State Botanist

Lead the Botany Program, providing strategic direction for the conservation and recovery of Missouri's native plant species. 

Essential Job Duties

• Lead MDC's Botany Program; facilitate coordination across branches and regions regarding identification, prioritization, and implementation of plant management, research, monitoring, outreach and recovery needs pertaining to native plants.
• Provide guidance to regional staff and partners on the conservation and management of plant species of conservation concern (SOCC).
• Serve as statewide expert and resource for high-quality, science-based botanical and mycological information. Respond to questions from MDC staff, partners and the public.
• Provide training and oversite to MDC staff conducting plant research and monitoring to ensure accuracy and quality of data collection.
• Serve as principle investigator on high-priority scientific research projects that support the conservation and recovery of native plant species; design, administer and conduct research projects including sampling protocol, data management, statistical analysis; interpret results and distribute through peer-reviewed publications and presentations. 
• Provide training to MDC staff and partners on plant identification, conservation and management; develop printed resources and outreach materials for the public.
• Coordinate and conduct plant surveys and monitoring, ensure accuracy of all plant records submitted to the Natural Heritage (NH) database, and curate the NH herbarium.
• Lead MDC efforts to recover endangered plants, monitor plant populations, evaluate species status, develop recommendations to add or remove plant species to state endangered species list, inform federal listing decisions and status reviews. 
• Administer Missouri's Ginseng Program and associated CITES requirements; inform Ginseng regulations, monitor ginseng populations, and oversee monitoring and reporting of all roots bought or sold in Missouri.
• Represent MDC and provide botanical expertise on internal and external teams, working groups and committees.
• Prepare cooperative agreements, grant proposals, and budgets and monitor compliance.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in project reviews and serve on project review teams for other research projects.
• Provide scientific technical support to researchers, students, managers, administrators, educators, and protection staff.
• Correspond with stakeholders via email, telephone, and in-person discussion.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Botany, Plant Ecology, Biological Sciences, Conservation Biology, or a related field.
• At least three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to use office equipment, such as copier, phone system, fax, scanner, and computer.
• Familiarity with GPS and GIS equipment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel and work varying shifts, as required.
• Ability to accurately identify Missouri native plant species using taxonomic keys, field guides, and other aides.
• Familiarity with Missouri's native plant species and natural communities.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and facilitation skills.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS Pro.
• Ability to keep focused on understanding, anticipating, and responding to the needs of customers.
• Ability to define a problem, analyze relevant information and develop solutions and plans to solve the problem.
• Ability to maintain focus and intensity and remain optimistic and persistent even under adversity.
• Ability to develop and sustain positive, cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to make independent decisions and act quickly and decisively on the determined course of action.
• Ability to handle multiple, diverse tasks of a complex nature and employ good time management techniques.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight on multiple consecutive nights, including out of state.
• Ability to lead diverse teams, including collaboration, consensus building, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to administer financial resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the Departmennt's mission.
• Ability to accept change and new information and cope with job pressure and stress.

Work Environment

• Regularly work in outdoor environments where hot, cold, wet and/or humid conditions exist.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
• Perform work in a standard office environment.

Physical Abilities

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, precise hand-eye coordination, and the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Regularly lift up to 30 pounds, correctly lift up to 50 pounds.
• Concentrated attention is required at all times.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery.