Scientific Specialist, Field Scientist
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking up to two Field Scientists to monitor, assess, and promote the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), in conjunction with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
Individuals in these positions maintain and conduct workloads and deliverables independently within predetermined regions throughout the Illinois and Kaskaskia River watersheds. The first position will support Adams, Brown, Schuyler, and Pike Counties, while the second position will support Menard, Sangamon, Cass, Morgan, Scott, Greene, and Calhoun Counties.
Remote or Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs
As a Field Scientist, you will,
- Conduct, develop, and participate in research and outreach activities of the Survey.
- Provide conservation program oversite, technical assistance and project management for conservation practices established through CREP.
- Provide technical assistance and project management for the completion of CREP conservation easement projects.
- Provide responsive management for the efficient and effective processing of CREP conservation easement enrollments and easement transfers, including but not limited to coordinating the initial application, technical and field review with IDNR, and communication with stakeholders.
- Participate in the stewardship and monitoring of the growing portfolio of CREP conservation easements in CREP eligible watersheds.
- Produce conservation planning deliverables and coordinating development of said deliverables with IDNR and CREP partners.
- Develop and coordinate conservation plans for new, renewed, and pre-existing CREP easements.
- Interact with private landowners to compile data on conservation best management practices and to collect adjacent human dimension data.
- Develop and administer training content and coordinate training plans with IDNR CREP easement staff, including media publications and public speaking.
- Provide proper communication to stakeholders about training content to include program details and procedures, use and purpose of CREP conservation easements, and best practices for conservation easement management.
- Provide information and training for landowners eligible for CREP conservation easements regarding required monitoring visits and owner responsibilities.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, IDNR, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, natural resources, environmental sciences, biology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position.
- Field experience. Experience with data management and with commonly employed software.
- Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience communicating with the public.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
General ecology/biology of grassland, forests, wetlands, and wildlife; Biodiversity, soil, and water resource conservation in agricultural settings. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
Environmental Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. The successful candidate must take proper safety precautions, anticipate unsafe circumstances, and act accordingly to prevent accidents.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time, 100% academic professional position. The budgeted salary is $48,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill, while also considering internal equity. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on September 22, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/15134?c=illinois&sq=1032528 by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered.
Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Kristen Ragusa at kragusa@illinos.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.