Grassland loss is the greatest conservation issue facing eastern North American biodiversity. Our
precious Southern grasslands are nearly extinct, and the species that depend on them are fading fast. Many of our Southeastern grasslands
that managed to persist through the past 200 years have disappeared in the past quarter-century. What will the next 25 years bring? As a
conservation community, we are only now beginning to realize the extent of our once widespread grasslands. To reverse the decline in
grassland biodiversity, our response must be rapid and unprecedented in magnitude. This immensely complex and ambitious challenge will take
some of America’s conservation and philanthropy’s brightest and most creative minds to solve. Are you ready to join the Southeastern
Grasslands Institute’s team?
Austin Peay State University’s Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI) invites applications for a Middle
Tennessee Grasslands Coordinator position. This is a full-time, nontenure-track position. The Middle Tennessee Grasslands Coordinators’
primary role will be to serve the needs of SGI in developing and managing grassland conservation projects across the Middle Tennessee region
(e.g., Nashville Basin and Highland Rim regions). In addition to on-the-ground work in grasslands and coordination of broader efforts, this
position includes a vital component of grant-writing and report writing to help secure future funding to support this position and to grow
additional programming/staffing needs in the Middle TN region. The position will be located in Clarksville, TN. This Coordinator position
may work a non-traditional schedule and travel throughout the field season with other SGI team members to reach various project areas, with
overnight stays and travel expenses covered through grant funds. Working from home will be possible for a few specific desk-based tasks.
This position will report to SGI’s Director of Stewardship.
Austin Peay State University does not discriminate against students,
employees, or applicants for admission or employment based on race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex (including pregnancy),
disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all
employment.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
– Oversee restoration projects in Middle Tennessee and
northern Alabama.
– Design and implement restoration, management, and research projects related to grasslands and grassland-related
(open woodlands/open wetlands) communities.
– Coordinate and assist in field work related to grassland research, management,
restoration, and re-creation, including working with various individuals, organizations, and agencies; must be able to work collaboratively
and with a positive attitude with SGI team members and people outside SGI.
– Seek additional funding opportunities and draft grant
proposals.
– Establish and maintain regular communication with private, state, national, and international conservation
organizations.
– Supervise teams based in the Middle TN region.
– Travel with the restoration team and oversee day-to-day
tasks in the field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of and prior experience conducting species
and natural community inventory, and assessing the ecological quality of various natural communities. - Knowledge of and prior
experience assessing restoration and management needs of grasslands and woodlands, and writing and implementing restoration and management
plans.
Required Minimum Qualifications
– Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of one (1) year of work
experience in the coordination, implementation, and design of restoration projects. An M.S. in Botany, Ecology, Plant Biology, Conservation
Biology, Restoration Ecology, or related fields is preferred.
– Experience in planning, implementing, and assessing ecological
restoration projects. The successful candidate should demonstrate an understanding of ecological restoration prescriptions, outcomes, tools,
and practices. Prefer experience with prescribed fire, silvicultural management, seeding, and herbicide application.
– Must have or
be willing to obtain pesticide applicator certification within 3 months of the hiring date.
– Must have good skills with plant
identification at the species, genus, and family levels, preferably in eastern North America.
– Prefer the successful candidate to
have proficiency in natural history, ecology, and vegetation, preferably in eastern North America.
– Must have good interpersonal
skills and ability to communicate with various audiences, including laypeople, volunteers, private landowners, interns, academics, business
leaders, agency personnel, donors, and other professionals.
– Must have excellent communication skills, both in writing and oral
communication, and excellent presentation abilities.
– A successful track record in setting priorities, taking initiative, and
multi-tasking.
– Experience using hand-held GPS equipment and/or mobile apps for data collection and navigation.
– Must have a
valid driver’s license and be able to drive various vehicles, including 4WD trucks and ATVs.
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