Position Title: Department of Defense Science and Monitoring Associate

Location:  St. Paul, MN / Hybrid*

*While not required, MJV staff located in the Twin Cities area try to work from our St. Paul office most Tuesdays. Local staff are welcome to work from the office more often as desired. Applicants must be based in the greater Twin Cities area. 

Compensation: $35,000 - $45,000; full-time

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability insurance; 401K; paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

Desired Start: February 2024

Application Deadline: Dec 31, 2023, or until the position is filled

Travel Required: Frequent travel expected primarily throughout the monarch central flyway.

Position Summary:

The Department of Defense (DoD) Science and Monitoring Associate supports the MJV by conducting pollinator and habitat surveys on Department of Defense installations and other priority areas. They also provide technical support, educational materials, and services for DoD installations seeking to engage in monarch and pollinator conservation. The Associate is a versatile MJV team member, willing to travel frequently and collaborate closely with Environment for the Americas (EFTA). MJV science initiatives are conducted in alignment with the Monarch Conservation Implementation Plan. Learn more about our mission, vision, and values on our website.

Responsibilities:

Pollinator and Habitat Surveys (60%)

• Conduct pollinator and habitat surveys on DoD lands and other priority areas, both with EFTA interns and independently, using the following protocols:
• Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP)
• Monarch Larva Monitoring Project (MLMP)
• General pollinator surveys, general habitat surveys, and desktop surveys
• Remote sensing surveys may also be conducted
• Upload data and complete QA/QC for surveys.
• Remotely support DoD installations conducting their own baseline surveys by providing resources, answering questions, and entering their data into the IMMP database. 

Pollinator and Habitat Education Services (38%)

• Provide habitat technical assistance for DoD installations to improve habitat for pollinators.
• Provide and support monitoring protocol training for DoD Installation land managers and the public.
• Support the development of relevant training and content on MJV’s Learning Management System for DoD installations.
• Develop, update, or uplift existing resources to support pollinator habitat objectives for DoD installations.

Budget Tracking (2%)

• Track project and travel expenses.
• Upload receipts in a timely manner. 

Qualifications: 

Essential Skills:

• Research or Monitoring Experience - A minimum of one year of relevant experience (or a degree in a related field).  
• Pollinator Habitat Experience - A minimum of one year of relevant experience planning, establishing, enhancing, or researching pollinator habitat (or a related degree).
• Willingness to Travel & a Valid Driver's License - This position requires extensive travel, primarily from March through October, mostly throughout the monarch central flyway. 
• Communication Skills - Demonstrated science communication skills, including oral presentation, writing, and the ability to use appropriate communication technologies with a variety of audiences. 
• Adaptability - Self-motivated to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders under general management guidance. 
• Workload Management - Demonstrated ability to set and maintain manageable priorities and forward progress for multiple responsibilities.
• Strategic Thinking - Demonstrated ability to think strategically about sustainability and growth of the MJV’s initiatives. 
• Problem Solving - Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking to seek out, identify, and communicate solutions to challenges as they arise. 
• Technology - Proficiency using Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and other relevant technology systems. Ability to use ArcGIS online. 

Other Desired Skills:

• A degree or depth of experience in identifying pollinators and/or grassland vegetation.
• Background with remote sensing.

*You do not need to have all these qualifications to apply, but please highlight your experience with any of these in your resume.

Equal Opportunity Employment: 

The Monarch Joint Venture (MJV) is an equal-opportunity employer. As such, MJV offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. These opportunities include all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, job placement, training, compensation, benefits, discipline, advancement, and termination. All employees are expected to adhere to this policy.

What to Expect:

Your application will include a resume (1-2 pages max) and a few short-answer questions (no cover letters please!). Interviews will be conducted in two phases. Successful applications will first be invited to a brief introductory interview by Zoom with a single MJV staff member. A second longer interview with multiple staff will be invited for successful first interview candidates. References may be contacted after the second interview. While unlikely, a potential short third interview may be requested as needed in final decision making. All candidates will be notified via email if their application is no longer being considered.