Invasive Species/Citizen Science Program Coordinator
Purpose of Position
The program coordinator manages and progresses a statewide volunteer citizen science program (www.texasinvasives.org) with over 1,000 citizen scientists, who seek out and report outbreaks of selected harmful invasive species in their local areas.
Essential Functions
Partner and work with Texas Parks and Wildlife Texas Nature Trackers, Texas Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, and other citizen science organizations to recruit new volunteers to the Invaders of Texas program.
Organize and administer 10 Citizen Science training workshops in different regions of Texas to train new citizen scientists in the use of the Invaders of Texas Early Detection and Reporting (EDR) Toolkit. Information gathered by Citizen Scientist will be used in research of invasive species. Develop a new branch of the Invaders of Texas program training new and existing citizen scientists to identify and report invasive pest species of regulatory concern, including insects and animals. Promote the Invaders program by presenting results at professional conferences, publishing articles in regional media. Use citizen science data to study the distribution of invasive species and publish results of that research.
Manage project budget. Administer the Early Detection Database and create reports on the distribution of invasive species in Texas. Research the ecological and economic impacts of invasive species and perform weed risk assessments. Work with Director of Conservation to secure grants for invasive species program funding. Promote awareness of invasive species issues in Texas through publications and presentations. Manage the www.texasinvasives.org website.
Marginal/Incidental functions
Other related functions as assigned.
Position requires occasional weekend and evening work.
Required qualifications
Bachelor's degree. Course work in in ecology, botany, natural resources, biology, invasive species biology, or conservation. Must demonstrate ability to effectively communicate with the public, volunteers, and management and project team members. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's Degree and 3 years of experience in ecology, botany, natural resources, biology, invasive species biology, conservation, citizen science, or related field. Able to work confidently, both independently and in collaboration with project team members. Must be highly organized and able to multi-task. Familiarity with grant development process is preferred but not required. Applicant must possess proficient writing and computer skills (MS Office, database management, and computer graphics).
Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated knowledge of invasive species issues in Texas and invasive plant identification.
Additional knowledge of invasive pest and animals is preferred.
Working conditions
May work in all weather conditions May work in extreme temperatures May work around standard office conditions Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation Use of manual dexterity Lifting and moving Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with the fingers. Minimal lifting, carrying, bending, and pushing/pulling. Overnight travel (up to 25 percent) by land or air.
Earliest Start Date: Immediately
Position Duration: Funding expected to continue
Monthly Salary: $2,666 negotiable depending on qualifications
Location: The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin (www.wildflower.org), Austin, TX
To Apply: Visit
https://utdirect.utexas.edu/apps/hr/jobs/nlogon/120105014222 for formal posting and application process.
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