Endemic Plant Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Endemic Plant Coordinator

TEAM: Conservation and Fisheries

REPORTS TO:Conservation Team Leader

JOB PURPOSE: 

To lead on delivery of the Darwin Plus- funded Growing Hope Project that aims to secure the future of Ascension’s endemic plants.  This will be achieved through the production of a new Endemic Plant Restoration Plan based on the evidence from past monitoring and restoration work and new monitoring and trials undertaken by the post holder as part of this project.

MAIN DUTIES:

1. Analyse endemic plant census data and the results of past restoration attempts.
2. Establish temperature, humidity and light monitoring devices at 24 locations within the distribution of endemic plant species.
3. Download and analyse temperature, humidity and light data to infer preferred growing and identify potential restoration sites.
4. Conduct restoration trials by planting out target species at sites varying in environmental conditions and monitoring their survival, growth and recruitment.
5. Trial and evaluate different methods to alter temperature, light and humidity experienced by plants and to control priority non-native species including mechanical removal and herbicide application.
6. Produce draft Endemic Plant Restoration Plan in collaboration with the Steering Group incorporating results of the project analyses.
7. Coordinate a public consultation on the draft Restoration Plan through public meetings and press articles on Ascension and distribution via social media.
8. Provide secretarial support for the project Steering Group.
9. Contribute to the ongoing plant restoration work being undertaken by AIGCFD.
10. Assist with outreach events and the creation of public engagement material for local and international audiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. To undertake the main duties of the post (detailed above) to the highest possible standard.
2. Work closely with other on-Island team members, external project partners and other stakeholders to complete the main duties of the post and develop a sustainable programme of marine research and conservation on Ascension Island.
3. To report regularly to the Conservation Team Leader and external partners to ensure that all parties are meeting their targets and goals.
4. Write regular articles for local, overseas and peer-reviewed publications.
5. Comply with Health and Safety at Work procedures.
6. To abide by the AIGCFD data management policy with regards to responsible archiving and documentation of scientific datasets.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential

1. BSc in Biology, Botany, Environmental Science or equivalent vocational experience.
2. A sound knowledge of plant conservation and biology including in situ restoration work.
3. Proven experience in writing conservation management plans.
4. A full driving licence.
5. A good level of physical fitness.
6. Numerate and computer literate, with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Access, Excel, Word) and ideally GIS.
7. Good interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work effectively in a small team.
8. Experience of living and working on conservation issues in small and remote communities and/or on small islands and having an appreciation of how they run.
9. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, happy working both independently and in a team setting, and willing to sometimes work extended hours (often at weekends) and on projects outside of core duties if required.

Desirable

1. Post-graduate qualification in botany, ecology or plant conservation.
2. Experience of plant propagation and cultivation techniques.
3. Qualifications in the use of brush cutters and pesticide application.

How to Apply

Please apply via the following link:

https://www.ascension.gov.ac/vacancy/endemic-plant-coordinator

Please mention ConservationJobs.co.uk when applying for this job!

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