Field Botanist Technician

Cleveland Metroparks is seeking crew members to work with the Plant Community Assessment Program to assist with long-term vegetation monitoring in Cleveland Metroparks. The position reports to the Vegetation Research Coordinator at West Creek Reservation; however, will work at reservations across Cleveland Metroparks. Housing may be available.

Responsibilities:

• Participates as a member of a 3-person field crew led by the Field Botanist.
• Assists in navigating to, setting up and sampling 0.1 hectare (20 m x 50m) permanent vegetation sampling plots.
• Records and maintains accurate, well-organized data in written and electronic format.
• Safely operates and maintains equipment including but not limited to forestry measurement tools, portable data collectors, and other related equipment.
• Prepares plant voucher specimens and soil samples.

Qualifications

• Must have completed two years of college courses with relevant course work and/or educational experience in natural resources, natural sciences, i.e., biology, geology, hydrology, etc., forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or related fields. At least six months of field experience, research experience, or other directly relevant job experience.

• Knowledge and practical outdoor work experience including plant, insect, mammal, or bird identification skills, farming, forestry, hydrology, aquatic ecology, civil engineering, GIS or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills. For research related positions, knowledge and experience in research methods is desirable.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to learn standard vegetation sampling protocols quickly.
• Familiarity with Ohio Flora
• Ability to read maps, follow written directions, and navigate through forest or wetland areas
• Ability to collect accurate, unbiased information.
• Energy and eagerness for field work and the ability to work independently and in team settings.
• Demonstrated ability to work a flexible schedule as the field work demands.
• Experience in computer applications including word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and/or GIS and GPS and associated hardware is desirable
• Ability to walk up to 5 miles daily through challenging terrain including heavy vegetation, wetlands, and steep slopes.
• Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to work outdoors and tolerate the climate and conditions of natural areas typical of northeast Ohio (including heat, humidity, poison ivy, and biting/stinging insects)
• Energy and enthusiasm for field work.
• Experience and knowledge of natural resource conservation practices and procedures preferred
• Responsible attitude and work ethic.
• Positive disposition and ability to work well with a diverse team.
• Communicates well and continually updates co-workers and supervisor of progress and problems.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders, including employees and the general public.
• Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely and persuasively with ability to communicate one-on-one or in group settings.
• Ability to perform work with a high degree of accuracy and organization.
• Ability to perform with independence and initiative.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday up to 40 hours per week May - August/September; occasional weekends required

Application Deadline: Open until filled