Position Overview: (position begins late-April to mid-May, 2024)

This seven-month, 35 hours/week position involves monitoring rare plants in the Forest Preserves of Cook County (FPCC) through the Plants of Concern (POC) program, a widely recognized community science program. The position is based at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Duties include collecting field-monitoring data, helping recruit and train volunteer monitors, entering/analyzing monitoring data including GIS applications, and assisting with reports. The research assistant will have the opportunity to present accomplished work at Plants of Concern volunteer and advisory group events. Two to three days of weekend work possible.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

April through September

• Develop schedule for fieldwork.
• Recruit, engage, train, organize, and support community science volunteers.
• Act as liaison between FPCC ecologists and stewards and POC staff regarding plant locations and volunteer assignments.
• Conduct rare plant monitoring fieldwork with volunteers and independently within the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
• Conduct research project as directed by FPCC staff.
• Organize and enter data.

October through December

• Complete data entry and analysis on multi-year dataset (using R statistical software).
• Follow up with volunteers regarding report submission.
• Follow up with site stewards on land-management activities.
• Present accomplishments to FPCC staff at an advisory group meeting.
• Work with supervisor on annual report to submit to granting agency.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor of science degree in ecology, botany, biological sciences, or related background
• Plant ID skills, including use of a dichotomous key
• Field experience in plant monitoring or field research
• Love of outdoor work
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Basic statistical and GIS software experience (R & ArcGIS experience a plus)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Interest in working with community science volunteers
• Ability to work well independently as well as on a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with a large, diverse group of volunteers and staff
• A driver's license and access to a personal vehicle
• Availability for occasional weekend work

Application Deadline: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

In addition to the Chicago Botanic Garden application materials, please submit (1) a cover letter that includes why you are interested in this position and briefly outlines relevant experience and (2) a resume including contact information for three references.

Physical Demands: Fieldwork involves walking over uneven terrain, or traversing distances of up to 2 miles while carrying equipment. Bending, stooping, and kneeling are often necessary. Fieldwork may occur during hot weather when insects are active. Office work involves sitting, standing, typing, using computers and copy machines.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. 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 that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

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 an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.