[PCA] JOB: Assistant Botanist/Mapping Specialist (Madison, WI)

[Olivia Kwong]

Golden Sands Resource Conservation And Development Council, Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Botanist/Mapping Specialist, Natural Heritage 
Inventory
JOB LOCATION: Madison, Wisconsin
JOB STATUS: FULLTIME/SALARIED

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Assistant Botanist/Mapping Specialist will assist with or perform data 
management and collection of Wisconsin's endangered, threatened and 
special concern plant species and will work closely with all members of 
the state heritage staff. Duties include botanical field surveys, data 
entry, mapping, and quality control for Natural Heritage database, and 
assisting with project reports.  Duties also include providing commentary 
to environmental review staff and establishing and maintaining contacts 
within the Wisconsin and the network of Natural Heritage botanical 
communities. Surveys may require long periods of fieldwork and extensive 
travel throughout the state. (Additional information about the Natural 
Heritage network can be found at www.natureserve.org)

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Advanced degree preferred in botany, ecology or a related natural 
science area or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledge and experience with the flora (botany position), natural 
communities, and geography of the western Great Lakes region, and the 
standard literature pertaining to those elements.
- Ability to evaluate habitat conditions, assess rare plant population 
conditions, and collect (at the appropriate level) and process specimens.
- Familiarity with the methodology of the network of Natural 
Heritage programs and Conservation Data Centers, remote sensing 
applications and geographic information systems, especially ArcView.
- Ability to manage data in relational databases and digitally map 
with geographic information systems is highly desired.
- Ability to maintain positive outlook in the face of conflict and 
potential differences of opinion on data interpretation.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
- Ability to compile and organize scientific data with attention to 
detail.
- Duties require non routine analysis, research and follow through.
- Ability to ascertain the validity of data that are submitted to 
Botany program.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
- Opportunity to act independently.
- Makes sound decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
- Proven ability in written and oral communications.
- Ability and willingness to work in a team setting and, as part of the 
data quality control process, to accept constructive criticism and help 
further program goals.
- Good presentation skills.
- Ability to simplify and explain complex scientific data to a 
general audience.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment.
- Ability to maintain concentration while working with detailed 
information.
- Ability to work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, and 
occasionally in physically demanding circumstances.  Valid driver's 
license and safe driving record.
- Willingness to occasionally work long hours in an isolated 
setting.

HOW TO APPLY:

Send your resume and professional references with a cover letter by 
February 06, 2009 to:

huntd at co.portage.wi.us
Debra Hunt
Contract Administrator
Golden Sands RC&D
1462 Strongs Avenue
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715.343.6215

Golden Sands Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc. is an 
Equal Opportunity Employer