Position: Wetland Plant Biologist
Organization: Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Expected Salary: $43,000 to $55,000 plus benefit
Apply: Email a cover letter, resume (or CV) as well as an example of past technical writings email to jlopez@saveourlake.org AND frank@saveourlake.org with subject line Coastal Application 2019. Applications accepted through August 31, 2019. Candidates will be notified of follow-up interviews. EOE

The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation (LPBF) is a non-profit organization whose mission is To Drive Environmental Sustainability And Stewardship Through Scientific Research, Education, And Advocacy. Since its inception in 1989, the LPBF has been driven by community action to create programs that build community while preserving and restoring the Basin for public access and enjoyment. The LPBF was established in response to environmental concerns voiced throughout the Basin. As the public’s independent voice, LPBF is dedicated to restoring and preserving the water quality, coast, and habitats of the entire basin—a 10,000 square mile watershed encompassing 16 Louisiana parishes. For more information regarding the LPBF and its scope of the Coast & Community Program, visit saveourlake.org.

Position Overview

LPBF is seeking to hire a wetlands plant biologist to assist in the execution and advancement of LPBF’s Coast & Community Program by overseeing LPBF’s swamp restoration program. Since 2010, LPBF and partners have planted approximately 80,000 trees to restore swamp habitat in the Pontchartrain Basin. This program has been highly successful and continues to expand through increases in trees planted, nursery sources, partnerships, volunteers, etc. The swamp restoration program also includes comprehensive monitoring of planted trees, and this position will also require oversight, analysis and report writing for the monitoring program (see LPBF online reports). LPBF wishes to hire an aggressive scientist and manager to continue to manage and develop this program.

In addition, all coastal staff may assist with other ongoing activities or projects as needed and may include (i) biological fish monitoring, (ii) water quality and fisheries analysis, (iii) estuarine research management, (iv) support of LPBF’s Hydrocoast mapping such as aerial fleet surveys, (v) participation in coastal planning meetings; and, (vi) management of new and ongoing projects. This is a full-time staff position which includes some local and statewide travel that reports to LPBF’s Director of the Coast & Community Program.

Skills & Qualifications

  • M.Sc. (with experience) or Ph.D. in biology, ecology, or other related field with wetland plant background
  • Enjoys field work and passionate about coastal wetland restoration
  • Boat driving skills required (typical small boats 19 to 22 foot with outboard engines)
  • Strong analytical skills, statistics, water quality data temporal and spatial analysis, e.g. “R” software
  • Professional experience in coastal science preferred, especially swamp restoration or science
  • Self-starter with strong initiative, drive, sense of urgency & ability to work with a high degree of autonomy
  • Excellent relationship management & networking skills
  • Proven & effective team and project management skills
  • Ability to handle diverse situations and field work in a professional and effective manner
  • A commitment to the LPBF mission
  • Attentive to details & results
  • Excellent oral & written communication skills
  • Ability to effectively work with people of diverse backgrounds & experiences
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Experience with GIS preferred (ArcMap, QGIS)
  • Experience with basic Water Quality instrumentation
  • Experience with swamp restoration