The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) at Florida State University is looking for a senior level research scientist who will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and conducting applied research to inform conservation land management and rare species conservation in Florida. The position will coordinate with agency partners, assist with funding acquisition, plan project work considering time and budget constraints, supervise FNAI field scientists, prepare reports, and present project findings. They will have the opportunity to work on a variety of conservation focused botanical, zoological, and ecological projects depending on their capabilities, however, the position’s initial primary responsibility will be oversight of a project to assess invasive plant cover on conservation lands across the state and to develop associated invasive plant management plans. This position may assist with other currently funded projects including rare plant surveys, invasive plant surveys, gopher tortoise surveys, avian surveys, camera trapping of herps and mammals, vegetation monitoring, conservation easement monitoring, and natural (vegetative) community mapping. Unlike similar positions at other institutions, FNAI research scientists enjoy the opportunity to spend a substantial amount of time in the field, traveling up to 50% of work time. The position will have the occasional opportunity to publish but, given FNAI’s applied focus, our goal is to provide specific results needed to inform conservation decisions, so our work generally does not address broader ecological questions of academic interest. The incumbent will be expected to foster relationships with land managing agencies; determine their information needs; and develop cooperative, mutually beneficial, contract and grant funded projects.

• Manage, coordinate, and conduct applied scientific research to inform conservation land management and rare species conservation in Florida.
• Oversee contract and grant funded projects, ensuring that results meet the needs of the funding entity and that project timelines, budget constraints, and final product delivery deadlines are met.
• Analyze data, write reports, and present findings to cooperating agencies.
• Cooperatively develop and submit contract and grant proposals.
• Supervise, train, direct, mentor and assist with recruiting staff.
• Assist in the development of FNAI’s role as Florida’s Natural Heritage Program by ensuring the quality of existing information products and helping to foster the development of new products.

A Bachelor's degree and three years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and seven years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to seven years.)

• Minimum of five years, full-time, post-graduate experience that includes exposure to conservation land management practices common in the southeast, the evaluation of the effectiveness of these practices, project management, and supervision.
• Strong skills in team leadership, partnership development, administration, and organization, including time and information management.
• Graduate degree in a field relevant to the position (biological sciences, geography, natural resource management, etc.)
• Commitment to FNAI’s conservation goals.
• Working knowledge of the natural systems and the flora of Florida or the southeast.
• Experience with natural systems interpretation from aerial photographs, satellite imagery, soil surveys, and other remote-sensed information.
• Experience with databases, GPS, and GIS.
• Experience in the statistical analysis and presentation of ecological data.
• Ability to communicate effectively both in person and in writing. Candidates may be expected to demonstrate their proficiency in these skills during the interview process.
• Ability to work well with FNAI staff scientists and to effectively train and mentor junior staff.
• Excellent physical condition (able to hike for most of a 10-hr day through a variety of habitats in any weather).
• Ability to safely conduct rigorous field work using standard field equipment including 4x4 vehicles, UTV/ATVs, and sometimes boats.
• Willingness to travel frequently during the workweek (potentially as much as 50% for some periods), drive long distances, and work long days (averaging 10 hrs.). Field trips are generally Monday – Thursday and require overnight stays in hotels or remote camping.
• Ability to start work by September 2024.
• Knowledge of the U.S. network of Natural Heritage Programs, Natural Heritage Methodology, and NatureServe
• Knowledge of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Florida’s imperiled species management system
• Familiarity with conservation land acquisition in Florida, particularly the Florida Forever Program
• Familiarity with Terrestrial Laser Scanning and its use in the analysis of vegetation structure
• Familiarity with the operation of drones for ecological data collection.

The Florida Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) is Florida's Natural Heritage Program and state member of the NatureServe network. We are housed within the Florida Resources and Environmental Analysis Center at Florida State University. FNAI maintains a spatial database of information on Florida's rarest species and conservation lands and works on an array of applied research projects to inform conservation and land management decisions. Our funding is provided by contracts and grants from state and federal agency partners.
Our office is located off campus in Midtown, which is centrally located near shops, restaurants, and historic neighborhoods. The larger Tallahassee region offers many outdoor recreation opportunities in the nearby Apalachicola National Forest and a number of coastal parks and refuges within a short drive from town.

Frank Price, FNAI Director - price@fnai.fsu.edu

Amy Jenkins, FNAI Senior Botanist - ajenkins@fnai.fsu.edu

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research, encourages creativity, and embraces diversity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

$65,000 - $70,000, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at If you are a current FSU employee, apply via myFSU > Self Service.

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check .

An Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer.

FSU's Equal Opportunity Statement can be accessed at: .