send cover letter
and resume by January 1, 2005 to Melissa Chimera at mchimera at tnc.org.

Mahalo!

Melissa Chimera
Natural Resource Manager
The Nature Conservancy Maui Field Office
P.O. Box 1716
Makawao, HI  96768-1716

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The Nature Conservancy
Saving the Last Great Places

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: RESEARCH ASSISTANT (Invasive Plant Research Assistant)
JOB FAMILY: Conservation - Field
JOB NUMBER: 8029
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
RELATED POSITION TITLES: Research Assistant, Science Assistant


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

One year position that will not be renewed.

Works closely with Alien Plant Specialist to complete weed risk assessment
for lands neighboring Waikamoi Preserve and assists with all aspects of
preserve management as directed by the Alien Plant Specialist.

To complete weed risk assessment duties will include, but not be limited
to:
Consulting with botanists, land managers and Maui field experts to
collect, assemble, and analyze existing information on 15-20 high-priority
weed species ranges within project area (10,000 acres of Haleakala Ranch
bordering Waikamoi Preserve).  Analyzing various types of data including
spatial data, shape files and expert knowledge/interviews to determine
information gaps for target species.  Report findings to supervisor and
create field plan for aerial and ground reconnaissance mapping project.

Conducting aerial and ground surveys for target weed species within select
zones of 10,000 acre project area using Global Positioning Systems.
Develop blueprints of high priority treatment sites, produce maps using
Arc View GIS software, and assist in the production of reports.

Producing 10-30 page technical report (i.e., Technical Note), species
list, biology, maps and related Arc View shapefiles that identify the most
important weed information gaps for 15-20 priority weeds species within
the project area.  Produces 5-20 page final report that summarizes the
findings of the mapping efforts.

The Invasive Plant Research Assistant is supervised by the Alien Plant
Specialist. The Invasive Plant Research Assistant supervises no one,
however may from time to time lead volunteers in field based activities.


KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resources management or
related field and one year related work experience.
- Ability to identify invasive species in the field and knowledge of weed
control techniques.  Excellent botanical skills essential to key out and
identify with confidence genus and species of plant specimen (both
Hawaiian native and non-native taxa).
- Knowledge of Hawaiian natural systems, with an emphasis on Maui
ecosystems.
- One year field experience and knowledge of field safety protocols
(including helicopter, four-wheel drive, radio communications).
- Ability to organize time and manage diverse activities.  Meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Global Positioning Systems (from helicopter and ground)
and Arc View GIS, including ability to utilize data to create appropriate
maps. Database management skills in Arc View, Excel and Access essential.
- Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.

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.
- Ability to compile data from many sources into reports.

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.
- Coordinate logistics including ground and helicopter survey, land-owner
access and permissions, volunteers and other staff.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT -FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
- Supervises no staff but may help plan and direct the work of volunteers
or interns.
- Participate in work groups regularly.

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 and collaboratively as a member of a work team.
- Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to
conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.

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.
- Work requires physical exertion and may involve physical strain.  Work
environment involves frequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
- Work involves hours of helicopter survey and days of ground survey
(steep climbing).

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer