Field Botanist Lead

The Field Botanist works in the Plant Community Assessment Program to assist with long-term vegetation monitoring in Cleveland Metroparks. Field Botanist is a Natural Resources Specialist 3 (high-level, lead worker) position that leads field crews and assures quality control for intensive vegetation sampling. The Field Botanist reports to the Vegetation Research Coordinator at West Creek Reservation and works at reservations across the Cleveland Metroparks District. Affordable housing may be available.

Field Botanist responsibilities include:

• Directs a 2-3-person field crew to implement vegetation monitoring protocol

• Navigates to, set-ups and samples 0.1 hectare (20 m x 50 m) permanent vegetation plots

• Records and maintains accurate, well-organized data in written and electronic format

• Identifies all plant species (herbaceous, shrub, and tree) with use of dichotomous keys, estimates plant coverage, measures vertical structure and identifies deer browse

• Collects and prepares plant voucher specimens

• Safely operates and maintains equipment including but not limited to forestry measurement tools, portable data collectors, and other related equipment.

• Assists in the development of reports, performing data entry and/or verification and making presentations related to assigned projects when directed.

Expectations:

• Prior experience with vegetation sampling (particularly the Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity) and qualitative wetland assessment (Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for Wetlands) is preferred.
• Familiarity with Ohio Flora including wetland plants.

• Significant progress, usually three years or more, towards a related college undergraduate degree, or progress toward a graduate degree, in natural resources, natural sciences, i.e., biology, geology, hydrology, etc., forestry, wildlife management, environmental science or related field, or equivalent. Or more than one year natural resource management or research experience required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license under the laws of the State of Ohio.
• Knowledge and practical outdoor work experience including plant, insect, mammal, or bird identification skills, farming, forestry, hydrology, aquatic ecology or a strong desire and aptitude to develop these skills. For research related positions, knowledge and experience in research methods is desirable.
• Ability to read maps, follow written directions, and navigate through forest or wetland areas.
• 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.
• 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)
• Ability to work in adverse conditions including rain, high or low temperatures, high humidity, insects, and difficult terrain.
• Demonstrated field experience and knowledge of natural resource conservation practices and procedures preferred
• Demonstrated 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 the 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 as well as to supervise field staff.