Summer Botany Position

We are seeking an applicant for a summer Botany position at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area within the urban corridor of the Mississippi River near Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. The position runs from June 2, 2022 to August 25, 2022 (dates are firm), with a compensation of approximately $20.75/hour.

The incumbent will be employed by the University of Minnesota, but will work directly with, and report to, the Great Lakes Network of the National Park Service Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program. The goals of the I&M program include monitoring key environmental variables so that ecological change can be detected and addressed in a timely manner.

This is largely a field-based position. The incumbent will assist with the sampling of permanent forest monitoring plots at the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in Minnesota. The incumbent will collect extensive data on the herbaceous layer and browse. They will be expected to identify at least 350 herbaceous species, and have considerable experience identifying members of the family Poaceae and genus Carex. Field work will be performed in teams of 2-3 people, and the incumbent will act as a crew leader. The incumbent may also spend approximately 5-10% of time performing computer work.

This position operates on an 8-day on/6-day off schedule. During the 8-day sampling periods, incumbent will be expected to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. They will be exposed to high temperatures, stinging and biting insects, including thick mosquitoes, and poisonous plants. Hikes to and from plots will be as long as one mile, each direction. The position involves canoeing and motorboat access.

The incumbents are responsible for securing and paying for their own housing in Hastings or the nearby area. Housing may be available near the Carpenter Nature Center in Hastings with details provided during interviews.

Note on COVID: This position is federally-funded; as such, incumbents must have proof of vaccination against COVID. Further, while the majority of work is accomplished outside, there may be a mask requirement for the times we are inside. More details will be available over the coming months.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, detailed resume (no page limit), professional references, and unofficial transcripts to Suzanne Sanders (suzanne_sanders@nps.gov) by January 23, 2022. Include a phone number and email address that you check regularly. If you are selected for an interview, you will be contacted by telephone in early February. No phone calls or emails, other than applications, please. Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.