Summary:
The holder of this position is expected to develop innovative research projects that advance the science of restoration ecology and build upon the strengths of MBG’s local and international field programs. The candidate will have opportunities to develop collaborative projects at MBG’s Shaw Nature Reserve, at several of the Nature Reserves managed by MBG Madagascar and field sites in Africa and Latin America. The successful candidate will have opportunities to collaborate in ongoing research projects related to the restoration of degraded ecosystems and reinforcement of populations of endangered plant species by working directly with MBG scientists active in conservation biology, reintroduction biology, global change, restoration ecology, community ecology, and macroecology. This individual will also interact with a broader community of scientists at universities, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies. Other responsibilities include participating in the recently-formed Ecological Restoration Alliance of botanic gardens and arboreta, and other international restoration working groups and partnerships. This individual will also be expected to help build restoration capacity in MBG’s international field programs including tropical Andean countries, Madagascar, and other islands in the Indian Ocean. Thus, fluency or competence in Spanish and/or French is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will have capacity to attract financial support for research activities by preparing proposals and obtaining grants from outside funding sources. The successful candidate will conduct daily operations of assigned projects or programs without direct supervision, prepare scientific papers as leading author, and interact with Garden staff and other collaborators to prepare collaborative scientific papers. Additionally, this individual will present lectures to professional organizations and broader audiences as appropriate and will assist visiting scientists as appropriate.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position supervises staff at the different field sites involved in restoration as well as undergraduate and graduate students associated with the Garden’s restoration projects; position may lead and direct volunteers and may participate on selection committees regarding other employees.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Takes leadership role in implementing research on the restoration of degraded ecosystems in local, national, and international field sites.
• Conducts independent research and writes results for publication in peer reviewed journals. Works with the CCSD team in ongoing research projects.
• Identifies potential funding sources and writes proposals to secure external funding for research projects and program expansion.
• Participate in scientific meetings and delivers lectures to professional organizations and to the general public as requested.
• Attracts new scientific collaborators and develops partnerships with organizations, establishing cooperative agreements for strengthening the program, as appropriate.
• Works within MBG established guidelines in preparing and monitoring grant proposal budgets.
• Collaborates with staff in other relevant divisions of MBG to support complementary restoration activities, including (but not limited to) Horticulture, Education and the Shaw Nature Reserve
• Mentors and supervises students, interns, and volunteers working with a team of scientists.
• Reviews scientific papers and grant proposals as requested.
• May participate in the hiring and selection process of employees and volunteers.
• Demonstrates highest level of professional and ethical conduct.
• Adherence to all health and safety guidelines.
• Behave & communicate in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, cooperation, and respect within our division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Communication: Combines listening skills, verbal and written communication skills and visitor relation skills.
• Collaboration: Incorporates teamwork, mutual respect, active engagement, cooperation and visitor focus.
• Accountability: Initiative to take ownership of responsibilities, the ability to prioritize and the working knowledge and skills to take action.
• Problem Solving: Blends problem solving skills, judgement and decision making skills along with creativity and resourcefulness.
• Stewardship: Merges the practical application of the Garden values and support for a positive organizational climate.
• Leadership: Applies understanding of business and financials into managing staff, volunteers and the department budget; Demonstrates strategic thinking, adaptability, flexibility and continuity in problem solving and decision making; Develops and drives implementation plans for changes; monitors transition and evaluates results; Supports, engages and educates staff and volunteers; Coaches, motivates and develops direct reports to fulfill the Garden’s mission.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Strong background including a minimum of (3) year’s prior experience or coursework in one or more of the following fields: restoration ecology, conservation science, community ecology, landscape ecology, spatial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability including a minimum of (3) years’ experience using R and ESRI software (or at least one of the above tools).
• Prior experience writing scientific papers, grant proposals and reports.
• Demonstrated experience in seeking external funding.
• Strong understanding of financial budget development/management and forecasting process to effectively manage grant’s budget.
• Willingness and flexibility to conduct field work.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; professional, speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; is tactful and treats others with respect.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively at all levels; working with diverse teams including international colleagues required.
• Frequent domestic and international travel required.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers, and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccinations by hire date, and the Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on community health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations, and immunizations as required for all countries where travel is necessary.
• The requirements and duties listed above are representative and do not constitute an exhaustive list of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education and experience may be considered.

Education:

• Ph.D. in ecology, restoration science, conservation science, or related discipline required.

Computer Skills: Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Computer simulation skills are particularly desirable.

Other Skills and Abilities: Exceptional public speaking skills required.

Language Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in English (oral/written). Fluency in Spanish and/or French a plus.

Mathematical Skills: Proficient college math aptitude-ability to work with statistics.

Reasoning Ability: Requires ability to conduct independent research and to actively participate in team work; apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution; represent the interests and projects a positive image of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a passport for international travel.
• Must be able to obtain visas, vaccinations and immunizations for all countries where travel is required.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel independently in economy class on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. and over.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer keyboard for the purpose of accurately. communicating, writing, and managing research data.
• Ability to walk, stand, kneel, or climb as required and move about for extended periods of time.
• Physical fitness necessary for field studies involving multi-week hikes/rides/camping in difficult terrain.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights and at high altitudes.
• Ability to travel independently in economy class on airplanes, trains and other conveyances both domestic and international.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment, as needed.

Work Environment:

• Office and laboratory environment in St. Louis and overseas; overseas field trips, including in developing countries and/or in remote and rugged regions
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, especially those encountered in tropical regions

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden: Employees, Volunteers, Collaborators, Guests, International Scientists and Counterparts, Professional Organizations, Governmental Officials, and Colleges/Universities.

Required Documents: Applicants should submit a current CV and cover letter. Letters of recommendation may be requested but are not required for the initial application.

Application Deadline: All application materials must be received by December 31st, 2022, to guarantee consideration. However, the position will remain open until filled.

Please email Dr. Gunter Fischer, Senior Vice President, Science & Conservation, at gfischer@mobot.org with any questions about this position.


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