Plant Conservation Scientist

Position Summary

The plant conservation scientist is a scientific and curatorial position primarily responsible for performing research and curating data and natural history collections in support of Native Plant Trust’s

mission

. The plant conservation scientist serves as a botanical expert for New England and advances research supporting plant conservation and ecological restoration at a regional scale. Resources to support this research include our seed bank and herbarium, facilities for plant germination and cultivation at

Nasami Farm

,

rare plant sanctuaries

across the region, long-term data, and the role of the organization as convener of the collaborative

New England Plant Conservation Program

and lead partner in the

Flora Conservanda

initiative prioritizing rare plant conservation for the region. This position provides key analytical support to the New England Plant Conservation Program and guides management of the

Conservation Seed Bank

. With more than 10 million seeds, this living collection safeguards genetic diversity of New England’s rare plants for future reintroduction, population augmentation, and research. The plant conservation scientist oversees this important living collection as well as the Native Plant Trust Herbarium (BEDF), which comprises more than 6,000 specimens of bryophytes, ferns, and seed plants, centering on Massachusetts and New England. This full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position reports to the director of Conservation.

Primary Responsibilities

Research

●

Develop and maintain a collaborative research program advancing native plant conservation and ecological restoration at a regional scale, leveraging the organization’s established strengths and resources

● Secure funding via contracts and grants to support research programs and projects

● Develop and maintain a current and in-depth knowledge of the flora of New England, serving as an expert resource for the organization as well as for other organizations and individuals in the region

● Manage data and produce analyses to support the New England Plant Conservation Program and other strategic conservation priorities

● Disseminate research findings through publication in appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals

● Supervise staff, interns, and volunteers as necessary

Curation

●

Curate the Conservation Seed Bank and herbarium by leading day-to-day operations, managing collections databases, responding in a timely manner to seed storage and withdrawal requests, interfacing with herbarium users to provide access, seeking funding for long-term collections-related development projects in collaboration with Native Plant Trust staff and external partners, coordinating with regional and national seed banking and herbarium planning efforts, and promoting the seed bank and herbarium as invaluable resources to scientists, conservation practitioners, and the region

● Work closely with the director of Conservation and New England Plant Conservation Program partners to set regional priorities for seed collection, and work closely with the community science coordinator to achieve them

● Supervise the part-time seed bank coordinator, interns, volunteers, and seasonal staff as necessary

Communication and Outreach

●

Work collaboratively and build relationships with Native Plant Trust staff, New England Plant Conservation Program partners, volunteers, and members of the public to advance knowledge of native plant conservation science, and to foster an understanding of the value of the Conservation Seed Bank and herbarium; activities may include leading training sessions, participating in education and public outreach programs, giving lectures, providing periodic presentations to internal audiences, and teaching classes related to herbaria, seed banking, and other areas of expertise

● Develop and contribute to joint projects with Conservation and Horticulture staff on fee-based consulting projects advancing Native Plant Trust’s mission and produce statistical and spatial analyses to support strategic priorities

● Disseminate timely information, in collaboration with Communications staff as necessary, including professional meetings, website and social media postings, and news releases

Skills and Experience

The ideal applicant possesses:

● M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant field of biology, or equivalent experience, with a demonstrated focus on native plant conservation preferred

● Expert knowledge of field botany and plant ecology, with experience in ecoregions of New England preferred

● Expert knowledge of one or more of the following areas: species or habitat recovery, plant biogeography, climate adaptation, landscape ecology, seed ecology, conservation genetics

● Working knowledge of plant taxonomy and systematics

● Expertise in statistical analysis, spatial analysis, and database management

● Experience working with natural history collections

● Experience with germination and propagation from seed

● Demonstrated ability to secure external funding via grants and/or contracts

● Experience working collaboratively

● Excellent organizational skills, time-management skills, and written and verbal

communication skills

Physical Demands and Work Environment Factors

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift items weighing at least 20 lbs. This position requires sitting for long periods of time in close visual contact with a computer monitor and may use repetitive wrist and hand motions. The employee is regularly required to reach with hands and arms, to listen, and to speak. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision. This position often requires driving short and long distances, traveling on foot on uneven terrain for long periods while carrying equipment, and working outdoors in hot, cold, and inclement weather. The position requires regular travel throughout New England (typically 2–4 days a month; extended research trips of a week or more may be required). Standard hours are 9 am to 5 pm, based at the headquarters office in Wayland, MA, with occasional weekend, early morning, and evening hours. Occasional remote/hybrid work is permitted.

Compensation and Benefits

• The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience. This full-time, year-round, exempt position includes a benefits package.

To Apply:

Visit https://www.nativeplanttrust.org/about/jobs-internships/