Rare Plant Conservation Technician

Overview:
Assist in rare and native plant conservation and research in MN by working alongside MN Landscape Arboretum and MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff through the MN PlantWatch program and the Arboretum’s Plant Conservation Program (PCP). Travel to native habitats throughout MN to help train and assist volunteers to search for rare plants, conduct vegetation surveys, collect seed for rare plant seed banking, and assist in rare plant rescues. Assist with logistics coordination, data collection and entry, seed cleaning, and other conservation and research activities. Position will run from May 13th – Sept 27th 2024, limited flexibility may be available upon request.

Hourly pay rate: $19

Job Responsibilities:

50% Drive to various parts of MN to conduct outdoor fieldwork in a range of natural habitat settings. This travel could be done independently or with other Plant Conservation Program and/or MN PlantWatch staff.

a. Activities may include:

1) Train and work with a diverse array of volunteers and agency staff, including occasionally leading group activities
2) Navigate to natural habitat survey areas, which often requires off-trail hiking in remote locations
3) Conduct plant surveys and monitoring following specific protocols
4) Collect detailed data using field forms, tablets, GPS and various apps, and assist MN PlantWatch participants in their work in this area, as well.
5) Collect seed and plant specimens and assist with digging up and transplanting rare plant rescues
6) Develop and implement plant identification and survey methodology skills
7) Be mindful and proactive on field safety for yourself and others
8) Maintain a positive, collaborative, inclusive, and communicative environment while working with others
9) Perform other tasks as assigned

50% Conduct office, lab, and greenhouse related work in indoor settings.

a. Activities may include:

1) Data entry, data accuracy verification, data management
2) Assist with writing guides, protocols, newsletters, reports, and other narratives
3) Assist with logistics, planning, and coordination for field work with volunteers or groups
4) Assist with creating field maps, querying spatial data, and spatial database management using ArcGIS and other ESRI products
5) Develop training modules for in person, online, and/or video trainings
6) Represent MN PlantWatch at events to promote the program and recruit volunteers
7) Seed cleaning and cataloging for the Rare Plant Seed Bank
8) Assist with transplanting and maintaining plants stored in greenhouses or outdoor plots
9) Assist with simple lab activities typically involving seed testing and germination research
10) Other activities as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications (must be mentioned on application and/or resume):

• Vocational or technical training in basic botany training or coursework.
• Basic computer software
• Basic botany training
• Experience working or spending extensive time in outdoor environments
• Experience operating GPS units or similar technology

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Botany, ecology or similar.
• Outdoor work experience in natural environments
• Plant identification in upper Midwest
• Familiarity with habitats in upper Midwest
• Data collection, management, and following scientific protocols
• Working effectively with diverse groups of people and volunteers
• Proactive problem solving and safety awareness
• Experience using mapping/data collection programs such as ArcGIS, Survey123, Field Maps, and Avenza
• Navigating with satellite imagery or topographic maps
• Ability to work in remote areas with minimal supervision
• Planning and leading group activities or outings