Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $4,467 – $5,000 per month
Deadline: Oct 03, 2023
This position coordinates the rare plant-monitoring program and assists with programmatic coordination and research activities for the UW Botanic Gardens’ Rare Plant Care & Conservation Program (Rare Care). The Rare Care program includes rare plant population monitoring, seed collection and storage, propagation of plant material, research and educating and encouraging the public to support and become involved in the conservation of our plant heritage. Rare Care is focused on conservation of vascular plants designated as rare in Washington State. This position will be responsible for the implementation of the rare plant monitoring program, a citizen science program involving 200 volunteers carrying out fieldwork to monitor rare plant populations. Activities related to the rare plant monitoring program include serving as primary contact with volunteers and land-manager agency partners; coordinating volunteers activities to ensure program goals and Quality Assurance/Quality Control plan are met; planning and carrying out volunteer trainings and recognition events; updating and revising training materials, procedures, and online resources; and conducting outreach to the public. Job responsibilities also include maintaining the program website, preparing outreach materials such as newsletters and Facebook posts, participating on research projects for plant conservation, conducting seed collections, overseeing volunteers activities in the seed banking program, and assisting with the propagation of plants.
This position supervises a workforce that does not have a traditional line of supervisory authority: recruits, selects, trains, and manages a volunteer workforce of approximately 200 volunteers located around the State of Washington to perform rare plant monitoring and seed collections as University representatives. This position coordinates the rare plant monitoring program activities with over 30 federal, state and local government offices and the Washington Natural Heritage Program, a key program partner. This position will require travel to conduct volunteer trainings and to carry out fieldwork in support of the rare plant monitoring program and other research activities related to rare plant conservation.
This position develops outreach relationships with plant conservation community and community volunteers to promote the preservation of rare and endangered plant species. It has extensive contact with students, staff, government agencies, conservation organizations and the public in carrying out program activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Under the general guidance of the program manager but with substantial discretion and decision-making authority, implement the rare plant monitoring program on a day-to-day basis.
• Coordinate monitoring assignments for approximately 200 volunteers, including assembling the monitoring priority list, securing the necessary permits, preparing assignments, preparing maps using ArcGIS, processing volunteer reports and entering results into a database, and distributing reports to land managers. Serve as primary contact with volunteers, providing information regarding activities, policies, monitoring and seed assignments, interpreting assignment data, and plant identification questions. Evaluate project procedures and participate in the development of new tools and technology to improve efficiency. Monitor project progress toward achieving goals and take corrective action when needed. Recruit, train and supervise 200 rare plant monitoring volunteers annually. Volunteers work statewide on their own collecting information on rare plant species, pollinators, and habitat. Leads interns and students assisting with program activities including seed banking, field work and volunteer support activities. 55%
• Carry out field work to collect scientific information on rare plant populations and to collect seeds for the ex-situ collection in the Miller Seed Vault. Includes co-leading an annual monitoring weekend for volunteers, monitoring rare plants for research grants, and carrying out fieldwork to support research activities for recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act. 20%
• Develop and prepare communications to build and maintain relationships with volunteers, donors, program partners and the general public. Maintain the program website and update content and design on an on-going basis; prepare blog posts and newsletters to inform Rare Care’s community about the program; and maintain Rare Care’s social media presence with regular posts and content updates. 10%
• Assist with germination testing of seeds held in the Miller Seed Vault collection and propagation of plants for reintroductions. Train interns, volunteers and students on how to clean and package seeds and propagate plants from seed. Check and record weekly germination, pot seedlings, care for plants in the greenhouse, and assist with outplanting plants in the field. 5%
• Participate in and coordinate arrangements for program events, including leading volunteer trainings, hosting recognition events and outreach events, and hosting other events as required. 5%
• Other related duties as assigned: 5%
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, biology, botany or other related field and at least one year of experience in identifying plants using technical keys.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team and make contributions through collaboration.
• Computer proficiency with a variety of software programs including Microsoft Word and Excel, social media, and email.
• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license to accommodate travel state-wide.
DESIRED:
• Master’s of Science in Environmental Sciences, Biology or Botany;
• Experience in recruiting, training and supervising volunteers doing field work;
• Proficiency with databases, ArcGIS, and web management applications.
• Proven ability to prioritize, problem-solve and work on multiple tasks.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Must be willing to travel across the state to train and monitor volunteers and to perform occasional field work that requires long hours working on uneven and steep terrain in variable weather. The ability to work occasional weekends.
• Must have a strong desire to share an appreciation for and learning of plants and the natural world with the public to promote environmental conservation through education, service and recreation.
Application Information: