Job Opportunity: Rare Plants Ecologist at Institute for Applied Ecoogy

[Clayton Meredith]

The Institute for Applied Ecology’s Southwest Branch has position open for Rare Plants Ecologist! Please share with anyone who may be interested.

About the role:

The Southwest Rare Plants Ecologist will lead the rare plants field crew and demography research for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Rare Plant Monitoring Initiative, operated by the Institute for Applied Ecology. More information about the program can be found here and in this blog by the 2023 crew. During the field season (March – October), the Ecologist will lead a crew of two technicians to monitor demography of rare plants on BLM lands across NM following established protocols, particularly in areas where multiple-use land management (i.e. energy extraction) impacts on rare plants are expected. This work is highly seasonal; ~90% of the work over the field season will be spent on overnight data collection trips, and ~90% of the offseason will be spent in the office. Crews will be required to drive to remote areas throughout New Mexico, camp overnight for 2-7 consecutive days, hike up to several miles a day, and return to the office for equipment and data management. Following the field season, the Ecologist will develop population models from the field collected data and prepare written reports and presentations. While rare plant inventories are the focus, the Ecologist will support other plant conservation program projects depending on the candidate’s interests and experience. These projects may include native seed collection and rare plant seed banking, pollinator monitoring, floristic diversity surveys and native plant restoration.

This is a full-time, hourly position that requires overnight camping and non-traditional work hours sometimes inclusive of weekend and evening hours.

Specific Responsibilities

Project management (35%)

Adhere to existing monitoring protocols based on project objectives
Plan overnight camping and field work schedule
Frequent and regular communication with land managers or partners to provide technical updates, facilitate access to monitoring sites, and coordinate partner field support; represent IAE in a professional manner
Coordination and supervision of others
Supervise, support and work alongside 2 seasonal field technicians
Coordinate team schedules and logistics and manage expenses
Train technicians to collect and manage data in ArcGIS products (e.g., Survey123), and coordinate trainings required by partner organizations
Prioritize safety; adhere to check-in/check-out procedures and communications via cell phone or GPS device to ensure crew safety; provide safety trainings for crew
Ensures adherence to IAE and partner-owned field and office equipment use protocols

Data collection (30%)

Collect and manage data with ArcGIS products (e.g., Survey123) and troubleshoot issues that arise
Identify and monitor target species
Independently perform data QA/QC and design simple queries to extract data from database
Data analysis (20%)

Perform data quality control and analysis in Microsoft Excel and R
Design population models and viability analyses for multiple rare plant species in NM
Writing (15%)

Contribute to and edit scientific reports and/or peer-reviewed publications
Contribute to IAE newsletters and social media posts

Minimum Qualifications
A positive attitude with an interest in ecology and botany and working as part of a team
Plant ID skills using technical keys
2+ field seasons performing plant identification and vegetation sampling
Previous leadership experience leading a group of two or more people
Effective oral and written communication skills and experience working on a team
Experience with project management
Organized and detail-oriented
Basic computer skills
Experience with ArcGIS Online interface and ArcGIS tablet applications (Field Maps and Survey 123)
Ability to use R software for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization, or the ability and self-motivation to learn
Self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision after initial training period; must be capable of performing well in an office setting, as well as the field
Familiarity with basic plant taxonomy, including major families and botanical vocabulary
Willingness to spend multiple days (2-7 days at a time) car-camping in remote areas; familiarity with and willingness to adhere to best practices for field safety and Leave No Trace principles
Capacity to coordinate camping logistics with field crews (e.g. shopping, cooking, and cleaning responsibilities) and be responsible for crew safety
Able to conduct frequent bending, kneeling, and standing
Able to work in a variety of adverse weather conditions, which may include extreme heat and sun exposure, monsoonal rains, flash flooding, lightning, and hazardous wildlife (i.e. rattlesnakes, scorpions, bears)
A valid driver’s license with the ability to drive a 4WD vehicle off-highway

Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of plants of the Southwest
Experience developing population models from field collected data
Coursework/training in botany and/or degree in botany or related field
Current CPR, First Aid, Wilderness First Aid or Defensive Driver Training Certificates
Able to lift up to 40 lbs.
Able to hike up to 6 miles a day

The position is based in IAE’s Santa Fe office, though frequent travel will be required during the field season.

Compensation is $23-28 per hour depending on experience with a competitive benefits package.

Apply online at https://appliedeco.org/get-involved/jobs/

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis with a best consideration date of September 1, 2025.

Any questions should be directed to Clay Meredith (claymeredith@appliedeco.org).

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