Ecology Project Assistants (2 positions) Institutional Background: The West Virginia Natural Heritage Program is part of the Wildlife Resources Section of the Division of Natural Resources, a state government agency. The Natural Heritage Program is responsible for conducting inventories for, maintaining electronic databases and manual files on, and disseminating information about rare species and exemplary natural communities in the state. It is a member program of NatureServe. Additional information about the ecology aspects of the program can be found on the internet at http://www.wvdnr.gov/Wildlife/Ecolog.shtm .
Summary of Position: The ecology project assistants will work as part of a team to complete grant funded projects within the community ecology group of the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program. These projects use standard Natural Heritage methodology to sample vegetation plots, maintain databases, classify community types at the association level, develop state conservation ranks and occurrence specifications, and document and map individual occurrences. The position will be stationed in Elkins, located near scenic mountain areas with abundant year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. Fieldwork during the summer months will involve week-long overnight travel, possibly camping and/or sharing motel rooms. The position will provide experience in many phases of a Natural Heritage community ecology project. . Expected start date is May 2010. This is a temporary, 1,000 hour position with wage of $9-12 per hour and limited benefits. Duties: 1. Sample vegetation plots as part of a 2 person crew. Standard methods include collecting location coordinates with a GPS, identifying and estimating cover of all vascular plant species, digging soil pits, collecting soil samples and specimens of unknown plant species (including non vascular plants), measuring environmental variables, and describing environmental conditions and landscape context. 2. Survey populations of rare plants and animals tracked by WV Natural Heritage Program when they are encountered within the project areas. 3. Collect and process plant specimens. Includes pressing and drying specimens, entering label data, and mounting specimens on herbarium sheets. 4. Plot data entry and quality control. Enter plot data in an Access database. 5. Process soil samples from plots. Dry and sieve soil samples for chemical analysis by an outside lab. 6. Assist with other Natural Heritage Program projects and events as needs, interest, and time dictate. Desired Qualifications: 1. Bachelors degree in ecology, botany, or related discipline is preferred. 2. Plant taxonomy skills, an understanding of the principles of community ecology, and familiarity with the biota and natural communities of the Appalachians. 3. Ability to work independently and in collaborative roles. Excellent communication skills. 4. Skills and experience in GPS, GIS, and databases. 5. Ability and desire to work outdoors, traveling long distances by vehicle and on foot carrying a pack across rugged terrain, enduring insects, heat, cold, and rain, AND ability and desire to work at a desk indoors for long hours, primarily with computers. 6. Map and compass navigational skills. 7. Computer skills: Windows, Excel, Access, Word, ArcView, ArcGIS. 8. Valid driver's license. 9. Attention to detail and accuracy. 10. Commitment to conservation of biological diversity. Application: Send resume and cover letter to: Jim Vanderhorst West Virginia Division of Natural Resources PO Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241 Email: [email protected] Phone: 304-637-0245. Posted March 9, 2010
