Botany Field/GIS Technician – Hourly
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking up to 2 Technicians to work with Survey botanists to survey and classify vegetative communities and assist a seed dispersal study at Illinois Beach State Park (IBSP). These surveys are part of a project funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to study hydrology and plant ecology in relation to restoration efforts at IBSP.
Strong candidates for the position will have significant regional botanical knowledge as well as experience with remote sensing and image classification; however, candidates with lesser skills who have the ability and willingness to learn will be considered. Duties may include: 1) assisting with field vegetation surveys, including quantitative sampling; 2) setting up and collecting seed traps along the beach; 3) sorting and identifying seed material; 4) assisting with aerial (drone) imagery collection, processing, and analysis; 5) assisting with data entry and verification; and 6) assisting with outreach and education activities. During field work, the technician will also share driving responsibilities to and from field sites.
Fieldwork will be conducted at the North Dunes Nature Preserve at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois. The nature preserve contains rare plants and habitats and is part of a RAMSAR site, a wetland of international importance.
Sample and data processing may be conducted at the Illinois Natural History Survey in Champaign, Illinois, or at a suitable remote location.
Field Technician
Qualifications
Required: undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, ecology, botany, or related subjects, preferably with field experience in plant biology. Must have knowledge of Midwestern/Illinois flora and natural communities. Ability to identify plants to species level. Ability to collect and process samples in a systematic manner. Applicants must be willing and able to: 1) work outdoors for long hours under difficult field and environmental conditions, 2) share driving responsibilities, 3) competently use a computer and other electronic equipment, 4) show good organizational skills, and 5) be able to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision. A valid driver’s license is required.
Preferred: Knowledge of the flora of coastal Lake Michigan. Familiarity with dichotomous keys. Experience with ArcGIS, FieldMaps, or other mapping software. Experience using computer software to process remote imagery and conduct spatial analysis.
GIS Technician
Qualifications
Required: Undergraduate or graduate coursework in biology, ecology, botany, or related subjects, preferably with field experience in plant biology. Experience with image analysis and community classification. Basic knowledge of Great Lakes coastal habitats and common species. Willingness and ability to conduct field work, potentially for long hours under difficult field and environmental conditions. Good organizational skills. Ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
Preferred: Familiarity with plant species and communities at Illinois Beach State Park. Ability to share driving responsibilities.
Salary: $15 - $19 per hour, depending on experience. Up to 40 hours per week.
Available: The estimated dates are May 1, 2026, through August 15, 2026, with the possibility of extension into fall depending on funding and programmatic need.
To Apply: Email a cover letter explaining your interests and qualifications, resume/CV, and names and contact information for 3 references (including e-mail address) to Susan McIntyre at sdmcinty@illinois.edu (references “Summer Botanist” in the subject line).
The application deadline is April 10, 2026; however, applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position may be filled prior to the closing date.
Please direct technical questions to Susan McIntyre at sdmcinty@illinois.edu.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.