Conservation Botanist

Position Summary
The purpose of the Conservation Botanist is to further the impact of research on imperiled species fire and environmental factors in the SE Coastal Plain and to coordinate associated conservation activities with partners and stakeholders. To meet these goals and extend the mission of NCBG the Conservation Botanist in conjunction NCBG staff and a collaborative research team will participate in and engage partners with research designed to understand the changing role of prescribed fire and environmental factors on rare flora in the SE Coastal Plain particularly Venus flytrap and associated species with aims to improve current and future management practices. The Conservation Botanist will conduct field work and/or coordinate partners to collect and analyze data on the status and abundance of rare plant species analyze management history to develop priorities matching rare plant occurrence and management needs coordinate community groups and agency partners in active conservation in conjunction with the research organize and lead stakeholder meetings to present research findings on future best practices participate in data collection on Venus flytrap research and assist in leading undergraduate research projects in line with project goals. The Conservation Botanist will also support the mission and vision of the North Carolina Botanical Garden. This is a 2.5-year grant funded position contingent upon additional funding.

Required Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Demonstrated experience identifying native plants in their natural habitats. Experience classifying and mapping ecological natural communities in the field. Experience working with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) agencies and private landowners on conservation issues. Demonstrated interpersonal skills. Strong written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated organizational ability. Should be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently as well as part of a team. Willingness to travel throughout North Carolina(NC) and the southeast United States and to work flexible hours including long days overnight travel and some evenings or weekends. Must have a valid NC drivers license or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Professional experience using ArcGIS software to create and edit maps; and analyze spatial data. Experience conducting botanical field surveys in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain regions of North Carolina. In-depth knowledge of the flora of the Coastal Plain and Sandhills of North Carolina including species identification habitat requirements management recommendations and NC Natural Community Classification. Completed coursework in plant taxonomy and ecology. Understanding of fire ecology and/or effects of fire on plants. Understanding of the effects of ecological dynamics on plant populations.