Botanist – Plant Ecologist

Overview of position:

The position is a 2-year term position with the potential for extension based upon future funding availability. The position is located in Santa Fe, NM but Albuquerque will be considered as an alternative work location. At this time, the position is required to report to work at a state office (i.e., no hybrid telework option is currently available).  

The position conducts botany related fieldwork, such as survey and monitoring, to determine long term status and trends, statewide rarity, understanding current distribution, habitat, biology and vulnerability of New Mexico’s rare and endangered plant species, including inventories to document the presence/absence of endangered plants at the direction of the State Botanist. The position also assists with coordinating work directly related to federal grants and partnership agreements, especially with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); implementing conservation actions outlined in the New Mexico Rare Plant Conservation Strategy; implementing the NM Rare Plant Act; assisting with coordinating rare plant working groups; and providing assistance in reviewing permit requests resulting from the revision of the State Endangered Rare Plant Rule 19.21.2.7 NMAC, which authorizes incidental take of rare plants.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following:

• Experience with and passion for conducting field work and collecting thorough, accurate data (including plant specimens for identification and documentation) and other field observations on data forms, field notes, and/or electronic data systems.
• Familiarity with collecting and managing detailed data using GPS, field data collections devices, and mapping software such as ArcGIS preferred.
• Familiarity with southwest flora (New Mexico flora preferred) and/or adept at identifying plants using dichotomous keys.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and foster positive relationships with resource management professionals, partner organizations, and members of the public.
• Willingness to be in the field for multiple weeks at a time (not including weekends). Significant travel is to be anticipated throughout the field season requiring overnight stays and occasional camping.
• Ability to travel to a field location, hike, and conduct fieldwork for long hours, sometimes in inclement weather and/or rugged terrain; ability to carry equipment and supplies up to 40 pounds.
• Work effectively as a member of a team towards common goals, as well as independently on specific tasks.
• Ability to read maps and navigate in remote terrain and off-trail.
• Strong writing skills and ability to extract, snynthesize, and analyze data for reporting using relational databases or Excel.
• Enthusiasm for coordination and facilitation of public meetings, councils, commissions, and technical workshops.

Questions regarding the position can be sent to Erika Rowe (NM State Botanist): erika.rowe@emnrd.nm.gov. Visit our webpage for more information on the NM Rare and Endangered Plant Program: Botany Program – Forestry