TUCSON AUDUBON SOCIETY

TITLE: BOTANY CREW LEAD (SOUTHERN PLAINS GRASSLANDS)

DEPARTMENT: AGENCIES

FTE STATUS : FULL TIME

POSITION STATUS: TEMPORARY

POSITION TERM: APRIL 2024 - OCTOBER 2024 (approx. 26 weeks)

POSITION LOCATION : SANTA FE, NM

REPORTS TO: ERIN ZYLSTRA AND ANDY RAY

DATE REVIEWED : JANUARY 2024

In order to be considered all Applicants must include (1) your resume, (2) a cover letter that highlights the required and relevant skills for the position, and (3) the names and contact information for three references

SUMMARY :

The Tucson Audubon Society is partnering with the National Park Service’s Inventory & Monitoring Division to provide a Botany Crew Lead (Botanist) and participate in long-term ecological monitoring assessing grasslands and uplands of national park units across the Southern Plains ecoregion. The Southern Plains ecoregion includes portions of central and northern Texas, western Kansas and Oklahoma, and portions of southeastern Colorado and northern eastern New Mexico. The terrain of the Southern Plains is a mix of plains interspersed with tablelands and low, rolling hills. Vegetation includes mixed grass communities in the eastern portions of the ecoregion extending to short grass-dominated communities in Colorado and New Mexico.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic crew lead to independently lead vegetation monitoring crews in 11 Southern Plains Network (SOPN) national park units. Specific duties include leading a team of 2 to 3 individuals (mix of technicians and interns), navigating to field sites, using standard methodology to sample vegetation communities, identifying grasses, forbs, shrubs and trees to the species level, and collecting samples of unknown vegetation for later identification and vouchering. Duties will also include mapping the distribution of invasive plant species. The work will be primarily field-based and conducted on national park service lands. This position will provide the incumbent the chance to explore and expand their understanding of the flora of the Southern Plains ecoregion. In addition, the Botanist will gain valuable leadership and field sampling experience, interacting with NPS staff and partners, and learning critical data management skills following established data collection and data management protocols.

The work will include re-visiting previously established sites and establishing new vegetation permanent sampling plots. Ideally the Botanist will have strong academic and/or work experience background in botany (including plant taxonomy), plant sciences, and conservation. Sampling methods on permanent plots include line-point intercept to measure plant cover, plant frequency, repeat photography and basic soil characterization. The position will require the use of field sampling equipment including Leica high-accuracy geospatial data systems, tablets and ruggedized laptops, and satellite communication beacons for safety. The Botanist will work directly with SOPN’s Vegetation Ecologist and interact with SOPN’s data manager and program manager, park personnel, and other partners (e.g., NPS Fire Programs and university partners).

At times throughout the year, the incumbent will also be required to work in other parks across New Mexico and Arizona, as time permits, in partnership with other Inventory and Monitoring network offices.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

NONE

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work will be conducted primarily in a field setting but throughout the term some work will be carried out in an office. The primary work schedule will be 8, 10-hr days on, followed by 6 days off. Extended travel in NPS vehicles is required during travel to parks for fieldwork and camping or hotel stays for up to 8-days. Reimbursement of travel costs will be provided.

*This position will be located in Santa Fe, NM and is a 26-week position with start date anticipated for April 2024 and an end date of October 2024. There is a strong possibility of extension to support other fieldwork needs at other Inventory and Monitoring Network offices in Tucson, AZ and Las Cruces, NM, budget dependent).*

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND COMPETENCIES:

Required

• A four-year university degree is required (in the natural or environmental sciences).
• Knowledge and some experience in botany, plant sciences and/or pollinator biology and/or conservation including:
• 2 years of relevant field experience (outdoor fieldwork, identifying plants using botanical keys and making and recording field measurements for biological science investigations) OR 4 years field experience (work performed in support of field investigations related to the biological sciences that provide knowledge and skills in gathering, recording and assembling scientific data)
• U.S. Citizen or National
• Comfortable working in hot and humid environments where poisonous plants, stinging insects, and venomous snakes exist
• Able to hike up to 4 miles per day on uneven or steep terrain with an up to 40 lb backpack
• Comfortable and able to be away from a duty station, staying in motels, government housing, and established tent camps during heat, humidity, and unpredictable weather for up to 8 days at a time
• Able to drive long distances (up to several hours at a time), including on unmaintained two-track roads
• Able to work and live in close quarters with other crew members for extended periods
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and safe driving record

Preferred

• Successful history of independently leading a team
• Previous experience and training in identification of vegetation using a dichotomous key, especially local to portions of the Southern or Great Plains
• Experience collecting voucher specimens, using a dissecting microscope for identification purposes, and pressing and preserving plant specimens
• Safety-minded with basic First Aid training (Wilderness First Aid experience preferred)
• Experience using InReach or similar satellite communication devices and two-way radios
• Experience driving 4WD vehicles on slick, muddy, and unmaintained two-track roads
• Experience using maps and GPS to navigate to remote field locations
• Excellent communication, organization, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills
• Detail-oriented, responsible, team-oriented with strong-communication skills
• Successful history of completing data entry and reviewing field forms for completeness
• Experience maintaining spatial data locally and in a cloud-based environment
• Experience creating and/or updating written procedural documents; and developing code to more efficiently process and check data sets
• Experience retrieving and formatting data using Microsoft software or developed R code for the purposes of analysis and data publishing

A combination of education and experience may be considered if it directly relates to the position and supports the ability to successfully perform the job.

 Tucson Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our programs and employment are open to all. We value diversity and do not permit any discrimination against applicants, employees, or volunteers on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law or statute in any of our policies or programs.

At Tucson Audubon, our commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) goes beyond being in full compliance with employment law; Tucson Audubon actively cultivates a culture that embraces differences, with the commitment that everyone is a valued member of our team and is treated with respect and dignity. We intentionally work to foster a culture of inclusion with openness, honesty, visibility, creativity, and trust as core values.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities and details required for each duty listed above. Detailed work plans should be developed with the manager and designed around the duties listed above and should address program and organizational goals.

This position has been reviewed and approved by management.