Botanist - Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (243286)

$65,000 - $72,000/Yr

University of Wyoming - Laramie, WY

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Laramie, WY

Educational Services

About the position

The Botanist position at the Wyoming Natural Diversity Database (WYNDD) is focused on advancing the understanding of Wyoming's flora, particularly native, rare, and endemic plant species. The role involves maintaining and refining the WYNDD collection of plant observations, range maps, and conservation data, while also engaging in original research and collaboration with external partners. The Botanist will work closely with WYNDD staff to ensure that the information products are useful to partners and will be responsible for acquiring funding to support their work.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, update, and refine the WYNDD collection of documented observations of plant taxa in Wyoming.
• Maintain, update, and refine the WYNDD collection of range maps, predictive distribution maps, and conservation ranks for plant taxa.
• Identify and prioritize information needs to improve core products and communicate those needs to the Director and other researchers.
• Acquire grants, contracts, and research agreements to support 30% of the position salary.
• Communicate regularly with partners in state and federal agencies regarding ongoing research and status of plants.
• Participate in partner-led working groups and initiatives related to plant conservation.
• Engage in necessary UW and WYNDD business practices and complete required trainings.
• Maintain professional status through skills development and conference activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Botany, Plant Sciences, Ecology, or a related field.
• 3 years of direct work experience in botanical research and data management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Rocky Mountain flora and practical field experience.
• Experience manipulating large digital datasets for analysis and visualization.
• Strong proficiency with GIS and GPS technologies.
• Excellent communication skills for presenting research findings to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Nice-to-haves

• 5 years of professional experience in botany or related fields.
• In-depth understanding of plant taxonomy, ecology, and conservation in Wyoming.
• Experience designing digital data collection templates and developing databases.
• Familiarity with R, Python, or other programming languages for data management.
• Knowledge of the network of State Natural Heritage Programs.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $65,000-$72,000 depending on experience and qualifications.
• Funding for the position includes 30% from external grants and contracts.