Applied Ecologist

~ Widely regarded as a model botanic garden, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a living museum and a member of the American Alliance of Museums, dedicated to research, education, and conservation of California native plants. ~

As an accredited museum and botanic garden, the SBBG differentiates itself from being just another beautiful place with open space and pretty flowers. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a living museum where collections-based research preserves California native plants and displays them in a beautiful setting.

As a botanic garden, by definition, our institution holds documented collections of living plants for the purposes of scientific research, conservation, display and education.

As with other botanic gardens, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden also provides visitor services that include tours, educational activities, displays, art exhibitions and a variety of forms of entertainment. We are one of only 30 gardens accredited by the American Alliance of Museums as a living museum. 

Position Overview

The Applied Ecologist is responsible for designing, conducting, and communicating fire and restoration ecology research and implementation at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. The holder of this position will be responsible in 2019 and 2020 for coordinating and implementing a Prop 1 grant-funded project to assess (with other members of the SBBG Conservation Team) habitat recovery and restoration needs throughout the Thomas and Whittier fires. This project allows time to pursue other projects and assist other members of the Conservation Team in a variety of applied conservation projects. Fundraising, education, and outreach activities are required to support the continuation of this position. This non-exempt position is flexible (20-40 hours per week) and will be tailored for the right candidate. The Applied Ecologist reports to the Director of Conservation and Research.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct regional research on applied ecology topics to include: fire ecology, recovery, and resilience; habitat restoration; and potentially urban ecology;
• Implement restoration and resilience projects to apply the findings above and recover diverse native habitat;
• Lead volunteers and staff to aid in performing the above tasks as needed;
• Ensure completion of data collection and analysis and dissemination of results;
• Write progress and final reports for funders;
• Disseminate research results to a broad audience through the above venues as well as public lectures, and presentations at professional meetings;
• Fundraise for the this program via grant and contract proposals, donor relations, and alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding;
• Work with other members of the Conservation & Research Team, which may include basic biodiversity inventory, rare plant conservation, community ecology, outreach and advocacy, to achieve departmental goals;
• Publish 1-3 papers in peer-reviewed journals per year;
• Represent the Garden’s conservation program in regional and state meetings, and build a strong relationship with conservation partners;
• Offer educational opportunities that may include lectures, workshops, tours, and field trips;
• Work with the Garden’s Communications Department to develop outreach materials, including periodic newsletter articles, brochures, web updates, videos, press releases, and social media.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities:

• Broad botanical knowledge, including plant identification and vegetation survey/monitoring experience. Knowledge of and experience with the California flora preferred;
• Support of the Garden’s mission and goals and ability to provide vision and inspiration to others in support of this mission;
• Ability to conduct field work in a remote setting with rugged terrain under a variety of environmental conditions;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Strong organizational skills; must be detail oriented;
• Excellent verbal and written communication and problem solving skills desired;
• Willingness to work occasional weekend hours and to travel for fieldwork, meetings, and symposia;
• Computer proficiency including ability to use Microsoft Access, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and to learn new computer programs as necessary;
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision is critical.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Academic background and applied experience in ecology, the biological sciences, or closely related area (minimum of Master’s degree);
• Experience with fire and restoration ecology preferred;
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analyses;
• Experience with GIS and GPS preferred;
• Experience and comfort giving public presentations and performing other outreach to promote projects and engage the public.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must have valid California Driver License and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

Must be capable of occasional strenuous physical work including:

• Sitting for up to 2.0 hours at a time and using computer for lengthy periods;
• Standing/walking for extended periods of time;
• Bending, squatting, walking stairs, and hiking rugged trails;
• Safely lifting and carrying 40 lbs.;
• Tolerance of an outdoor work environment;
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, wild animals, and sun exposure.

To Apply

• Please complete the Employment Application and submit via email.
• Download the SBBG Employment Application.