Plant Conservation Apprentice

Description:

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is hiring a Plant Conservation Apprentice!

Are you passionate about conserving native plant biodiversity, excited about inspiring meaningful connections among people and nature in one of the most beautiful settings in Maine, and committed to supporting the Gardens’ Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility goals?

The Plant Conservation Apprentice, with the Conservation Botanist, is responsible for researching and documenting land ownership for conservation activities for target species, collecting, cleaning, recording and storing seed of both common rare species for ex situ conservation in the Gardens' seed bank, monitoring rare species populations, and collecting herbarium specimens to document plant populations. The Plant Conservation Apprentice will primarily work on the conservation of plants and seed from taxa found in habitats vulnerable to climate change throughout Maine and may also assist with other tasks relating to the Gardens’ conservation projects and seed banking program.

This is a Seasonal, 9-month apprenticeship starting in June at 40 hours per week, typically Monday-Friday. Schedule start and end times will vary day to day. Flexible start and end dates.

$18.75-19.00 hourly, non-exempt

Seasonal employees receive personal and sick paid time off, paid holidays, discounts in our culinary programs and Gardenshop, and a Gardens membership.

The candidate will often work in the field and must have reliable transportation to and from field sites. The Gardens offers mileage reimbursement.

Primary Functions:

With guidance from the Plant Conservation Program Manager and Conservation Botanist, the Plant Conservation Apprentice will:

• Support research to obtain permission and permits for plant conservation activities;
• Identify plants in the field;

Navigate and work in the field on a regular basis across Maine and neighboring states; Search for target taxa and collect seed for ex situ conservation programs; Complete rare plant monitoring and complete reporting forms; Keep detailed notes and records of all seed collections including GPS points and habitat data;

Collect and prepare herbarium voucher specimens to accompany seed collections;

• Prepare seed for storage by cleaning, drying and labeling seed;

Record seed collection and seed storage information in the IrisBG database;

• Support volunteers working on seed cleaning;
• Assist with preparation of annual landowner reports.

Physical Requirements:

Approximate percentages of time tasks are performed in carrying out the essential functions of this position:

70% of time bending/stooping, squatting, reaching above shoulder level, kneeling, hand/fingers used for repetitive motion, hands/fingers used for fine manipulation, hands/fingers used for firm grasping, head/neck in rotational movements, head/neck in extension movements, head/neck in flexing movements.

30% of time in sitting position. The maximum load employees will be required to lift/carry is 35 - 50 lbs.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree (strongly preferred) or coursework or training in plant science, botany, plant ecology, or related field. Knowledge of plant taxonomy and nomenclature.

Experience working independently outdoors and in the field including in remote locations.:

Experience identifying plants, collecting seeds, and collecting herbarium specimens:

Experience collecting and mapping spatial data using GPS and GIS.:

Experience using plant collection databases such as IrisBG or BRAHAMS preferred but not required.: