Botanist – Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming

Laramie, WY

Position Title: Botanist – Wyoming Natural Diversity Database

Organization: University of Wyoming 

Location: Laramie, WY

Duties:

  • Maintain, update, and refine the WYNDD collection of documented observations of plant taxa in Wyoming, using workflows and attribution schemes that efficiently integrate observation records into the WYNDD database and web applications, and with special attention to rare taxa and to maintaining a current, robust, and transparent plant taxonomic scheme.
  • Maintain, update, and refine the WYNDD collection of range maps, predictive distribution maps, conservation and management ranks, and Wyoming Species Accounts (including phenological information and imagery collection) for plant taxa in Wyoming, again emphasizing rare taxa and integration of updated products into standing WYNDD technologies.
  • Identify and prioritize information needs that will improve core products. Communicate those needs to the Director and other WYNDD researchers; collaborate on the research necessary to fill them, with attention to sampling designs and data collection/ delivery formats that best integrate the research results with WYNDD products, needs, and processes. 
  • Acquire grants, contracts, and research agreements to support 30% of the position salary, targeting projects that address high priority information needs that, when filled, will most efficiently improve WYNDD Botany core products and best inform WYNDD partners. This 30% support could be in the form of standalone projects, or by serving as a funded co-PI, adviser, or other team member on projects led by other WYNDD personnel.  Projects that require high levels of support personnel, supervision, and logistical coordination are expected to be led by other WYNDD research staff, with the Botanist in an advisory and/ or supporting role.   
  • Communicate regularly with partners in state and federal agencies, and private organizations, regarding ongoing research and status of plants and their habitats in the state.  The Rocky Mountain Herbarium is an especially important partner in this context.  The Botanist will actively and regularly inform the WYNDD Director, Associate Director, and other staff of substantive communications with partners.  All WYNDD personnel are encouraged to communicate with all partners regarding relevant natural resource topics, so unit-wide awareness of all ongoing discussions is necessary to maintain consistent and coordinated messaging and operations. 
  • Participate as appropriate in partner-led working groups and initiatives such as USFWS SSA technical teams or workshops, recovery task forces, SWAP revision groups, and similar.
  • Participate thoughtfully and regularly in all necessary UW and WYNDD business practices, management routines, and meetings.  Complete all trainings and development courses required by UW and WYNDD.     
  • Maintain status as a professional Botanist via technical skills development, society memberships, and conference activities. 

Qualifications:

  • Dedication to and focus on acquiring, synthesizing, maintaining, and distributing digital data and information products required by a diverse partner community. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of, and practical field experience with, Rocky Mountain flora. 
  • Experience manipulating large digital datasets for analysis, visualization, and archiving.  
  • Strong proficiency with GIS and GPS technologies to plan, conduct, and present data assessments.
  • Practical experience with common computer hardware (e.g., desktop/ laptop, tablet, GPS) and software (e.g., MS Office suite; Zoom and other remote conferencing systems).   
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling clear presentation of research findings and complex botanical information to diverse audiences, including scientists, policymakers, and the general public.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • EDUCATION:  Master’s degree in Botany, Plant Sciences, Ecology, or a related field.
  • EXPERIENCE:  3 years of direct work experience successfully applying and developing the qualifications and skills outlined above. Experience proposing, acquiring, conducting, and completing botanical research projects. 
  • 5 years professional experience successfully applying and developing the qualifications and skills outlined above.
  • In-depth understanding of plant taxonomy, ecology, and conservation, particularly as it relates to Wyoming’s flora.
  • Experience designing and using digital data collection templates, and developing and using databases.
  • Experience with R, Python, or other languages for managing and analyzing data.
  • Practical knowledge of the network of State Natural Heritage Programs; familiarity with the basic mission and function of such programs.

Salary/Pay: $65,000 – $72,000 (plus fringe)

Application Deadline: 11/21/2024, 11:59 PM MDT

How to Apply: Please use the online application to view the full job description as well as how to apply.