Hi folks - Thought some of you might know someone who might be interested in this opportunity. Sue Gawler -----Original Message----- From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2002 11:46 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [Ecology] Botanical Research Position Open at NatureServe Ecology mailing list Encourage group discussion-- reply to: [log in to unmask] http://lists.natureserve.org/mailman/listinfo/ecology _______________________________________________ Hi all, NatureServe's Botany Dept. in Arlington, VA is recruiting for the position of Botanical Research Assistant. The complete job posting follows. Please pass along to anyone interested and qualified. Many thanks, Kat INSTITUTIONAL BACKGROUND: NatureServe is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and providing knowledge about the world's natural diversity. Working in partnership with its member programs - 75 independent natural heritage programs and conservation data centers that gather scientific information on rare plants and animals and ecosystems in the United States, Latin America, and Canada - NatureServe is a leading source for the biodiversity information that is essential for effective conservation action. NatureServe was formed in July 1999 as the Association for Biodiversity Information when The Nature Conservancy and the Natural Heritage Network jointly established an independent organization to advance the application of biodiversity information to conservation. NatureServe uses staff expertise and scientific methods that reflect more than 25 years of experience, research, and development to address biodiversity information needs at regional, national, and international levels. 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, dental and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; annual and sick leave; and life insurance. SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Botanical Research Assistant assists other Botany Program staff in obtaining, entering, and reviewing information in various botanical publications and databases regarding the classification, distribution, and conservation status of North American native and alien plants, with particular attention to global and national conservation priority ranks, taxonomic classifications and synonymies, species biology and ecology, invasiveness rankings of alien species, and legal statuses for vascular and nonvascular plants of the United States and Canada. The incumbent will also assist in reviewing and reconciling botanical data received from Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers and other sources, reviewing scientific journals, and entering bibliographic citations, and will help maintain the manual files and library. She/he will also assist in other botanical projects and related work as assigned; to extent feasible, incumbent's experience and professional interests will be considered in selecting additional projects. The Botanical Research Assistant is supervised by the Botanical Research Associate and supervises no staff. DUTIES: 1. Assist departmental staff in maintaining the accuracy and currency of NatureServe's botanical databases, including resolution of discrepancies related to taxonomy, nomenclature, distribution, and conservation status of U.S. and Canadian vascular and nonvascular plant species, as well as the maintenance of current U.S. and Canadian federal status information. 2. Provide botanical database support to North American heritage programs and conservation data centers, particularly by providing botanical review and problem resolution during annual data exchanges, by answering routine element-coding requests, and by assisting with other kinds of data requests. 3. Research, summarize, and write or revise database information regarding the conservation status of various vascular and nonvascular plant species. This work typically includes occasional visits to scientific libraries in the Washington, D.C., area, as well as internet research and personal communication with Heritage botanists and other experts. Research will be conducted in coordination with other department staff. 4. Assist in maintaining and expanding the botanical manual files as well as the bibliography database by locating, photocopying, filing, abstracting, and entering pertinent data. 5. Assist in responding to information requests and answering priority inquiries from the public Web site. 6. Perform other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS: 1. A masters degree in botany, ecology, or biology with coursework in plant taxonomy, biogeography, and plant ecology; or equivalent experience. Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practice of plant classification, synonymy, and nomenclature required. Coursework or experience in plant population biology highly desirable. Working familiarity with major North American geography, landforms, and vegetation types, and the major floristic references for North America north of Mexico, all desirable. Familiarity with the general classification of bryophytes and lichens desirable. Familiarity with plant conservation issues and strategies desirable; familiarity with the methodology of the state natural heritage programs also desirable. 2. Strong writing and editing skills required, including experience in writing concise narrative comments relating to items of scientific data. Fluency in written and spoken English, and experience in writing technical bibliographic citations, all required. 3. Experience with scientific literature searches; with wordprocessing, database and spreadsheet software; and with internet searches all required. Experience in populating, maintaining, and using a large, multifile, multiuser scientific database highly desirable, including experience in data entry, quality control, data editing, searching, and report generation. Experience with taxonomic or floristic databases and with machine-to-machine data transfer desirable. 4. Demonstrated ability to work independently, set priorities, follow procedures, deal meticulously with details, and work productively with others in a collaborative atmosphere and network setting required. Must be well organized, capable of heavy workload and meeting deadlines, and seeking intellectual challenge. 5. Demonstrated commitment to conservation of natural diversity and the mission of NatureServe. CONTACT: K. Maybury NatureServe 1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor Arlington, Va. 22209 Fax: 703-908-1917 E-mail: [log in to unmask] Internet: www.natureserve.org <http://www.natureserve.org> Applicants should submit a resume and a letter stating the ways in which the entrance requirements are met. NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer Kat Maybury Science Division, NatureServe (formerly the Association for Biodiversity Information) ph: 703.908.1882 <[log in to unmask]> _______________________________________________ Ecology mailing list [log in to unmask] http://lists.natureserve.org/mailman/listinfo/ecology