Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring Network (TEAM) Botanist/Plant Ecologist for Suriname Site
The Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) Network is looking for a Tropical Botanist/Plant Ecologist consultant with expertise on the flora of the Guiana Shield (particularly trees), strong interest in monitoring of tropical forests, a broad interest in tropical plant ecology/botany, and a commitment to creating a global public data resource on tropical forest ecosystems. The TEAM Botanist/Plant Ecologist would be responsible for the technical implementation of the TEAM Vegetation Protocol at our monitoring site in Central Suriname Nature Reserve (CSNR), Suriname, following TEAMs standardized protocol implementation manual (http://www.teamnetwork.org/en/protocols/bio/vegetation). Work expected includes the setup of six 1-ha plots, training of technical personnel, data collection, data management and data upload to the TEAM portal within a specified period of time. The TEAM Botanist/Plant Ecologist is expected to travel to Suriname between March-April 2010 and complete the setup of six 1-ha plots no later than June 30, 2010. He/She is expected to travel again in August-September 2010 to carry out the first census of these plots. The TEAM Botanist/Plant Ecologist should have a professionally vested interest in long-term research in the tropics and is essentially the person responsible for the scientific quality of the data collected under his/her supervision and whose name will appear on every record of data collected for this particular protocol at the site. The TEAM Botanist/Plant Ecologist must work in close coordination with the TEAM Site Manager in Suriname and TEAM Technical Director to ensure data is collected according to TEAM schedule and with the highest scientific standards outlined in the TEAM protocol. The position will be hired as a consultant by Conservation International-Suriname and will include transportation to Suriname, field expenses and a modest compensation. We envision this position to be a multi-year contract with annual trips to Suriname for 2-4 months during the dry season (August-November) for plot re-census work and data reporting. Qualifications M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, Botany, Environmental Sciences or related field. A minimum of 3 years of experience working in the field measuring and identifying trees in vegetation plots, familiarity with Guiana Shield/Amazonian flora and taxonomic expertise collecting and identifying plant specimens from these regions. Vested interest in long-term research in tropical forests and a publication record that reflects it. Willingness to spend extended periods in remote field sites under harsh field conditions. Ability and experience managing, training and coordinating field technicians who will aid in the data collection Proven ability to work successfully with a broad range of people from different cultural and educational backgrounds. Willingness to assume the responsibilities associated with timely collection and reporting of data as part of regular TEAM network activities. Commitment to making all data collected immediately publically available, in accordance with the TEAM Data Use Agreement. Please send Cover letter, CV and names/addresses of three references to Jorge A. Ahumada ([email protected]) no later than February 15, 2010. TEAMs mission is to generate real time data for monitoring long-term trends in tropical biodiversity and ecosystem services through a global network of field stations, providing an early warning system on the status of biodiversity to effectively guide conservation action. For more information about TEAM please visit http://www.teamnetwork.org.
