Botanist Field Technician – Hourly
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Job Description
The Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking 2 Field Technicians to work with Survey botanists to conduct statewide monitoring of forest, wetland, and grassland vegetation for the Critical Trends Assessment Program (CTAP). Duties include 1) assist with field surveys of plants in forests, wetlands, and grasslands throughout Illinois, 2) share extensive driving responsibilities to and from field sites, 3) conduct sweep samples of insects in the field, 4) enter data collected in the field into a computer-based Microsoft Access database and 5) assist with other office and fieldwork as needed. This position is based in Champaign, Illinois.
Qualifications
Candidates must have undergraduate course work in biology, ecology, botany, or related subjects, preferably with field experience in plant biology. Applicants must be willing and able to: 1) work outside under sometimes difficult field and environmental conditions, 2) travel regularly for 3-4 days at a time throughout Illinois with overnight hotel stays and shared driving responsibilities, 3) competently use a computer and other electronic equipment, and 4) show good organizational skills. Long workdays are expected. A valid driver’s license is required. Ability to sort insects to order preferred, but not required.
Salary: $12.50 - $14.50 per hour depending on experience. Up to 40 hours per week.
Available: Preferred duration: 18 May through 31 August 2020. Start and end dates somewhat flexible.
To Apply: Email cover letter explaining your interests and qualifications, resume/CV, and names and contact information for 3 references (including e-mail address) to Timothy Rye at trye@illinois.edu (references “Summer Botanist” in subject line). Application deadline is March 23, 2020, but will remain open until positions are filled.
Please direct technical questions to Timothy Rye at trye@illinois.edu.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility
