Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Conservation Science

Reports to: Conservation Scientist

Seasonal Part-time

Position Overview:

The Plant Science and Conservation department is seeking two or three part-time research assistants to collaborate on a research project studying lawn alternative plantings. This project is a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Park District. The main objectives of the study are (1) to study the potential for lawn alternatives to support diverse plants and pollinators, store carbon, and absorb stormwater, and (2) to determine how to successfully establish lawn alternative plantings. Experimental field sites are currently installed at Chicago Botanic Garden, and at several Chicago Park District sites. Frequently visited parks in the Chicago Park District in spring/summer 2024 will be in Uptown Coastal Natural area and Marquette Park, with occasional field work in other parks.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

• Collecting field data on plant cover at experimental field sites.
• Collecting data on water infiltration at experimental field sites.
• Collecting field data on pollinator visitation at experimental field sites.
• Collecting and preparing soil data for analysis, conducting soil lab tests.
• Occasional help with plot installation and management, including weeding for plot maintenance.
• Entering field data in a timely manner.
• Additional responsibilities can vary depending on student interest, and may include (but are not limited to): lab work on seeds or soils, data analysis and presentation, and outreach events with Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Park District.
• Depending on their interests, research assistants will be able to expand their work into independent research projects and, if interested, attend/present at conferences.
• Travel to field sites will be the responsibility of the research assistant, and mileage and/or public transportation costs will be reimbursed.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, including but not limited to: ecology, environmental sciences, biology, geography, or plant science.
• At least 1 year of experience conducting field work-botanical, insect, or soils work preferred.
• Plant/insect identification skills, and ability to use keys to identify species preferred.
• Comfort traveling to neighborhoods throughout Chicago and being outdoors in public urban spaces.
• Experience using programs such as Excel for entering and storing data, and statistical analysis software such as R preferred.
• Hiring preference will be for graduate students in the Plant Biology and Conservation Program. All are welcome to apply.

Physical Demands:

Spending significant time outdoors. Standing, walking, bending for data collection and plot maintenance. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

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.