[PCA] Job Opening: SE Vegetation Ecologist (NatureServe, Durham, NC)

[Larry Morse]

Contact Rickie White (below) directly about this, not me!  LEM

Larry Morse
Washington, D.C.
larry.morse.dc at earthlink.net
(larry.e.morse at LEM-Natural-Diversity.com)

> _______________________________________________
>  POSITION TITLE:	Regional Vegetation Ecologist
> SUPERVISOR: 		Senior Regional Ecologist (Southern U.S.)
> LOCATION: 		Durham, North Carolina
> DATE POSTED:		June 26, 2006
> CLOSING DATE:	July 31, 2006
> FLSA:			Exempt
>
> INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND
> NatureServe is a non-profit conservation organization that provides the
> scientific information and tools needed to help guide effective
> conservation action.  NatureServe and its network of natural heritage
> programs are the leading source for information about rare and
> endangered species and threatened ecosystems. 
>
> NatureServe is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with regional
> offices in Boston, Minneapolis, Durham, Boulder, and Ottawa. NatureServe
> offers a results-oriented and collaborative workplace where a common
> mission provides focus and excitement and where staff are empowered to
> take ownership of projects and mission success.  Benefits include a 401K
> savings and retirement plan; health and dental insurance; short and
> long-term disability; annual and sick leave; and life insurance.
>
> SUMMARY OF POSITION
> The Regional Vegetation Ecologist oversees projects that involve
> ecological monitoring design and implementation, vegetation
> classification and mapping, and accuracy assessment.  Much of the work
> conducted by NatureServe Southeast ecology staff involves implementation
> of the International Ecological Classification Standard (including the
> U.S. National Vegetation Classification and Ecological Systems
> Classification) for conservation applications primarily in the
> southeastern United States.
>
> The work associated with this job description will be completed in
> partnership with federal agencies such as the National Park Service in
> conjunction with state Natural Heritage Programs, the central ecology
> program of NatureServe, The Nature Conservancy, independent contractors,
> private non-profits and granting agencies.  
>
> S/he is supervised by the Senior Regional Ecologist (Southeastern U.S.).
>
> ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
> 1.	Develop rare plant and ecological monitoring protocols with
> federal partners.  Specific duties include project management, protocol
> development, field work to test 	methodology, and some data
> analysis (75-85%).
> 2.	Complete accuracy assessment reports of newly completed
> vegetation maps (5-10%).
> 3.	Perform ecological sampling, and inventory with a special
> emphasis on plant communities (5-10%).
> 4.	Classify and describe ecological communities and vegetation
> types (0-20%). 
> 5.	Manage ecological data (5-10%). 
> 6.	Analyze vegetation data both qualitatively and quantitatively
> (5-10%). 
> 7.	Provide science support for conservation planning efforts
> (0-10%).
> 8.	Develop proposals for future projects (0-5%).
> 9.	Develop, supervise, and coordinate other projects as needed,
> such as community inventories, vegetation mapping, and conservation
> planning efforts.  Coordinate 	efforts of short term, contract, and
> project staff as needed (5-10%).
>
> QUALIFICATIONS
> Training and Experience:
> *	Masters Degree or Ph.D. in Ecology, Plant Ecology, Botany or
> closely related field, and experience in the classification and
> description of vegetation; or 	equivalent training and experience.
> *	One year's experience (academic training in statistics can
> substitute for some job experience) in quantitative ecology, statistics
> or related field.  
> *	Ability to communicate effectively with a statistician and
> manage statistically valid ecological monitoring design and sampling
> based on partner needs.
> *	Familiarity with standard Microsoft Office software for word
> processing, spreadsheets, database management (i.e. Microsoft Access),
> presentation graphics, and 	some statistical analysis software. 
> *	Experience with ArcView, ArcGIS or other GIS software.
> *	Specific experience with SAS, SYSTAT, S-PLUS, R or other
> statistics software and/or familiarity with PC-ORD or JUICEsoftware for
> the analysis of multivariate 	ecological data. 
> Knowledge and Abilities:
> *	Ability to effectively manage multiple projects.  
> *	Record of setting and meeting productive work goals and
> deadlines, and ability to complete projects requiring exacting attention
> to detail.
> *	Superb communication and interpersonal skills
> *	Ability to work independently with some work as part of a team
> as well.
> *	Ability to travel, especially during the spring, summer, and
> early fall seasons.
> *	Commitment to the conservation of biological diversity.
> *	Flexibility and adaptability in the face of mid-course project
> corrections.
> Additional Preferred Skills:
> *	Knowledge of the plant species composition, environmental
> characteristics, and distribution of the vegetation communities of the
> southeastern United States. 
> *	Experience in the collection of structural, compositional, and
> environmental information on vegetation communities in a variety of
> systems. 
> *	Experience in plant taxonomy and the ability to field identify
> most plant species encountered in sampling. 
> *	Familiarity with aerial photography interpretation,
> interpretation of other resources such as soils and geology maps is
> desirable.  Experience in substantial parts of 	the southeastern United
> States is desirable.
> *	Experience with biodiversity inventory, data management, and
> conservation planning activities in the context of Natural Heritage
> Programs (or CDCs) highly 	desirable.
>
> CONTACT
> To apply, send resume and letter of application addressing your
> knowledge of statistics, computer analysis programs, and plant
> communities in the Southeast as well as any project management
> experience to: 
>
> Rickie White
> Attn: Job #SD60627
> NatureServe
> 1101 Wilson Boulevard, 15th Floor
> Arlington, Virginia 22209
> Fax: (703) 908-1917
>
> E-mail:  jobs at natureserve.org  (Please refer to Job #SD60627 in subject
> line)
>
> For more information about NatureServe, go to www.natureserve.org 
>
> 	NATURESERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER