Botanical Research Assistant, The Missouri Department of Conservation

Title:  Botanical Research Assistant

Pay Rate:   $9.86/hr

Dates:  May 9, 2018 – September 1, 2018*

Hours:  40 hrs/week

Number of positions: 3

Supervisor: Dr. Elizabeth Middleton, Grassland Botanist, Missouri
Department of Conservation

Summary: The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) Grassland Systems
Field Station is recruiting 3 Botanical Research Assistants to assist in
vegetation data collection in the tallgrass prairies of West-Central and
Southwest Missouri. Assistants will work along with the grassland
botanist and the botany crew leader to identify prairie plant species
and record vegetation data for a long-term study investigating the
effects of patch burn grazing 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.

Duties: Project tasks include assessing species presence/absence of 50
species, strict adherence to protocols with limited supervision, assist
in the identification of 200+ prairie plants to species, and driving an
MDC truck with trailer. Assistants will be responsible for independently
collecting presence/absence data.  As time allows, assistants will work
with the grassland botanist or the botany crew leader to collect plant
community diversity data. Other duties include collecting and mounting
plant specimens and assisting in herbarium maintenance.

Qualifications: Must be working towards or have completed a Bachelor’s
Degree in Biology, Ecology, or related field.  It is preferred that the
assistant has completed a plant taxonomy, field botany, or similar
course. Experience with vegetative sampling and field research is highly
desired. Assistants must have interest in learning about tallgrass
prairie plant communities. Botanical training will be provided, but
basic taxonomic knowledge is a prerequisite for the position. Research
Assistants must be detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and
possess a strong work ethic and excellent organizational skills.
Assistants must work effectively with minimal supervision and as part of
a research team. Assistants must be able to hike 1 to 4 miles a day on
uneven terrain, cheerfully endure heat and high humidity, and orient
plots with the use of a compass. Assistants will be required to work
long hours outdoors with work beginning at 6:30 am, and they will be
expected to endure harsh field conditions (heat, humidity, ticks,
chiggers, spiders, briars, and uneven terrain). Assistants must be able
to travel statewide including frequent overnight stays. Assistants must
have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable driving 4-wheel drive
trucks, hauling ATVs on trailers, and backing trailers. A field vehicle
is provided. MDC-sponsored housing is available at a minimal cost. The
housing is in short distance to the Clinton office and is shared by
other field station hourly staff. The successful candidate must submit
to a drug screen following the offer of employment.

*Disclaimer: Potential continuation of employment after June 15, 2018 is
dependent upon Conservation Commission approval of the FY2019 operating
budget.

Application:
Please send the following materials to Elizabeth Middleton
(Elizabeth.Middleton@mdc.mo.gov). Please put ‘Botanical Research
Assistant” in the subject line of your email.
1)      electronic cover letter,
2)      detailed CV,
3)      college transcripts (unofficial is ok, but must be able to
obtain official transcript on request), and
4)      phone and email contact information for at least 2 professional
references, including a recent employer.

For more information, contact:
Elizabeth Middleton
Missouri Department of Conservation
Grassland Botanist
Phone (preferred): 660-885-6981 x 230
Email: elizabeth.middleton@mdc.mo.gov

Deadline: 5:00 PM February 5, 2018