SCB Bulletin Board: Last 35 Posts

dslakey on "Rare Plant Treasure Hunt Coordinator Position"

dslakey — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:34:49 +0000

CNPS BOTANIST / VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR POSITION
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
DATE: 01/30/2012
CLOSING DATE: 02/17/2012
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is seeking a Coordinator/botanist for the desert portion of the CNPS Rare Plant Treasure Hunt, a full-time temporary position for approximately six months 2012 (up to 1-3 years or more, depending on funding). The successful candidate will coordinate and lead teams of botanists and amateurs to collect rare plant data, in areas of historical rare plant occurrences within California’s deserts and arid transition zones. The coordinator will work in an office 2-3 days a week (more at onset), conducting outreach and coordinating survey events. The coordinator will spend the remainder of the time in the field, participating in 1-3 day sampling missions often with volunteers, collecting rare plant occurrence information, and camping overnight when necessary. There will be considerable travel involved in this position to conduct outreach and surveys, and most of the field work will be on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and some later season arid transition Forest Service lands. This project is part of the statewide CNPS Rare Plant Treasure Hunt. This portion is funded by grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and the BLM. Please note that housing is not provided. You may read more about the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt on our webpage at http://cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/treasurehunt/. This will be the third year of the project.

Office Location The office is located in Claremont, CA.
Field Locations BLM land throughout Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and arid transitional lands.

The principal focus of this work will consist of outreach to and coordination of volunteers, and to lead trips with volunteers to search for new and historical occurrences of rare plants on BLM lands in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts and some arid transitional lands. The coordinator’s time will be a mix of volunteer outreach, coordination, and field work, leading trips conducting rare plant searches, collecting rare plant data, and collecting and making plant vouchers. This is a great opportunity for people interested in rare plant biology, botany, and citizen science education in California’s arid lands.

Physical job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, hiking, and camping. The position requires the ability to work long field days under rigorous conditions (including inclement conditions), to hike in rugged terrain, to camp in primitive conditions, and to lift/carry equipment that is up to 1/3 of your body weight. The coordinator will need to work many weekends with volunteers.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
• Experience with volunteer coordination and outreach.
• Strong background in California’s desert plant identification to the subspecies and variety level.
• Experience in herbarium botany, plant collecting protocols, and plant pressing techniques
• Excellent people and organizational skills, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
• Willingness and ability work independently in the field and in a remote office.
• Graduate or undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or a related field.
• Ability to give and take direction.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with conducting rare plant surveys.
• Working knowledge of GIS to produce maps for volunteers.
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including hot and otherwise inclement weather.
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.
• A valid California driver’s license, proof of current car insurance, and a safe driving record.
• Ability to lead/train people and ensure safe environment in the desert. Experience leading field crews to perform botanical, ecological, or conservation work would be ideal.
• Experienced at coordinating daily field tasks for people with varying levels of knowledge.
• Ability to manage data for volunteer field teams, ensuring data are recorded and entered accurately, consistently, and efficiently.
• Experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) units and other plant survey equipment (e.g., tape measure, compass, topo maps).
• Certificates in First aid, CPR, and or Wilderness first responder

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Conduct outreach to volunteers and botanists in CNPS and to groups outside of CNPS, through letters, presentations, press releases, email, and other outreach methods.
• Assist with production of educational materials for participants.
• Coordinate and schedule teams of experienced botanists with amateurs for rare plant searches.
• Lead trips with volunteers to conduct Rare Plant Treasure Hunts.
• Work with BLM managers, other partners and agency staff, and botanists to identify rare plant survey priorities and arrange necessary permits/permission to conduct searches and collect voucher specimens.
• Prepare and submit herbarium vouchers with labels to university herbaria.
• Attend trainings and train team leaders when necessary.
• Strive to meet project goals as stated in grants and with supervisor.
• Manage data collected, sending data forms to California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB).
• Follow up with volunteers, and conduct project evaluations with volunteers and partners.
• Assist with grant reports and grant applications as necessary.
• Interact directly with the CNPS project supervisors for project planning and transfer of field data.

The salary is offered at $17-20 per hour, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, temporary at-will, field and office position.

Start time and duration of job beginning in February 2012, through August or January 2013, depending on funding. Extended employment may be possible through future grants/contracts.

Background: The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1965, with more than 9,000 members in 33 chapters. The mission of CNPS is to conserve California native plants and their natural habitats, and to increase the understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.

To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest with résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email). The primary contact is Josie Crawford, Education Program Director. Please do not call regarding this position, and send your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:

California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Rare Plant Treasure Hunt position
Fax: (916) 447-2727
Email: jcrawford@cnps.org

Application deadline and interview: All applications must be received in our office by February 17, 2012. Review of applications will occur upon receipt (before closing deadline), and hiring will occur by March 1, 2012. Please see the CNPS website descriptions of the CNPS organization and the various programs at www.cnps.org.

The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F

Sidestep on "USFS Summer Biological Science Technician and Botanist Positions"

Sidestep — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:22:02 +0000

Do you have any open positions like this one?

tshirt on "Social bookmarking"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:20:10 +0000

Geimhost.com is a Social Bookmarking web site, where registered members can submit their favorite stories, links and others users can simply vote for that stories. submit a new story to Social Bookmarking site geimhost.com.

tshirt on "Business Directory"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:18:46 +0000

Get listed in texoffer.com, top b2b marketplace for products and service from worldwide. If you are seeking Manufacturer, Distributor, Wholesaler's or service providers just do a search and find your supplier.

tshirt on "Technology and lifestyle Updates"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:18:15 +0000

Get informed about recent technology updates from rupkotha.com online technology Lifestyle blog. Read how to articles and get benefits of smartly use of online and offline application and share your acquired knowledge with your social media friends.

tshirt on "t-shirts business guideline"

tshirt — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:16:25 +0000

t-shirtsmanufacturers.com providing information and resources about t-shirt business for t-shirt manufacturers, a multi-billion dollar industry and which more profitable business then others business.

cannasrule on "hesperocallis"

cannasrule — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 07:23:11 +0000

Ton,

Hesperocallis undulata have not been cultivated successfully, which is why bulbs are not available for purchase.

Sorry for the bad news.

Linda Prince

DonnieHaigh on "El Dorado Nature Center CA Native Plant Sale"

DonnieHaigh — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:50:37 +0000

El Dorado Nature Center's California Native Plant Sale
Saturday, October 22

El Dorado Nature Center will be brimming with natives, just in time for outdoor fall planting. From fragrant sages to show ceanothus, we will have just the right plants for your conservation-minded garden. Come early for best selection!
- Trees, shrubs, grasses and more
- Wildflower seeds
- Gardening tips and information
- Books and unique gifts

Friends of El Dorado Nature Center Member Preview Sale
9-9:30am
Memberships available at the door

Public Sale
9:30-2

Vehicle entry fee of $7 will be credited towards your purchase of $75 or more.

jperkins on "Summer 2011 Botany Jobs on Modoc National Forest"

jperkins — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:49:48 +0000

The Modoc National Forest is looking for up to 4 qualified field botanists and 2 weed crew members for summer 2011. The employment extends from May through September (start and end dates are flexible). The positions are based out of the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Alturas, CA, and will work throughout the 1.6 million acre forest. Plant habitats include red fir, whitebark pine, and mixed conifer forests; pumice flats; sagebrush and juniper covered lava flows; vernal pools; and fens. Excellent opportunity to learn a diverse flora from Modoc Plateau, Great Basin, and Southern Cascades floristic provinces. Over 1200 plant species occur on the Forest, including 2 federally listed, 27 sensitive, and 55 watch list species. For information on Modoc National Forest visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/modoc/

Job descriptions and Qualifications:
Botany Surveying (GS-5, $15.00/hour): Botanists conduct field surveys for
threatened, endangered, sensitive, and watch list plants. Surveys require documenting locations using GPS and topographic maps, and maintaining field records.
Desired Skills: Must be able to identify plants to species using dichotomous keys, and have completed a plant taxonomy or systematics course. Familiarity with California or Great Basin flora a plus. Must be able to navigate cross-country using map and compass. GPS and GIS skills are helpful. Must be physically able to work long days in rough terrain, walking 5-10 miles per day.

Weed Crew (GS-4, $13.41/hour): Weed crews locate and manually remove invasive
Plants, document weed locations using GPS and topographic maps, and maintain field records of treatments.
Desired Skills: Ability to identify plants, and to perform strenuous physical
labor in hot weather conditions and rough terrain. GPS, GIS and navigational skills are helpful.

Basic Qualifications:
• GS-4: Minimum 2 years college with 12 semester hours of science/technical courses, or 6 months general experience plus 6 months specialized experience at GS-3 level.
• GS-5: Bachelor’s degree with 24 semester hours of science/technical courses, or 1 year specialized experience at GS-4 level, or a combination of education and experience.
• Over 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen

To Apply:
Apply through the automated Forest Service job application site, AVUE:
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html

For Botany Surveying Positions, apply for: Biological Science Technician (Plants)
OCRT-404-5-PLANT-DT

For Weed Crew Positions, apply for: Biological Science Technician (Plants)
OCRT-404-4-PLANT-DT

NOTE: You must list Alturas, CA as one of your top nine location choices to be considered for these positions. Please include college transcripts with applications.

For more information contact: Judy Perkins, Forest Botanist, Modoc National Forest, 800 W. 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101; jperkins@fs.fed.us; (530) 233-8827.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2011

jcrawford on "Rare Plant Treasure Hunt internship open"

jcrawford — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:31:09 +0000

FROM: CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
DATE: 12/15/2010
CLOSING DATE: 01/15/2011
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is seeking an Intern for its Rare Plant Treasure Hunt Program (RPTH). CNPS will hire one full-time intern for 4 months (Feb 25- June 25, 2011). This position will be based out of Southern California (Claremont).

Background (www.cnps.org)
The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is a statewide non-profit conservation organization, founded in 1965, with over 9,000 members in 33 chapters, and 19 full and part-time staff. The mission of CNPS is to conserve California native plants and their natural habitats, and increase understanding, appreciation, and horticultural use of native plants.

The Position:
The successful candidate will work in coordination with the Botanist/Project Coordinator to help organize teams of botanists and amateurs to collect rare plant data, within the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of California. The intern will work in the office 1-3 days a week (more at onset), assisting in conducting outreach, making maps and planning and coordinating field trips. The intern will spend the remainder of the time in the field, participating in 1-4 day surveys, collecting rare plant occurrence information, and camping overnight when necessary.

There will be considerable travel involved in this position to conduct outreach and surveys, and office and field work will be based out of Southern California. This project, in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts, is a special funded portion of a statewide CNPS project called the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt. It is funded by grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Bureau of Land Management.

You may read more about the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt on our webpage at http://cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/treasurehunt/. Please note that housing is not provided.
The principal focus of this work will consist of outreach to, and coordination and support of, volunteers to conduct searches for new and historic occurrences of rare plants on BLM lands in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts. The intern’s time will be a mix of volunteer coordination and field work, leading and helping lead rare plant searches, collecting data, and collecting plant vouchers. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in rare plant biology, landscape ecology, botany, geography, and conservation in California’s arid lands.

Physical job requirements include sitting, driving, carrying, lifting, standing, hiking, and camping. The position requires the ability to work long field days under rigorous conditions (including inclement conditions), to hike in rugged terrain, to camp in primitive conditions, and to lift/carry equipment that is up to 1/3 of your body weight. The intern will need to work various weekends with volunteers.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
• Excellent people and organizational skills, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.
• Ability to give and take direction, and to work well in a team setting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Undergraduate degree in or working towards a degree in biology, botany, or a related field.
• Background in plant identification to the species level using keys, botanical floras and manuals.
• Experience with plant and vegetation surveying techniques.
• Some knowledge of GIS to produce maps for volunteers.
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including hot and otherwise inclement weather.
• Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.
• A valid driver’s license, proof of current car insurance, and a safe driving record are required.
• Ability to lead/train people and ensure safe working environment while navigating in variable terrain.
• Experienced at coordinating daily field tasks for people with varying levels of knowledge.
• Ability to manage data for volunteer field teams, ensuring data are recorded and entered
accurately, consistently, and efficiently.
• Experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) units and other plant survey equipment (e.g., tape measure, compass).
• Assist in coordinating sampling missions by organizing field equipment and planning effective and safe routes to get to and from field sampling areas.
• Interact directly with the CNPS project supervisors with regard to project planning and transfer of field data.

The salary is offered at $10-12 per hour, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, temporary at-will, field and office position, beginning Feb 25, 2010 through June 25, 2010, pending funding.

To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest with résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number, and email) to aswanson@cnps.org. The primary contact is Amber Swanson, Botanist/Project Coordinator. Please do not call this office regarding this position. Send
your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:

California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: RPTH Internship position
Fax: (916) 447-2727 Email: aswanson@cnps.org.

TonWijnen on "hesperocallis"

TonWijnen — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:11:03 +0000

Perhaps you can help me or give me some advice.

I am searching a few bulbs of Hesperocallis undulata. Do you know where I can get/buy this bulb?

It is very difficult to find a bulb, and yes, I know, it is also very difficult to grow this Desert Lily, but I want to try here

in the Netherlands in a warm greenhouse.

It is for my private collection, this one I want so much.

I hope you can help me or perhaps you know other people who can help me..

Thank you very much

warmest regards

Ton Wijnen

The Netherlands

jjbuck on "CNPS Seasonal Botanist position"

jjbuck — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 15:39:16 +0000

The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is currently seeking to fill a Botanist/Ecologist position for three months of full-time work this fall 2010. This position may extend into the winter/spring of 2011. The position will be classified as a Vegetation Team Leader or an Assistant Ecologist, depending on qualifications and experience. Duties will include field work on a vegetation mapping project in the central Sierra Nevada foothills, identifying/keying plants, data entry and quality control, organizing data and photos, editing reports/databases, and other tasks pertaining to vegetation classification/mapping projects. The main office location is Sacramento, and if the position is expanded to include winter/spring work, the employee is expected to live within commuting distance of the office. The position requires the ability to work in the field for 3-5 day sampling missions, usually camping or staying at motels overnight. Field work is performed under rigorous conditions, generally for a 10-hour day. Additional work will be at a computer for 8 hours per day.

This position offers experience in the sampling of foothill vegetation plant assemblages, identifying plants to the species level, describing and representing vegetation in statewide classification / mapping efforts, and working with other CNPS staff. If the new employee is experienced and available, this position also will assist in fine-scale vegetation mapping using GIS applications such as ESRI ArcMap geodatabases for another project in the Carrizo Plain National Monument. CNPS maintains a uniform system for vegetation sampling, classification, and mapping; CNPS also maintains plant information databases and related systems. These systems, developed over the past 15 years by CNPS and the Department of Fish and Game, are used by both governmental and non-governmental institutions to map, categorize and describe vegetation.

Qualifications for the successful applicant include the following:
. Basic knowledge of plant taxonomy, ecology and biology.
. Identification of plants to the species level, with focus on the identification of California’s Central Valley,
Sierra Nevada and related floras.
. Identification of live and pressed plants using the Jepson manual and other floras.
. Good organizational skills, enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
. Strong computer literacy (Windows OS, Word, Excel and email at minimum).
. Ability to efficiently enter and check data in databases and word documents, with an attention to detail.
. Ability to take direction and to work well in a team setting.
. Ability to conduct fieldwork in varied environmental conditions, including inclement weather, rugged
terrain and poison oak.
. Ability to drive 4X4 vehicles over variable terrain.
. A valid driver’s license, proof of current car insurance and a safe driving record are required.
. Physical requirements of the job include prolonged sitting, standing, bending, using a computer, driving,
hiking, lifting and carrying (ability to lift/carry items up to 1/3 of your body weight).
. Undergraduate degree in biology, botany, or a related field - OR - work towards an undergraduate
degree with completed courses including plant taxonomy, field botany, sampling design, or related
courses.

Additional experience / skills for Team Leaders:
. Strong background in California plant identification and experience conducting vegetation sampling
using CNPS methods.
. Strong organizational, verbal and written communication, and analytical skills.
. Ability to interpret maps, and coordinate weekly field sampling missions.
. Experience with GIS, such as ESRI ArcMap, and with vegetation mapping techniques to interpret aerial
imagery, delineate vegetation patterns, and attribute vegetation characteristics in geodatabases.
. Ability to lead an assistant or volunteers in office or field tasks, and ensure safe working environment.
. Ability to work independently and coordinate daily tasks.
. Management of hard-copy and digital data, ensuring data are recorded and entered accurately, consistently and efficiently.
. Strong experience with databases (e.g., Access) and/or spreadsheets, including proficiency in data
entry, quality control, and management.
. Experience using GPS (Global Positioning System) units and other plant survey equipment (e.g., tape
measure, compass).
. Ability to record, compile, interpret, and synthesize both quantitative and qualitative data on vegetation
and related environmental factors.

The salary is offered at $15.00 to $17.00 per hour, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, temporary at-will position, beginning in October 2010. Additional work may be available in the office and field during the winter/spring, through future grants/contracts.

To apply, submit the following materials: cover letter of interest, résumé or curriculum vitae, and three references (including reference name, address, phone number and email). The primary contact is Kendra Sikes, Vegetation Ecologist. Send your application materials via post mail, fax, or email to:

California Native Plant Society
2707 K Street, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
Attn: Vegetation Position
Fax: (916) 447-2727
Email: ksikes@cnps.org.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately, and the announcement will remain open until position is hired. The CNPS website lists this job description and descriptions of our organization and our Vegetation Program at www.cnps.org.

The California Native Plant Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F

ASwanson on "Rare Plant Treasure Hunt and Field Trip"

ASwanson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:13:28 +0000

The California Native Plant Society has recently begun a program called the Rare Plant Treasure Hunt (www.cnps.org/cnps/rareplants/treasurehunt). The purpose is to inform conservation efforts by updating occurence records in the CNDDB of rare plants throughout California and to get as many volunteers as possible involved. If you are interested in being involved or leading a trip please contact treasurehunt@cnps.org

Also a Rare Plant Treasure Hunt field trip into the Mojave desert is planned for May 5-8th with Steve Hartman. For more information and to RSVP go to http://www.meetup.com/Rare-Plant-Treasure-Hunt/.

jcrawford on "CNPS Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations workshop, May 4-6, 2020"

jcrawford — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:19:31 +0000

INSTRUCTOR: John Willoughby, former state botanist for BLM
TARGET AUDIENCE: Professional botanists, ecologists, land managers, resource specialists, and conservationists.
COST: CNPS members: $410
Non-members : $435
For more information and registration go to http://cnps.org/cnps/education/workshops/

Reduced or waived fees: Two spaces are available on a first come first serve basis for all 2010 workshops for students and underemployed people, through our Work Exchange Program. Go to: http://cnps.org/cnps/education/workshops/ to apply.

INSTRUCTOR: John Willoughby

LOCATIONS: Tree People Conference Center and grounds, 12601 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills

COURSE DESCRIPTION: Using classroom and field exercises, the workshop will focus on the role of plant population monitoring for adaptive management. Participants will learn how to develop good management objectives Topics cover principles of sampling and several sampling designs, field techniques for measuring vegetation, analyzing monitoring data and presenting results. Participants will receive a copy of the BLM-published book, Measuring and Monitoring Plant Populations by Caryl Elzinga, Dan Salzer, and John Willoughby.

misamilliron on "Desert/Solar RFP for public universities and agencies"

misamilliron — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:25:45 +0000

INFORMAL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
ON
THE BIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF SOLAR ENERGY PROJECTS IN THE CALIFORNIA DESERT

Background and Purpose
The California Energy Commission is seeking proposals from the University of California, other public universities and local, regional, state and federal public agencies for research to help reduce the environmental impacts of solar energy projects in California, particularly with respect to biological impacts in the California desert.

Environmental review of recent solar applications has raised several unresolved issues related to the analysis and mitigation of biological impacts. Resource agencies typically recommend that unavoidable impacts to sensitive species be compensated through land acquisition at a ratio that offsets the impact (i.e., compensation land acreage equal to a multiplier of the impacted acreage). In the case of land-intensive solar development, acquiring sufficient acreage of available and appropriate habitat compensation lands is considered a daunting task fraught with logistical difficulties such as multiple landowner negotiations, unwilling sellers and increasingly limited availability of suitable acquisition lands. Alternative and innovative mitigation measures other than land acquisition are needed to offset negative impacts by California solar energy projects on special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities.

In addition to land acquisition, resource agencies typically require relocating sensitive wildlife species such as desert tortoise or burrowing owl to avoid direct construction impacts, and also frequently recommend mitigation measures in addition to land acquisition (for example, fencing, habitat restoration, changes in grazing practices, avoidance buffers for wildlife). The efficacy of these mitigation measures in avoiding or offsetting the biological impacts has yet to be firmly established through scientific study. The long-term consequences of translocation on species abundance and viability also need additional research. Another challenge in analyzing the biological resource impacts of solar development is the lack of detailed distribution information for sensitive plants and animals, which is needed to inform compensation land locations and to assess a solar project’s impacts in a rangewide perspective. Currently, for most sensitive desert species, biologists do not have science-based numerical thresholds for population viability upon which to assess impacts or recommend appropriate levels of mitigation. Research on what percentage of a sensitive species population can be impacted without affecting species or population viability is lacking. Moreover, establishing a methodology and widely accepted and biologically meaningful scope for cumulative impact analyses of solar development’s impacts on biological resources is also a challenge often encountered in the environmental review process.

Targeted Research Topics
Research on the following topics will help resolve some of the scientific uncertainties about the biological impact and mitigation of utility-scale solar energy development in California’s deserts, and will inform the process of project siting and development. This is a competitive grant solicitation sponsored by the California Energy Commission’s Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Energy-Related Environmental Program to investigate one or more of the following:
A. Innovative mitigation strategies other than land acquisition that would effectively offset the negative impacts of California solar energy development on special-status species and sensitive plant communities; and/or rigorous validation of and/or improvements to frequently recommended mitigation measures (for example, habitat restoration, fencing, buffers for special-status species).

B. New or enhanced habitat suitability models that help to: predict the distribution of special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities within the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions; evaluate the impact of solar energy technologies, plant designs, and/or solar project site selection on special-status plants and animals and sensitive plant communities; and provide planning tools to assist in the siting, design, permitting, and mitigation of solar energy projects.

C. An improved impact assessment on species abundance and viability of relocating desert tortoise and/or other special-status plants and animals away from solar energy sites using currently established protocols; and/or develop improved protocols for relocation.

D. Numerical thresholds for viability of listed species populations (i.e., minimum viable population size) in regions within the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions targeted for utility scale solar energy development.

E. Framework for conducting cumulative impacts analysis of solar energy development on sensitive biological resources (i.e., a framework or methodology, not a comparison of actual project impacts).

Proposal Information

Deadline: Proposals are due March 15th, 2010.

Funding amount: Up to $1.0 million of PIER Electricity funding is available under this solicitation for grant awards. A minimum of $150,000 is available to applicants per grant project with a maximum award of up to $1.0 million. If a high number of exceptional, desirable projects are proposed, the Energy Commission may release additional funds to fund additional projects under this solicitation.
Eligibility: Only research groups associated with the University of California, California State University system or local, regional, state and federal public agencies are allowed to participate in this informal competition.
Proposal submittal and guidelines: A proposal (up to 12 pages long) should be submitted via e-mail to Ms. Misa Milliron (mward@energy.state.ca.us) by March 15th, 2009.
The proposal should address the following:
Project Summary that:
• Clearly describes the proposed research project and the current state of knowledge in the scientific area of the project.
• Clearly describes the purpose, scope and goals of the proposed research, and outlines the issues the project will address.
• Summarizes the technical approach and principal tasks required to accomplish project goals and objectives.
• Describes the relevant technical, siting, and implementation issues that must be addressed to accomplish project’s goals and objectives.
• Explains why the project is unique, and not duplicative.
• Describes the duration and schedule of the project.
• Clearly lists research deliverable(s)/result(s).
Research Topic that:
• Unequivocally belongs to at least one of the categories (A-E) identified above under Targeted Research Topics.

Categorical Budget that:

• Identifies labor, overhead, indirect, equipment ($5,000 or more), travel, miscellaneous expenses, subcontractors, and the total budget.

Research Team Qualifications:
• Identify principal members of the research team.
• Identify the applicable experience of the principal members of the research team.
Proof of Technical Feasibility, Reliability and Safety:
• The abstract demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed project, describes a robust methodology, and convincingly argues that the results of the proposed project will be highly relevant to renewable energy development in the desert, and resolving its environmental impacts. If prior data exists from previous work leading up to the proposed project it tells how to and where to access the validated, detailed data from this previous work.
Appropriate Site for Proposed Project
• The project has a committed research and/or demonstration site or workplace and provides a name and contact information to verify the availability of the location. The research and/or demonstration site where the project is to be carried out is consistent and appropriate to the proposed work.
• If the proposed project involves field work, the size, location, and environment of the research and/or demonstration site is suitable to meet the objectives of the proposed work.
Permitting Activities
• Lists any prior or planned activities related to the permitting of desert-based energy projects by the applicant, its employees, or any subcontractors used for this proposal. The applicant shall also list any agreements or working relationships with anyone who has a permit application for a desert-based energy development that will be pending at the time of the grant award; and/or that is contesting a permit for a desert-based energy development that will be pending at the time of the grant award.
Evaluation and Selection Process
The goal of this informal solicitation is to identify and fund research that will best address the identification and mitigation of biological impacts associated with utility scale solar energy development in the California deserts. Based upon an evaluation of the submitted proposals, the Energy Commission will request further information and/or select a winning proposal(s) and prepare the needed interagency agreement. This agreement will be based on the proposal; however, the Commission reserves the right to suggest some modifications. If an agreement cannot be reached between the parties, PIER reserves the right to work with the group that submitted the proposal with the next highest score until reaching a successful outcome.
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Proposal addresses specific research area listed in Targeted Research Topics (A-E above).
2. Proposed research uses robust methodology and identifies clear, meaningful, and measurable objectives.
3. The project description, products and due dates are reasonable and appropriate.
4. The project budget is reasonable and appropriate.
5. The principal investigator and the project team are well qualified to conduct the project.
6. Overall technical merit and degree to which the project is likely to succeed, including a consideration of the degree to which the proposal goes beyond the basic proposal requirements.
Energy Commission staff anticipate that researchers will be contacted with a decision or request for more information no later than March 26th.
For further information on this informal solicitation, please contact Misa Milliron (mward@energy.state.ca.us).

jperkins on "California-wide USFS Botany Seasonal Jobs"

jperkins — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:36:50 +0000

The US Forest Service is looking for qualified field botanists and weed crews to work throughout California in summer 2010. Seasonal Botanists and Biological Science Technicians are needed for 3-6 months, with pay ranges from $11.95 to $22.74 per hour (GS-3 – GS-9, depending on experience). Government housing may be available.

For optimal consideration apply as soon as possible.

Job Descriptions and Qualifications:

Botanists: Conduct field surveys for Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Watch List plants and map locations.
Weed Crew: Locate, map, and manually remove invasive plants.

Exact duties will vary among duty stations. Desired skills include: plant identification using taxonomic keys, familiarity with California flora, non-vascular plant ID; use of GPS, topographic maps, and compass; ARCGIS skill; operating vehicles on rough roads, good physical fitness; and willingness to work under difficult field conditions.

Qualifications:
• Minimum 1 year college for GS-3 Biological Science Technician. Minimum 2 years of college or 6 months general experience plus 1 year as a GS-3 required for GS-4 position. Bachelor’s degree, or 1 year at GS-4 level required for GS-5 position. Minimum 1 year graduate level education or 1 year at GS-6 level for GS-7 position. Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years graduate work in biology, botany, natural resources, range science, biology, or related area, or 1 year experience at GS-7 level, with 24 semester hours in botany required for GS-9 Botanist.
• Over 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen

For information at different locations, please contact:

Angeles National Forest – Arcadia, CA (2 Botany/Weeds; GS-7-9) – Janet Nickerman: 626-574-5264, jnickerman@fs.fed.us

Eldorado National Forest – Placerville, CA (4 Total: Botany, GS-4-7; Weeds, GS-3-4) – Susan Durham: 530-642-5173, sdurham@fs.fed.us

Inyo National Forest – Bishop, CA (1 Gotany/Weeds; GS-7) – Kathleen Nelson: 760-873-2498, kgnelson01@fs.fed.us; Sue Weiss; 760-873-2496, sweis@fs.fed.us

Klamath National Forest – Fort Jones, CA (1 Weeds, GS-5) – Marla Knight: 530-468-1238, mknight @ fs.fed.us

Lake Tahoe Basin Unit – South Lake Tahoe, CA (2 Weeds, GS-5-7; 3 Botany, GS-5-9) – Cheryl Beyer (Weeds): 530-543-2842, cbeyer@fs.fed.us; Shana Gross (Botany): 530-543-2752, segross@fs.fed.us

Lassen National Forest – Susanville, CA (2 Weeds, GS-3-5; 3 Botany, GS-9) – Allison Sanger (Botany): 530-252-6662, asanger@fs.fed.us; Jessica Pijoan (Weeds); 530-252-6475, jpijoan@fs.fed.us

Mendocino National Forest – Willows, CA (2 Botany/Weeds; GS-4-5) – Lauren
Johnson: 530-934-1153, laurenjohnson@fs.fed.us

Modoc National Forest – Alturas, CA (4 Botany, GS-5-7; 2 Weeds, GS-4) – Judy Perkins: 530-233-8827, jperkins@fs.fed.us

Plumas National Forest – Blairsden CA (1 Botany, GS-5-7) – Mike Friend: 530-836-7167, mjfriend@fs.fed.us; Oroville, CA (6-10 Botany/Weeds; GS-4-7) – Chris Christofferson: 530-532-7473, cchristofferson@fs.fed.us

Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Weaverville, CA (4 Botany/Weeds; GS-4-7) – Susan Erwin: 530-623-1753, serwin@fs.fed.us

Sierra National Forest – North Fork, CA (2 Botany/Weeds-tentative based on funding; GS-5) – Joanna Clines: 559-877-2218 x 3150, jclines@fs.fed.us

Sierra Cascade Province – Quincy, CA (includes extensive travel), (4 Botany/Ecology, GS-5-7) – Kyle Merriam: 530-283-7777, kmerriam@fs.fed.us

Six Rivers National Forest – Eureka, CA (3 Botany/Weeds; GS-5-7) – Lisa Hoover: 707-441-3612, lhoover@fs.fed.us

Stanislaus National Forest – Groveland, CA (2-3 Botany, 2-3 Weeds, GS-4-7) – Jennie Haas: 209-962-7825 ext. 540, jhaas@fs.fed.us; Hathaway Pines, CA (2 Botany, GS-4-7) – Quinn Young: 209-795-1381 ext. 326, qyoung@fs.fed.us; Mi Wuk Village, CA (2-3 Botany, GS-4-5) – Margaret Willits: 209-586-3234, ext. 624, mwillits@fs.fed.us

Tahoe National Forest – Nevada City, CA (3-4 Botany, GS-4-5) – Kathy Van Zuuk: 530-478-6243, kvanzuuk@fs.fed.us

Adaptive Management Services Enterprise Team– Contact Wendy Boes for
information: 530-478-6886; wboes@fs.fed.us (Botany, GS-7-9)

How to Apply:

1. Go to the AVUE Digital Services website:
https://www.avuedigitalservices.com/usfs/applicant.html

If you are not registered in AVUE, you will need to register. Click the logo to go to the login page. Then click NEW USER REGISTRATION to register. Fill in the requested information to set up your AVUE account, and click SAVE THIS INFORMATION. Once you have your account, you can login in anytime to look for open positions, update your profile, or apply for jobs. You can also set up search criteria to hunt for jobs you might be interested in.

2. Click on APPLY FOR JOBS to see the Vacancy List. The following are the specific announcement numbers to apply to for Summer Temporary Biological Science Technician (Plants) and Botany positions:

TEMP-OCR-404-3-GEN (for GS-3)
TEMP-OCR-404-4-PLANT (for GS-4)
TEMP-OCR-404-5-PLANT (for GS-5)
TEMP-OCR-404-6-PLANT (for GS-6)
TEMP-OCR-404-7-PLANT (for GS-7)
TEMP-OCR-430-9-BOT (for GS-9)

NOTE #1: The same Biological Science Technician announcements will be used to fill both Botany Surveying and Weed Crew positions.

NOTE #2: The job duties for these Biological Science Technician positions will read:
Performs work concerned with the breeding, selecting, and testing of field crops, fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, etc.; improvement of management practices to attain increased yield, improved quality, adaptation to mechanization, and resistance to diseases, insects, heat, drought, cold, or other hazards; and similar work usually concerned with higher plant life.
Uses a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and materials to carry out procedures, methods and practices in support of one or more of the biological sciences. Analyzes data and test conditions.
THIS IS NOT THE REAL POSITION DESCRIPTION!! Go ahead and apply – the job REALLY is botany surveying and/or weed crew and/or greenhouse propagation of native plants for restoration

NOTE #3: It is recommended that you apply for all grade levels for which you may be qualified, and at which you would be interested in working.

3. Click on the vacancy announcement you wish to apply for. If you click on FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, you may see a position description that more accurately fits the real job. However, the GS-7 job will sound like a weed crew job while the others sound like botany surveying jobs. Again, BOTH botany surveying and weed crew positions will be filled from each of these announcements. Contact individual forests for more specific job duty information.

4. Click on APPLY NOW to fill out the application. Make sure you provide all of the MANDATORY INFORMATION, and attach all REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. Providing OPTIONAL INFORMATION is strongly encouraged. NOTE: 1) You MUST provide TRANSCRIPTS, to verify qualifications. 2) For full work experience credit, include start and end dates with month, year and DAY. 3) Unrelated work experience counts towards qualifying experience, so include it!

5. In the APPLICANT INFORMATION section, you MUST put down the correct location to be considered for a position. Below are the specific locations within California that are currently planning to fill temporary botany/weed crew positions:

Alturas, CA (Modoc National Forest)
Arcadia, CA (Angeles National Forest)
Bishop, CA (Inyo National Forest)
Eureka, CA (Six Rivers National Forest)
Fort Jones, CA (Klamath National Forest)
Groveland, CA (Stanislaus National Forest)
Happy Camp, CA (Klamath National Forest)
Hathaway Pines, CA (Stanislaus National Forest)
Mi Wuk Village, CA (Stanislaus National Forest)
Mount Shasta, CA (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)
Nevada City, CA (AMSET)
North Fork, CA (Sierra National Forest)
Oroville, CA (Plumas National Forest)
Placerville, CA (Eldorado National Forest)
Quincy, CA (Sierra Cascade Province)
South Lake Tahoe, CA (Lake Tahoe Basin Unit)
Susanville, CA (Lassen National Forest)
Weaverville, CA (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)
Willows, CA (Mendocino National Forest)
Yreka, CA (Klamath National Forest)

6. Submit your application as soon as possible! While these are open continuous announcements, selecting officials can request a hiring list from these announcements at any time. Submitting your application early insures that your application will be among those considered by the selecting official.

Thank you for you interest in USDA Forest Service Botany jobs!!!

Students: Continuing students are eligible for direct hiring under the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), and should submit a resume and transcripts directly to the Forest of interest. Contacts for hiring Forests are listed above.

jperkins on "Seasonal Botany Survey and Weed Treatment Jobs"

jperkins — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:10:54 +0000

National Forests in California, including the Modoc National Forest, are hiring botany seasonal temporary employees for botanical surveys as well as noxious weed treatments. If you are interested, please contact Judy Perkins at jperkins@fs.fed.us or (530) 233-8827. If you provide us your e-mail, we can send you more specifics on where positions in California will be filled and how to apply thru AVUE. We look forward to hearing from you!

naomi on "Seeds of Success Coordinator (RSABG)"

naomi — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:51:26 +0000

TITLE: Seeds of Success Coordinator
DEPARTMENT: Research
STATUS: Full-Time Hourly, 2 Year Term Position
REPORTS TO: Conservation Botanist

Position Overview:
Assists the Conservation Botanist in coordination and execution of field research for the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Seeds of Success Program (SOS). SOS is a program coordinated by the BLM to support seed collections from native plant populations to conserve and develop native plant materials for stabilizing, rehabilitating and restoring lands in the United States. Duties include leading teams in the field to collect seeds, conduct surveys, collect and process plant specimens, plant identification, data collection, preparation of field forms and reports, and data entry and labeling of field collections, training and supervision of interns, graduate student Research Assistants, and volunteers. Assists with various aspects of herbarium operation, including preparation of plant specimens for inclusion in herbarium, specimen filing, sending and receiving of loans, gifts, exchanges and other transactions, record keeping activity associated with specimen transactions and accessioning, and data entry for specimen label database.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under cooperative agreements between RSABG and BLM, assists in the execution and coordination of the annual program of work for developing Native Plant Materials on BLM lands.
Works in association with other field studies, herbarium, and garden staff, and with personnel from other institutions. Participates in conservation projects between RSABG and other government agencies or private contractors, including general botanical surveys, rare plant inventory and monitoring field projects.
Participates in field collecting and research activities in association with field studies, herbarium, and garden staff, and with personnel from other institutions.
Assists with organization of equipment, and supplies.
Participates in associated data entry and mapping for field projects.
Assists in preparation of reports and other documents for field collections and contract projects for submission to government agencies and contractors.
Identifies field collections, enters specimen data, and generates specimen labels using interactive computer-based system.
Coordinates and assists with herbarium curatorial projects as directed.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
Coursework towards a degree in the biological sciences required; Bachelor of Science in botany, biology, or equivalent environmental science preferred.
Ability to follow instructions, work successfully with others, and work independently with minimal supervision is critical.
Strong writing and verbal skills, the ability to type, and computer skills (word processing, databases, and simple graphics) are essential. Advanced computer skills are desirable; familiarity with databases (particularly FileMaker Pro) is a plus.
Depending on experience, herbarium duties may include using basic web design applications and various data management activities.
The majority of field work will take place on the BLM’s California Desert District. Familiarity with GIS and/or other mapping software (ArcView, Topo, DeLorme), and a working knowledge of basic taxonomic principles and characteristics of major plant families and California flora desired.

Physical demands
Ability to conduct fieldwork under a variety of environmental conditions is required.
Must have physical strength and endurance sufficient to carry field equipment and supplies and hike over steep, rugged terrain.

RSABG offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package

Qualified candidates please send cover letter and resume to:
See http://rsabg.org for more info

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden
Attention: Naomi Fraga
1500 N College Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711

Fax to (909) 626-3489

naomi on "Position available at the Jepson Herbarium, UC Berkeley"

naomi — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:35:20 +0000

Position available at the Jepson Herbarium, UC Berkeley

Job Title: Public Programs Coordinator

Job Opening ID: 10421
http://jobs.berkeley.edu/

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: February 11, 2010.

Departmental Overview
Involves designing, conducting, promoting, and supporting the public educational programs of The Jepson Herbarium. Researches and assesses educational needs and interests for targeted public segments, and develops programs, materials, technology and learning approaches accordingly.

Responsibilities

*Based on needs of target audiences, plans and develops new programs and curriculum, and adjusts existing courses and curriculum in a continuing education environment. Plans and schedules course offerings, identifies course topics and locations. Recruits, selects, orients, evaluates and supervises qualified course and program instructors.

*Participates in developing strategic market plans and target audiences. Tracks student or participant performance and course desirability. Evaluates and adjusts course curriculum through student/participant evaluations and level of interest shown. Follows current trends In the field by attending continuing education opportunities and uses that knowledge to design program so that the course offerings track current needs of community.

*Evaluates prospective program partnerships. Represents department in larger campus consortia. Evaluates prospective partnerships with off-campus partners. Actively participates in community building and long-range strategic planning for public educational program. Cultivates potential donors. Assists with special event planning.

*Develops, prepares and reconciles budget for program. Contracts with vendors and oversees payments. Negotiates contract details with outside agencies such as the US Forest Service. Must interact with the Sponsored Projects Office.

*Each year, recruits, selects, orients, evaluates, and supervises qualified course program instructors. Each year, Determines instructor objectives, method of instruction, and location, Plans and schedules course offerings, including identification of course topics. Implements 20-25 weekend programs on campus and in remote locations. Includes, driving long distances, shopping for supplies, camping, hiking, and cooking for large groups.

*Responsible for administrative details of program, Maintains numerous databases and spreadsheets. Assigns work tasks and serves as a work leader for administrative assistant, student workers, and volunteers. Using desktop publishing skills, develops yearly brochure of course offerings (includes content, design, layout, and art work).

Required Qualifications

* Thorough knowledge of functional area and understanding of how work may impact other areas.

* Thorough analytical skills to conduct analysis and develop recommendations, demonstrating organization and problem-solving skills.

* Thorough and effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and presentation skills.

* Thorough knowledge of campus policies and procedures.

* Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering programs.

* Thorough knowledge of current public educational programs and trends.

* Thorough skills to conduct needs assessment and development of new presentations/courses to meet organizational needs.

* Skill in using business software systems in the completion of work assignments; i.e. Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and InDesign. Includes management of File Maker Pro database and an expansive set of Excel workbooks.

* Experience with budget development and long range forecasting.

* With a high degree of accuracy, complete multiple, competing tasks that have strict deadlines.

* Ability to develop collaborative working relationships with diverse population in an academic setting.

* Ability to make quick decisions under extreme pressure or unfavorable environmental conditions.

* Ability to travel away from home 20-25 weekends per year.

* Ability to act in a professional and cordial manner under extreme environmental conditions.

* Ability to supervise and manage one administrative assistant, volunteers, and student helpers.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred, advanced degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Continuing education in field is required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range (annual): $38,100 (minimum) - $53,400 (midpoint);

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/forms_pubs/misc/benefits_of_belonging.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California, Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

UC Furloughs

The University of California Regents have approved a plan to enact system wide furloughs and other cost reduction measures due to the state budget crisis. This position may be subject to any cost cutting measures implemented at UC Berkeley.

For more information, contact:
Staci Markos
smarkos@berkeley.edu

misamilliron on "Grant Opportunity: Desert/Solar Research"

misamilliron — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:06:09 +0000

The California Energy Commission is seeking proposals from private entities, including non-profit organizations and private universities, to help reduce the environmental impacts of solar energy projects in California, particularly with respect to biological impacts in the California desert. Although public entities, such as national laboratories and public universities, cannot apply to this grant solicitation, they can participate as subcontractors to private-entity applicants. This competitive grant solicitation is sponsored by the California Energy Commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) Energy-Related Environmental Program to investigate one or more of the following:
A. Innovative mitigation strategies other than land acquisition that would effectively offset the negative impacts of California solar energy development on special-status species and sensitive plant communities; and/or rigorous validation of and/or improvements to frequently recommended mitigation measures (for example, habitat restoration, fencing).

E. New or improved framework for conducting cumulative impacts analysis of solar energy development on sensitive biological resources.

For more information on this grant solicitation and how to apply, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#PON-09-007 .

Stage 1 proposals are due March 3, 2010, and a pre-proposal workshop will be held on January 28, 2010.

misamilliron on "Grant Solicitation: Desert/Solar Research"

misamilliron — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:01:31 +0000

E. New or improved framework for conducting cumulative impacts analysis of solar energy development on sensitive biological resources.

For more information on this grant solicitation and how to apply, visit http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/pier.html#PON-09-007 .

Stage 1 proposals are due March 3, 2010, and a pre-proposal workshop will be held on January 28, 2010.

WendyBoes on "Seasonal Field Botanist(s) position"

WendyBoes — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:08:39 +0000

Adaptive Management Services Enterprise Team is recruiting for a seasonal Biological Science Technician (plants) and/or Botanist. Much of the season’s work will take place in the Shasta-Trinity, Cleveland and Angeles National Forests. This is a great opportunity to visit and botanize in various parts of California!

Major duties: The primary duties will include conducting invasive, rare, threatened and endangered plant surveys at various locations in California, though mainly in the Shasta-Trinity N.F. This includes writing vegetation description narratives and site evaluation; field data management; identification of plants to a species level; and other related tasks.

Position requirements: Ability and willingness to travel extensively, experience in field botany including successful completion of a plant taxonomy course, current driver’s license, physically fit and ability to safely navigate in variable terrain with poison oak and other hazards, excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to work well in groups and independently with little supervision, strong organizational skills, commitment to completion of work group’s goals and teamwork.

Position starts April-May.

Positions and Salary: The positions offered are seasonal GS-7 ($19.49/ hr) biological science technicians (plants) or GS-9 Botanist ($23.85/ hr) which are based upon experience level. Please visit http://www.usajobs.gov/ for a full description of qualification requirements.

Please Contact:
Wendy Boes at 530-478-6886
wboes@fs.fed.us

rthecellist on "Effects of Magnets on Kidney Bean Plants"

rthecellist — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:39:08 +0000

Hi, I'm a 9th grader in Georgia. I am doing a science fair project on how magnets can affect the growth of kidney bean plants. I not only am required to experiment, but I also must research for it. If anyone has answers on how magnets have an effect on kidney bean plants, if at all, please tell me. Thank you!

AllisonSanger on "USFS-Assistant Forest Botanist, LAssen National Forest"

AllisonSanger — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:53:34 +0000

The Lassen National Forest will soon be advertising a GS-430-7/9, Assistant Forest Botanist position. The position is permanent full time which may be filled at either the GS-7 or GS-9 level and having career ladder potential to the GS-9 level. The duty station is located in Susanville, California at the Forest Headquarters.

ABOUT THE POSITION:
This position functions as the assistant to the Forest Botanist for the Lassen National Forest. The botany program on the Lassen NF is a Forest-wide program run out of the Supervisor’s Office. Duties include hiring and supervising temporary employees (botanists, plant bio-techs, weed warriors), conducting and supervising floristic field surveys, keying plants, maintaining records on plant locations and habitat information, writing biological evaluations and assessments and specialist reports, interpretive activities (such as public talks and presentations, developing displays and handouts) and assisting with the forest noxious weed and other botanical programs. The Lassen NF, with its varied programs, affords a great opportunity to develop and expand its botanical program in new and exciting directions.

ABOUT THE LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST:
The Lassen National Forest lies at the heart of one of the most diverse vegetative and fascinating areas in California. The Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Cascade Range, the Modoc Plateau, and the Great Basin meet and blend geographically and floristically in the Forest's 1.2 million acres. The Forest programs are varied. The Forest greets visitors with a wide array of recreational opportunities, including three major and popular recreation areas and numerous other opportunities (a few include the only low elevation wilderness in the Region, a world-class hang gliding site, excellent hunting and fishing, and an extensive snowmobile trail network). The flora is diverse with over 1320 known species of plants. Some 360 wildlife species call the Lassen home, including bald eagle, osprey, pronghorn, deer, myriad waterfowl, and at least 85 kinds of butterflies. The vegetation and fuels management program is strong and well respected in the Region. Range management is a sizeable program, with 65 range allotments spread across the Forest.

The west side of the Forest borders the foothills of California's central valley, moving into higher elevation mixed conifer as one travels into the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountains. An area of lush forests and cascading streams, it attracts many from major valley communities such as Redding and Chico. Deer, Mill, and Antelope Creeks feature the last natural spring run of Chinook salmon in the State. The Lassen National Forest surrounds Lassen Volcanic National Park, featuring Mt. Lassen and an array of scenic trails and sites to explore. Moving east over the mountains' crest, the land gentles and dries. Sagebrush/grass flats are common, with spectacular flora displays in wet years, and a system of vernal wetlands. These stunning, Basin vistas are flanked by volcanic cinder cones and mountains, graced with forests of fir and pine. The east side features Eagle Lake, a large, natural remnant of another time. It is a major recreation site, and home of the nationally known Eagle Lake trout. Communities in the immediate forest area are small and the feeling is distinctly rural.

ABOUT SUSANVILLE:
Nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada's east side, Susanville is a full service community of about 12,000 with a larger population in the surrounding Lassen County. The largest community in north-eastern California, it offers a hospital, a number of independent school districts, churches representing most denominations, a local community college, and a strong sense of community. The city of Reno, Nevada is a short 85 miles to the SE, and both Chico and Redding, sizeable Central Valley communities, are within a two hour drive from Susanville. Real estate values vary greatly, with prices for a single family house ranging from $80,000 to $200,000+.

Susanville is the gateway to a host of recreational opportunities on the Lassen National Forest and Bureau of Land Management lands. Just minutes away are fishing, hunting, off-roading, mountain-biking, camping, water related sports, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, wilderness adventures, and more. The Lassen Volcanic National Park is about an hour away and features the 10,000 foot Lassen Peak and other volcanic features. San Francisco, Sacramento, the California coast, and Lake Tahoe are all within a half day drive.

TO RESPOND:
If you are interested in this position and want to receive a copy of the Vacancy Announcement, please complete the attached form and send via email to tfrolli@fs.fed.us by March 18, 2009. If you are not a current Forest Service employee, or do not have access to email please complete and fax the form to: 530-252-6428, or mail to:

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST
ATTN: Tom Frolli
2550 Riverside Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130

naomi on "Spring 2009 Field trips posted"

naomi — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 09:59:02 +0000

SCB Spring 2009 field trips have been posted.
http://socalbot.org/trips.php

Please send comments on additional field trip suggestions. Thanks!

judyperkins on "USFS Summer Biological Science Technician and Botanist Positions"

judyperkins — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 17:17:53 +0000

The US Forest Service is looking for qualified field botanists and weed crews to work throughout California in summer 2009. Seasonal Botanists and Biological Science Technicians are needed for 3-6 months, with pay ranges from $11.74 to $22.34 per hour (GS-3 – GS-9, depending on experience). Government housing may be available.

Job descriptions and Qualifications:

Botanists: Conduct field surveys for rare plants and map locations.
Weed Crew: Locate and manually remove invasive plants.
Exact duties will vary among duty stations, and may include greenhouse work. Desired skills include: plant identification using taxonomic keys, familiarity with California flora; use of GPS, topographic maps, and compass; operating vehicles on rough roads, good physical fitness; and willingness to work under difficult field conditions.

Qualifications:
• Minimum 1 year college for GS-3 Biological Science Technician. Bachelor’s degree plus 2 years graduate work in biology, botany, natural resources, range science, biology, or related area, or 1 year experience at GS-7 level, with 24 semester hours in botany required for GS-9 Botanist.
• Over 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen

Position Locations (Anticipated number of positions) – Contact Person:

Angeles National Forest – Arcadia, CA (1 Botany/Weeds) – Katie VinZant: 626-574-5268
Eldorado National Forest - Placerville, CA (1 or 2 Botany) – Susan Durham: 530-642-5173
Inyo National Forest – Bishop, CA (1 Botany) – Kathleen Nelson: 760-873-2498
Klamath National Forest – Happy Camp, CA (1 botany); Fort Jones, CA (1 Botany);
Yreka, CA (1 Weeds) – Marla Knight: 530-468-1238
Lake Tahoe Basin Unit– South Lake Tahoe, CA (2 Weeds; 3 Botany) – Cecilia Reed: 530-543-2761, Shana Gross: 530-543-2752
Lassen National Forest – Susanville, CA (2-4 Weeds; 2 Botany) – Allison Sanger: 530-252-6662
Mendocino National Forest – Willows, CA (1 Botany) – Lauren Johnson: 530-934-1153
Modoc National Forest – Alturas, CA (3 Botany) – Judy Perkins: 530-233-8827
Plumas National Forest – Oroville, CA (3-5 Botany); Quincy, CA (2 Botany) – Chris Christofferson: 530-532-7473, Jim Belsher-Howe: 530-283-7657
Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Weaverville, CA (3-5 Botany); Mount Shasta, CA (3
Weeds/Botany) – Susan Erwin: 530-623-1753, Rhonda Posey: 530-926-9665
Sierra National Forest – North Fork, CA (2 or more Botany) – Joanna Clines: 559-877-2218 x 3150, Jamie Tuitele-Lewis: 559-855-5355 x 3352
Sierra Cascade Province – Quincy, CA (includes extensive travel), (4 Botany/Ecology) – Kyle Merriam: 530-283-7777
AMSET – Nevada City, CA (includes extensive travel), (1-2 Botany) – Wendy Boes: 530-478-6886

To Apply:
Apply in the automated Forest Service site, AVUE: https://www.avuecentral.com/
Job Titles: Biological Science Technician (Plants); Botanist (Temp)

Students: Continuing students are eligible for direct hiring under the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), and should submit applications directly to the Forest of interest. Contacts for each Forest are listed above.

FloraCNPS on "CNPS Photo Contest"

FloraCNPS — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:37:29 +0000

For more information and entry form, please see www.cnps.org.

Fabulous prizes for the CNPS Conservation Conference: Strategies and Solutions Photo Contest!

1st prize: $750, Lowepro Primus AW recycled material backpack, photo published in Fremontia, & 2 complimentary tickets to Conservation Conference banquet. (Total prize value: $1,150)

2nd Prize: $500, Lowepro Primus AW recycled material backpack, photo published in Fremontia, & 2 complimentary tickets to Conservation Conference banquet. (Total prize value: $900)

3rd Prize: $250, Lowepro Primus AW recycled material backpack, photo published in Fremontia, & 2 complimentary tickets to Conservation Conference banquet. (Total prize value: $650)

Runners-up (3): Lowepro Fastpack 250. (Total prize value: $120)

"Conference Choice": The cover of the CNPS 2009 Conservation Conference: Strategies & Solutions Proceedings to be published in 2009.

Subject & Criteria
“California Native Plants”- Photos must be taken in California (or California Floristic Province) and feature plants native to the state. Images may be species specific macro shots, wide angle landscape photos, or pictures of people or animals interacting with the natural environment of California. Photos may be of- but are not limited to- rare or common plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, bryophytes - surprise us!

Digital or Film: Photographer’s Choice, however entries must be accompanied by high resolution digital copies of photos on CD.

Size and Format: 5x7”or 8x10” photos. (Slight variations in size will be accepted.) Please- no mats, no frames, no glass. Photos must be mounted on foam core or backing mat board and enclosed in a clear poly envelope for display at conference. Please mark back of entry with title of the piece and name of photographer.

Deadline for Entries: November 15, 2008. Entries will be accepted by mail September 15- November 14, 2008 and for drop-off Saturday, November 15, 2008 from 11:00-3:00 at the CNPS state office in Sacramento, CA. Entries received after the deadline may be displayed at the conference but will not be eligible for prizes.

More information can be found at the Conservation Conference web site at www.cnps.org.

donald on "Botanical Illustration of Native Desert Flora"

donald — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:43:47 +0000

2009 UPDATE:
BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION OF NATIVE DESERT FLORA
with Donald Davidson www.nps.gov/plants/cw/watercolor/index.htm
Study along with other biologists, writers, and artists while helping increase the native flora visual database. College credit optional.
Friday, April 3, 7pm, through Sunday, April 5, 3pm, Desert Studies Center, Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx, CA. Accommodations and meals included.
CONTACT:
Linda Coco
Program Representative
Science, Law & Health Programs
UC Riverside Extension
1200 University Ave., #336
Riverside, CA 92507
951-827-1618 - Direct
951-827-7374 - Fax
www.extension.ucr.edu

donald on "Botanical Illustration Desert Field Workshop"

donald — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 16:17:59 +0000

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION OF NATIVE DESERT FLORA
with Donald Davidson www.nps.gov/plants/cw/watercolor/index.htm
Study along with other biologists, writers, and artists while helping increase the native flora visual database. College credit optional.
Friday, April 3, 7pm, through Sunday, April 5, 3pm, Desert Studies Center, Mojave National Preserve, Zzyzx, CA. Accommodations and meals included.
CONTACT:
Linda Coco
Program Representative
Science, Law & Health Programs
UC Riverside Extension
1200 University Ave., #336
Riverside, CA 92507
951-827-1618 - Direct
951-827-7374 - Fax
www.extension.ucr.edu

URSrecruiter on "Staff Botanist"

URSrecruiter — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:30:18 +0000

URS Corporation, ranked number one on Engineering News-Record’s list of the Top 500 Design Firms for Seventh consecutive year is a leading provider of planning, design, systems engineering and integration, technology development, program and construction management, and operations and maintenance services to federal, state and local government agencies in the U.S., Fortune 500 corporations worldwide and government clients in Europe and Asia/Pacific. We’re currently looking for a Staff Botanist in our San Diego, CA office.

URS32635 – Staff Botanist
Responsibilities: Work would involve participation in rare plant surveys, wetland delineation, vegetation mapping, habitat restoration planning, CEQA/NEPA, ESA assessments. Two-plus years experience with Southern California rare plants required.

Requirements: BS in Botany or related plant science degree.
Two plus years experience as a botanist, including rare plant surveys in SoCal.

URS Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly supports diversity in our workforce. M/F/V/D. We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. For immediate consideration please submit your resume online at www.urscorp.com and refer to Requisition URS32635 or send your resume to Katie Poehler at Katie_poehler@urscorp.com.

smarkos on "Job: Public Programs Coordinator, Berkeley"

smarkos — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 11:36:41 +0000

JOB POSTING: Coordinator of Public Programs

This exciting position has independent programmatic responsibility for the development and implementation of 25+ weekend workshops each season (predominantly between March and August). Chooses scientific course topics, appropriate instructors, and field locations for 20-25 weekend workshops that are conducted on botanical and ecological subjects at locations throughout the state. Administers the program according to policies set by UC Berkeley. Ensures fiscal success of the public program. Conducts all aspects of administration needed to implement the public programs. Other responsibilities include desktop publishing, community building, and fundraising.

Interested applicants, please see application under UC Berkeley job # 008989. Ideal start date, November 15, 2008

For more information and a copy of the full job description, please contact Staci Markos (smarkos@berkeley.edu) 510-643-7008.

DonnieHaigh on "Habitat Stewards Training"

DonnieHaigh — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:26:09 +0000

Become a part of the Team! Join us for this 3 part-training program that will get you ready to assist in planting California native plants at the Nature Center. Monthly meetings and work parties will provide ongoing opportunities to sharpen your gardening skills, make new friends and help restore the land back to natives.
Program begins Friday, September 26 9 am – 12 pm.
Call for information and registration packet. (562) 570-1750
$40 materials fee.

DonnieHaigh on "El Dorado Nature Center's California Native Plant Sale"

DonnieHaigh — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:24:11 +0000

On Saturday October 25, 2008 from 9:30 – 2:00 pm, El Dorado Nature Center will be hosting its annual California Native Plant Sale sponsored by Partners of Parks. Most of the plants available are well suited to Southern California’s dry climate and require minimal watering once established. Many have fragrant foliage and bear brightly colored flowers that are attractive to butterflies and birds. All proceeds go to support habitat restoration at the Nature Center. Be sure and come early for best selection. Members of Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may make pre-sale purchases beginning at 9:00 am. Your $7 vehicle entry fee will be credited toward all purchases of $75 or more. For more information, please call (562) 570-4880. Memberships to the Friends of El Dorado Nature Center may be purchased at the event.
Location:
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, Ca 90815

DonnieHaigh on "El Dorado Nature Center's California Native Plant Sale"

DonnieHaigh — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:23:27 +0000

mdesafey on "Senior Project Manager - CEQA Regulatory Compliance"

mdesafey — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:14:17 +0000

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager who will have the responsibilities of providing project management and technical direction to a variety of CEQA/NEPA compliance projects throughout California.

The ideal individual would have 5+ years experience working as a project manager overseeing the development of CEQA/NEPA Compliance documentation. This would include providing project management and technical guidance in the design, writing, and development of the overall project, including all reports, budgets, schedules and scopes of work, training and client relations, technical oversight.

Must have previous experience and expertise in CEQA/NEPA compliance regulations and environmental permitting for transportation, land development, infrastructure projects, water resources and/or energy projects.

Requires a degree in Environmental Planning, Biology, Ecology, Natural Resources or related discipline. Must have Exceptional project management, staff mentoring and written/verbal communication abilities desired.

Position is based in Irvine, California and offers excellent compensation and benefits.

For consideration please forward resume or contact directly:

Sequence Systems
Attn: Michael DeSafey
2008 Opportunity Drive #150
Roseville, CA 95678
Phone: 916-782-6900x 202
Fax: 916-782-6307
Email: mdesafey@sequencestaffing.com
www.sequencestaffing.com