Botanist/Ecologist

The ACES employee may telework provided that the alternate worksite is safe, and has reliable access to the internet, a reliable computer, and any office supplies that are needed to succeed with completing the deliverables. This employee agrees to work at times that are conducive for team engagement as requested.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 20 year(s) of experience OR BA/BS Degree in Agriculture, natural resources, agronomy or related field of study

• Plant Identification Skills, especially with species native to Southcentral Alaska.
• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

Duties:

Develops and integrates ecological and botanical information into Forest products and provides technical advice for planting plans and project implementation. Weather permitting makes on-the-ground investigations of complex ecological and botanical relations. Aggregates information and recommendations from an interdisciplinary team to provide expert recommendations on how to best achieve vegetation and wetland restoration outcomes.

• Write a Planting Plan report.   80%
• Support field effort to evaluate site conditions suitable for specific species of plants. Ideally coordinate field visits with project botanist(s), soil scientist, and restoration leads.   15%
• Participate in USFS project-specific meetings.   5%

• Travel Requirements: This position may require travel, depending on weather and site conditions. The field site is near the town of Hope, AK and is accessible by a vehicle that does not require 4-WD. A government vehicle will not be provided for travel. The employee is expected to use their personal vehicle and request mileage reimbursement.
• Health and Safety Considerations: Should the employee be asked to go to the field there are hazards associated with working outdoors in Alaska. There may be inclement weather, hazardous wildlife, biting insects, and uneven ground to walk on. The employee is required to always have a USFS escort to provide navigation assistance and bear deterrents. The ACES employee may not carry on a firearm onto the field site. The USFS will provide Personal Protective Equipment. The field site is an active construction site.
• Required Safety Gear: A high visibility reflective vest, ear plugs, and a hard hat will be provided to the employee prior to entering the field site. The ACES employee is expected to provide their own backpack to carry their own personal first aid kit, wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions, and bring adequate food and water for the day.
• Safety Gear Use: This safety equipment would be used when in the project area field site.
• Physical requirements: For 85% of the time, the employee will be doing light office duties that do not require heavy lifting. For up to 15% of the time, the employee may be in the field walking across uneven ground and carrying a small pack that may weigh up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.