• Job Description

  Req#: fk0vqfg

  Location: Augusta,Maine,United States

  BOTANIST

  (BIOLOGIST II)

  -Anticipated Vacancy-

  Opening Date:	December 07, 2023	Closing Date:	December 21, 2023
  Location:	Augusta	Position #:	01700-0096
  Position Type:	Full Time	Class Code:	9352
  Grade/Salary:	Grade 25 - $55,473.60 - $75,337.60/Annually* *(This includes the 5.5% Salary Adjustment)

  The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry is recruiting for a full-time Botanist for the Maine Natural Areas Program, a Division of the Bureau of Resource Information and Land Use Planning.

  BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION: The Maine Natural Areas Program seeks to fill a Biologist II (Botanist) vacancy in Augusta, Maine. The Botanist will be responsible for overseeing, prioritizing, and conducting field-based inventory and research to document the location, condition, and status of Maine's rare plant species and associated habitats. The botanist will work with a panel of experts to periodically update the state’s Official List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. The Botanist will serve the state as an expert on the identification, distribution, ecology, and management relevant to the preservation of native plant species. The Botanist will continue to administer and conduct the state’s efforts to promote the recovery of federally listed plant species. Scientific support is frequently provided to private landowners, land managers, and conservation organizations. The Botanist will write and manage grants and contracts for completing work on rare plants and ecologically significant habitats. This position will primarily focus on assessing the status of native plant species but will work in concert with other MNAP ecologists on other efforts.

  
  The successful candidate will demonstrate knowledge of botany and plant ecology including specific knowledge of plants and habitats in northern New England. Successful candidates will be able to use information systems and technologies to collect, analyze and interpret natural resource data; present workshops, manage stakeholder groups, and communicate effectively orally, in writing, and electronically with different audiences, ranging from lay people to technical experts and scientists. The successful candidate will also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills including the ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of field staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships; and work as part of an interdisciplinary team to support division/department goals. Candidates must be able to think creatively, demonstrate initiative, and independently implement multiple projects.
  

  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, or related discipline -AND- three (3) years’ experience in field research in one or more of the following topics: botany, plant ecology, ecological systems, habitat assessment, ecological restoration, and including experience in a supervisory capacity. Directly related work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

  Preference will be given to candidates with:
  • Graduate degree in Botany, Plant Ecology, Forest Ecology, or related subject.
  • Strong field botanical skills for northeast flora and knowledge of Maine’s rare plants, natural communities, and ecosystems
  • Expertise with GIS, GPS, data management, and remote sensing, and data analysis.
  • Familiarity with Natural Heritage program methodologies, vegetation sampling, forest inventory, and field survey design.
  • Experience with project management, report writing, budgets, staff supervision, grant management, and fund raising.
  • Strong communication skills including experience giving presentations and conducting public outreach.
  

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  No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

  • Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
  • Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($9,893.52-$11,057.52 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
  • Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.
  • Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
  • Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 13.41% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
  • Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
  • Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
  • Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
  • Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
  • Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

  There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

  As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

  If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

  Thinking about applying?
  Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.

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• About the company

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