RESEARCH ASSISTANT
 
The Botanical Research Institute of Texas seeks a part-time (29 hrs/week) Research Assistant to begin in late May, or early June, 2013. This summer position will last for 12 weeks. The successful applicant will have a Bachelor's Degree in botany, biology, environmental science, or a related field. Undergraduate students pursuing a degree in one of these fields will also be considered. Experience with field surveys, plant identification, and specimen processing is preferred.
Submit curriculum vitae and letter of interest to Kim Taylor (ktaylor@brit.org) by May 11th, 2013.
 
TITLE: Research Assistant
 
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Assist researchers in rare plant surveys, plant identification, data input, and specimen processing. Document field surveys using photography or videography. This part time, summer position requires 3 trips for field work for up to 7 consecutive days at a time.
 
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Field Work (35% of time)
1. Assist researchers in field work, including conducting surveys and vegetation plots.
2. Make plant collections including documenting important metadata and photographing specimens and habit.
3. Identify plants in the field and from plant collections.
4. Document field surveys using photography, videography, or any other means deemed appropriate.
Data Processing (65% of time)
1. Process collected specimens, including making collection labels, databasing, and scanning collected specimens.
2. Input data into computer database.
3. Assist with contacting landowners and obtaining their permission for plant surveys.
4. Assist with completing written documentation of project goals and findings for public outreach and technical reports.
5. Other duties as assigned.
 
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
• Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, environmental science, or a related field.
• Ability to identify plants using dichotomous keys and field guides.
• Working proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Excel.
• Working knowledge of field survey methods.
• Basic knowledge of photography.
• Ability to conduct field work in adverse conditions (e.g., high temperatures, difficult terrain) and lift at least 50 pounds.
 
POSITION ACCOUNTABILITY: TPWD Salvia Grant PI