Job Opportunity: Conservation Botanist at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

[David Remucal]

Program Overview

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s Plant Conservation Program establishes the Arboretum as an important center of endangered species research, conservation and restoration. The program’s primary focus is on work with endangered species that tend to be either federally or state-listed. However, there are some species that are not legally defined as endangered, but are considered at-risk by other authorities warranting attention by this program. Another specialized focus of this program is work to preserve and protect native species of orchid.

Our team works to identify key species and populations and develop both conservation strategies to benefit these plants. Strategies include:

• Collaboration with conservation partners
• Seed collection for long-term storage
• Propagation for research and reintroduction
• Population monitoring
• Outreach and education

Position Overview

The Conservation Botanist supports and develops the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s (MLA) Plant Conservation Program (PCP). The incumbent works with the Plant Conservation Program, functioning as a specialist in field activities, acting as a field botanist/ecologist and managing projects focused on these skill sets.

Specifically, this includes research and application of ex situ conservation of native rare plants in the region, including seedbanking, rescue, restoration, management and survey/monitoring. In pursuit of these goals, the position will manage or assist with individual programs and projects, especially for programs in rare plant monitoring and rescue. To complete activities, the position will also coordinate, train, manage and schedule teams of staff and volunteers for individual projects

Responsibilities Summary

Plant Conservation Research and Program Development

• Participates in strategic planning and development of the Arboretum’s Plant Conservation Program (PCP)
• Participates in education and public outreach programs
• Collaborates with appropriate land management agencies, and other partners, to develop and implement strategies to ensure the conservation of Minnesota’s most imperiled plants.
• Develops project structure, including project scope, infrastructure and staffing needs, funding requirements, outside partnership opportunities, permits, agreements (MOUs) and access requirements, etc.

Project Management and Research

• Reviews available data to identify species, taxonomic groups, or natural plant communities in need of conservation support.
• Identifies and secures all necessary permits to complete field work
• Demonstrates and maintains expertise in botanical and field survey methodology
• Conducts fieldwork in a safe and effective manner and oversees participating staff, interns, and volunteers.

Project Funding and Budgets

• Identifies and reviews potential funding opportunities and applies for funding in collaboration with staff.
• Manages budgets and provides necessary information for invoicing or billing.

Staff and Volunteer Supervision

• Recruits, trains, directs and oversees volunteers assisting with plant conservation projects
• Trains, directs and oversees seasonal staff and interns assisting with plant conservation projects

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, ecology or related fields and six years of related work experience, or master’s degree in botany or related fields and four years of related work experience.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion including the ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals with diverse identities and underrepresented groups.
• Demonstrated experience with botanical field work
• Demonstrated ability to work with partners external to your employment
• Ability to work remotely under adverse field conditions
• Proficiency in database and data management
• Proficiency in GIS software and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with permitting processes (ideally governmental)
• Experience with grant writing and grant management
• Ability to work independently or in small teams
• Experience with species assessments
• Experience developing and implementing new programs
• Experience managing a complex and diverse work portfolio
• Comfortable presenting results of research and projects to a variety of audiences
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partners and various stakeholders.

Special/Physical Requirements:

This position requires frequent travel among worksites including travel to offsite locations throughout Minnesota and occasional national and international travel will also be required. Must be able to work in a variety of outdoor environments for prolonged periods of time. Outdoor exposures may include temperatures above 90 degrees and below 32 degrees, biting insects and poisonous plants.

College Overview

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) is composed of 13 academic departments, 10 research and outreach centers across Minnesota, plus the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Bell Museum, and dozens of interdisciplinary centers that span the college, the university, and the globe. CFANS offers thirteen undergraduate majors and thirteen graduate majors, three pre-major/pre-professional programs and 23 minors for undergraduate students. Undergraduate enrollment in the college is about 2000 students. CFANS students are well-prepared for a diverse, multicultural workforce through the college’s emphasis on experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural learning; internships and global perspectives.

At CFANS, we aim to inspire minds, nourish people, and enhance the natural environment, and we believe that’s only possible if everyone feels seen, heard and respected. Our College embraces equity and diversity and prioritizes purpose-driven scientific discovery in order for us to build a better tomorrow, together. We align with the University of Minnesota in providing equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Salary/Benefits:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The University of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays
• Low cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Health care and dependent daycare flexible spending accounts
• Excellent retirement plans with generous employer contribution and immediate vesting
• Employer paid disability and life insurance
• Wellbeing program with reduced insurance premiums
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities covering 75% of eligible tuition
• Opportunities for growth and promotion
• Employee Assistance Program

For more information regarding benefits, see Summary of Benefits.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online. For more detailed information about the position and to apply see here.

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