Field Biologist - Gainesville

Description

The Field Biologist will be part of the Conservation & Research Department team within the Southeastern Center for Conservation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. They will work under the direction of the Field Botany Program Manager and assist with many of the Department’s field projects. The primary duties of this position include: 

Fieldwork and Project Management:

• Plan and execute day-to-day fieldwork activities to achieve project goals with minimal supervision.
• Prepare digital maps, data collection tools, and field equipment for trips.
• Sample Collection and Monitoring:
• Following departmental protocols, collect seeds, pollen, leaf tissue, and herbarium vouchers.
• Conduct single and multi-day travel to field sites across the Southeast to monitor rare plant populations.
• Survey and document key in situ populations of rare and endangered plants.

Data Management and Analysis:

• Accurately record field observations and experimental data in departmental databases.
• Perform regular data validation and address inconsistencies promptly.
• Analyze experimental data using R and Excel, and generate reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaboration and Partner Engagement:
• Support the Field Botany Manager in coordinating with local and regional partners to conduct monitoring and data collection for shared conservation projects.
• Prepare and deliver customized reports summarizing project outcomes for partners.

Permitting and Compliance:

• Manage permitting requirements, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain organized records of permits and project documentation.

Safety and Training:

• Ensure all field activities adhere to safety protocols.
• Participate in and contribute to staff training initiatives as needed.
• Drone and Equipment Management: (Preferred but not required)
• Operate drone equipment for field monitoring and research documentation; organize and manage associated photo/video data. 
• Track, organize, and maintain Conservation & Research Department equipment, supplies, and vehicles

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Botany, Ecology, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of post-degree fieldwork experience required.
• Technical Skills:
• Familiarity with the southeastern U.S. natural communities and flora.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS for mapping and data analysis.
• Competency in statistical analysis using R and data management in Excel.
• Ability to use a dichotomous key to identify plants.
• Basic understanding of ecological sampling methodologies.
• Licenses and Certifications:
• Valid Georgia driver’s license.
• Georgia pesticide applicator’s license (or ability to obtain within six months).
• Preferred but not required: FAA Part 107 drone license (required within the first year of employment).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to hike long distances across challenging terrain, including dense woods, wetland areas, and steep ravines.
• Comfortable with extended exposure to outdoor elements, including heat, sun, humidity, ticks, and wet conditions.
• Have a GA drivers license or the ability to drive and obtain a valid GA license 
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. safely.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing circumstances, and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with partners, the public, and team members.
• Flexibility to switch between projects as priorities shift.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently planning the day-to-day fieldwork activities needed to satisfy project goals
• Preparing digital maps, data collection forms, and field equipment as required for each trip
• Field collection of seed, pollen, leaf tissue, and herbarium vouchers using methods consistent with department protocols. Single-day and multi-day travel to field sites across the Southeast.
• Supporting coordination with local and regional partners to conduct monitoring and data collection for regional field projects 
• Surveying key in situ populations of rare plants across the Southeast
• Maintaining detailed records of monitoring, out planting, and experiments conducted for key projects
• Ensuring field data is correctly entered into the fieldwork database according to departmental protocol and making timely checks for data errors
• Integrating datasets, obtaining permits, maintaining and updating databases
• Analyzing & presenting experimental data and providing written reports, presentations, and publications
• Creating customized reports for partners communicating management and safeguarding activities 
• Managing and utilizing drone equipment to make footage and organize photo/video data.
• Responsible for organizing, tracking, and maintaining Conservation & Research equipment, supplies, and vehicles

The above job duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory of all duties required of employees in this job.

It is the policy of the Atlanta Botanical Garden to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.