Botanical Research Aide (Hourly)
About The Position
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is recruiting 2 Botanical Research Assistants to assist in vegetation data collection in the tallgrass prairies of West-Central and Southwest Missouri. Assistants will work along the botany crew leader and Grassland Ecologist to identify prairie plant species and record vegetation data for a long-term study investigating the effects of patch burn grazing with cattle (PBGC) on remnant prairie plant communities. This position offers an opportunity to further develop botanical identification skills, gain a better understanding of prairie ecosystems, and interact with professionals in the natural resources field.
Requirements
- Two years of undergraduate education in one of the sciences (e.g., Wildlife, Fisheries, Forestry, or Biological Sciences).
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
- Experience or course work involving plant identificatin to species.
- Capable of working cooperatively with others, as well as working independently with little daily supervision.
- Experience with some word processing (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint) and database software (Excel or Access).
- Must be hard-working and enthusiastic.
- Can communicate well with other co-workers, crews, local wildlife biologists, and landowners,
- Can maintain and operate field equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Nice To Haves
- Experience and/or knowledge of GIS (i.e., ARCMAP) and GPS technologies
- can collect accurate field data with legible writing and attention to detail
- experience and/ or knowledge of prairie/grassland systems.
- Experience using UTVs and ATVs, and driving a 4x4 truck while towing UTV/ATV trailer (helpful but not required; training will be provided).
- Experience with vegetation sampling and field research (helpful but not required),
- Experience working with cattle, avian identification by sight and sound, insect collection and identification (helpful but not required).
Responsibilities
- Assess species diversity by documenting presence/absence, growth and development, and percent cover of select plant species on 5 remnant prairies (both grazed and ungrazed units).
- Maintain adherence to protocols with limited supervision.
- Develop skills and become proficient in identification of 200+ prairie plants to species
- Assist in bee surveys on 5 remnant prairies (both grazed and ungrazed units).
- Assist with other duties include collecting and mounting plant specimens, assisting in herbarium maintenance, and bee processing and pinning. Will use GPS and GIS technology to map sites and will assist with data entry and database management.
- Maintain the accuracy of and availability to information in various databases.
- Provide limited scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
- Perform general maintenance on tools and equipment.
- Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
