<< Back

This job listing is no longer active.
Please use our Environment Jobs Search to find current vacancies.

Title

Research Assistant for Plants of Concern
Posted
Reference   (Please mention Stopdodo/Environment Jobs in your application)
Sectors Terrestrial / Aquatic Ecology & Conservation
Location Illinois - America North
Type Fixed Term and Permanent Roles
Status Full Time
Level Mid Level
Company Name Chicago Botanic Garden
Contact Name
Website Further Details / Applications
Chicago Botanic Garden logo
Also Listing:
Description
IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Requisition Number: 
181
Department: 
Department of Plant Science and Conservation
Job Status: 
Regular
Hours: 
Full-time
Reports to: 
POC Manager
Supervises: 
Interns, volunteers
Overview: 
This full time, 40 hr/week position involves assisting the Plants of Concern (POC) program, a widely recognized citizen science rare plant monitoring program. The office is based at the Chicago Botanic Garden. All applicants are required to submit three letters of reference with their employment applications in order to be considered for the position. All applications should be submitted by Nov 15th, 2013 or until a suitable candidate is found.
Duties and Responsibilities: 

In this role you will be responsible for the following: 

  • Collecting field monitoring data
    • Counting or estimating number of individuals, measuring population areas, recording GPS locations, identifying associate and invasive plants, and identifying threats and management
    • Helping to recruit and train volunteer monitors
    • Entering, managing, and analyzing monitoring data
    • Managing and analyzing spatial data
    • Assisting with reporting to partner agencies and grant funders. 
    • Presentation of work accomplished.

 

January through May. Assist with preparations for landowner meetings across northeastern IL, including working with the POC database and website to prepare materials and attend meetings.  Help finalize reports to funders.  Begin work on data management projects.  Assist with planning and implementation of training workshops.  Develop field schedule and begin monitoring. 

 

May through September.  Help train, develop assignments and provide support to volunteer monitors.  Organize field outings.  Assist with intern supervision.  Engage in monitoring field work, particularly in support of specific grant projects in Lake Michigan ravine and lakeshore communities. 

 

October through December.  Supervise office volunteers in collecting and organizing monitoring data forms from volunteers.  Enter data and conduct statistical analysis for presentation at an advisory group meeting and in grant reports.  Use GIS to map population locations and other spatial data.  Help finalize POC reports. Contribute to POC website and database development and maintenance.  Assist with preparations for the 2015 monitoring season.

Qualifications: 

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have:

  • Education:
    • BS in ecology, botany, biological sciences or related background.
    • Master’s level coursework or equivalent experience a plus.
  • Field Experience:
    • Plant identification skills, including use of a dichotomous key. 
    • Experience in plant monitoring or field research. 
  • Technology:
    • Experience with all Microsoft Office functions, including Access. 
    • Basic statistical and ArcGIS software experience sought. 
    • Familiarity with R statistical analysis software a plus. 
  • Interpersonal & organizational:
    • Ability to work well independently as well as on a team. 
    • Ability to communicate with a large, diverse group of volunteers and staff.
    • Good organizational skills are necessary. 
  • Other:
    • Driver’s license required. 
    • Although a company vehicle is normally available, access to a personal vehicle is a plus.
Physical Demands: 
Field work involves traversing steep or otherwise difficult terrain, or traversing distances of up to 2 miles while carrying equipment. Bending, stooping, and kneeling are often necessary. Field work may occur during hot weather when insects are active. Office work involves sitting, standing, typing, using computers and copy machines.
Deadline: 
All applications should be submitted by Nov 15th, 2013
 

Why Apply?
For almost 40 years, our employees have worked to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and conservation of plants and the natural world. Come work in a setting that is like no other. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note applicants who do not meet the required qualifications (i.e., able to work various weekends) will not be considered.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
Add to My Account
<< Back