Title: Summer Field Research Assistant

Exemption Status: non-exempt

Department: Conservation Science

Reports to: Senior Conservation Scientist

Seasonal Full-time

Position Overview:

Summer researchers will contribute to a research group () in western Minnesota. The Echinacea Project investigates how small population size and reduced genetic diversity influence individual fitness, population demographics, plant-insect interactions and evolution in the purple coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia. They will collect data for several long-term research projects, maintain experimental plots, remove invasive species, harvest seed, deploy emergence traps to collect ground-nesting bees, sample pollen and nectar, assess floral resources in remnant prairies and restorations, and characterize nesting habitat for bees. The research assistant must work outdoors in adverse conditions, be able to navigate hilly and uneven terrain, exhibit patience and attention to detail, possess good hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, work well independently and as part of a team, and have an interest in scientific research. Enthusiasm and a willingness to work outdoors are required for this position.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Conducting fieldwork to collect data for long-term research projects
• Measuring plants and collecting pollen and nectar
• Collecting wild bees using a variety of techniques (netting, trapping)Maintaining experimental plots
• Contributing to development and improvement of research projects
• Conducting conservation and stewardship activities
• Working as part of a team and independently
• Collecting, maintaining, and organizing field gear

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Strong work ethic and self-motivation
• Be able to help foster a harmonious work environment
• Be able to maintain a positive disposition under challenging field conditions
• Ability to pay attention to detail
• Desire to work effectively with diverse people, including scientists, volunteers, and students
• Interest in advancing basic science and improving conservation practices
• Capacity to quickly learn and follow detailed data-collection protocols
• Have a proven track record of working in safe, efficient, and cooperative manner in a team setting.
• Interest in ecology, evolution, or conservation biology of plants or insects in fragmented prairie habitat
• Experience with plant identification and familiarity with native tallgrass prairie flora
• One or more years of experience in field/research settings
• Experience using maps

Physical Demands:

Work full days outdoors in adverse conditions, walk in uneven terrain, sometimes with heavy objects, exhibit patience, pay attention to detail, possess good hand-eye coordination, and use fine motor skills. Work inside using equipment including computers, scanners, dissecting scopes, insect pins, and silica gel desiccant.

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, 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.