Associate Vegetation Ecologist / Data Analyst

The Associate Vegetation Ecologist / Data Analyst is a full-time non-exempt position directly supervised by the Vegetation Field Data Specialist. The Ecologist is responsible for supporting the Bureau of Land Management’s Assessment, Inventory, and Monitoring (AIM) program to coordinate data collection on BLM lands throughout California. They will review and complete Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) procedures for AIM datasets, provide technical support and training to field staff in the use of ArcGIS Field Maps and Survey123, work with BLM staff on data management and storage of AIM data and related datasets, and complete basic analysis and reporting. The position includes funding for at least 1 year (12 months) of full-time work, beginning in January 2022, and may be extended an additional year.

CNPS Vegetation Program
The CNPS Vegetation Program supports a uniform system for vegetation sampling, classification, and mapping. This system, developed over the past 25 years by CNPS and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), is used by both governmental and non-governmental institutions to map, categorize, describe, and rank rarity of vegetation. At the heart of this effort is A Manual of California Vegetation; originally a hard-copy reference, this resource is now available and regularly updated online. The CNPS Vegetation Program partners with agencies and organizations throughout the state to facilitate and support vegetation data collection efforts.

What You'll Do

Office work

• Coordinate field-based data collection efforts with teams of partners and coworkers in regional projects
• Compile, organize, and synthesize ecological data in geodatabases and spreadsheets
• Perform Quality Assurance (QA) / Quality Control (QC) on California AIM datasets
• Manage, query, analyze and display spatial information using ArcGIS and other tools including AGOL, Field Maps and Survey123
• Develop analysis and reporting tools using AIM data

Field work 

• Assist BLM and other partners to train field staff on field vegetation protocols, and support ongoing fieldwork for CNPS and BLM - AIM field data collection efforts 
• Identify vegetation types with diagnostic keys and plant species using taxonomic keys, hand lens, and dissecting microscope.

Who You Are

Data & office skills:

• Strong organizational, verbal, and written communication, analytical, and computer skills (Windows Operating System, Microsoft Word, Excel, and email)
• Ability to maintain and manage accurate records in digital and hard-copy formats
• Experience with ESRI’s ArcGIS products, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey 123, and Field Maps, to provide map tools for staff and contractors, and to provide outputs for display in reports and querying online
• Proficiency with spatial and tabular databases (e.g., Access) and/or spreadsheets to quality control, manipulate, and manage data
• Familiarity with programming languages such as Python and R to process and manipulate data
• Skill at describing and representing vegetation in classification and mapping efforts, and in written reports
• Experience working with vegetation data, and coordinating efforts to survey, map, describe, and/or classify California’s diverse vegetation plant assemblages
• Experience coordinating with partners and staff to build and facilitate consensus on collaborative projects
• Ability to work independently and coordinate daily tasks of others.

Field skills:

• Strong background in California plant identification and experience conducting botanical surveys and vegetation sampling, including BLM Assessment, Inventory and Monitoring (AIM) protocols and CNPS vegetation protocols
• Experience implementing detailed, vegetation sampling protocols such as BLM AIM protocols 
• Ability to identify live and pressed plants, using the Jepson Manual and other floras
• Experience using digital maps including GPS (Global Positioning System) or other mobile units and field survey equipment (e.g., compass, rangefinder, and tape measure)
• Ability to work individually and in teams to conduct fieldwork in varied conditions, including inclement weather, rugged terrain, poison oak, and other potentially toxic plants
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.

Nice to Haves

• Experience with analysis techniques and scripts such as R and/or Python, to assist in data collection and classification techniques
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken in California. 
• Familiarity with native plants and plant communities throughout California.
• At a minimum, an undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or related field. A master’s or higher degree is preferred.
• Enthusiasm, positive attitude, and ability to work well in a dynamic team setting.

What You'll Get

• Hourly rate between 31.51 – 33.96
• 100% of employee premiums for Kaiser health, life, dental, and vision insurance. PPO options are also available
• 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% matching contributions, eligible immediately
• Annual paid leave benefits include 13 holidays, 12 sick/wellness days, and 10 paid vacation days to start
• A CNPS-issued laptop and a $750 home office stipend to set up your home office
• Monthly telework stipend
• Paid parental leave
• Field gear stipend

Additional Information

• Office work schedule is generally eight hours a day, Monday through Friday. Flexible schedules are possible.
• Fieldwork schedules may be rigorous (e.g., 10 hours/day during 4- or 8-day stints)
• Overnight accommodations include either camping or staying at motels/home rentals with paid travel.
• A federal background check and a valid driver’s license are required for this position.
• While a remote position, this position will be California-based, with required travel to the Sacramento offices and field sites across the State.

Physical Requirements 
This job requires prolonged sitting, use of computer and mouse, and the ability to participate in fieldwork including standing, hiking, driving, carrying gear, and traveling off-trail in sites with variable grade. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

How to apply:

Submit a cover letter and résumé/CV here. Please include any pertinent information, including professional and personal experience, that is relevant to the position. The deadline to apply is November 18, 2022.

CNPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.