For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-natural-heritage-program-botanist-natural-resources-scientist-3-olympia-washington/8554795538?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular%20

Salary– $63,216.00 – $85,020.00 Annually

Responsibilities:

The NHP Botanist’s primary responsibilities are to:

  • Manage scientific programs addressing rare plant conservation efforts of the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program, advising program managers, land managers and executive management on rare plant conservation issues.  
  • Identify, plan and organize plant species research, inventory and monitoring projects.
  • Conduct field inventory, monitoring, and research to acquire data on population size and structure, population ecology, habitat characteristics, threats, and spatial extent of priority rare plant species occurrences for entry into the Natural Heritage database.  
  • Compile data from secondary sources (including knowledgeable amateur and professional botanists, agency scientists and land managers, and published literature) for inclusion into the program’s database.  
  • Establish conservation priorities for rare vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, fungi, and algae in Washington.  In so doing, develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with taxonomic experts, and other scientific organizations and governmental agencies.
  • Coordinate statewide efforts with national and international projects, including efforts by NatureServe to develop data standards for plant species.  
  • Analyze existing and new information on native plant species to verify and update conservation status information.
  • Represent the DNR and the Natural Heritage Program in conservation planning efforts undertaken by state and federal agencies and private conservation organizations, providing scientific expertise regarding ecology and conservation needs of rare plant species.  
  • Serve as DNR’s primary point of contact to provide information and expertise to state lands managers and others regarding priority rare plant species.  
  • Recommend sites, based on high priority rare plant species, for conservation action, including additions to the statewide system of natural areas, land trust acquisitions, inclusion within conservation planning portfolios, and other conservation designations or management as appropriate.  
  • Give presentations on conservation of rare plant species, and on the Natural Heritage Program to groups and organizations as needed;
  • Train/educate personnel (both within and outside the DNR) in Natural Heritage methodology and inventory of rare plant species.
  • Develop grant proposals to fund high priority projects.  
  • Manage individual grants/contracts, including budget development and implementation, related to such efforts. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

  • A Master’s degree with major study in botany, plant ecology or field of study dealing with the ecology or biology of native plant species. 
  • Four years of professional scientific experience in rare plant research, inventory and/or monitoring and one year of rare plant conservation planning.
  • Expertise in rare plant species inventory, monitoring and conservation planning.
  • Working knowledge of the flora of the Pacific Northwest, including an understanding of relevant conservation issues and principles for rare species.
  • Familiarity with field inventory and monitoring techniques, including mapping tools and techniques, appropriate for rare plant species. 
  • Ability to effectively communicate scientific information to other scientists, land managers, policy makers, and others.
  • Physical ability to work alone in undeveloped, remote, forested, or backcountry landscapes and terrains.
  • Ability to work with a variety of partners and cooperators on conservation-related issues.
  • Be responsive to the priorities and needs of the Natural Heritage Program and the DNR.
  • Ability to provide leadership on projects. 
  • Ability to work and communicate successfully with individuals of varying levels of scientific understanding and technical skills.
  • DNR Core Competencies: 
    • Personal Accountability 
    • Value Others 
    • Compassionate Communication 
    • Inspire Others 
    • Commitment to Excellence