Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, Botany
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Visiting Botanist who will lead and support botanical research, conduct fieldwork, and provide data analysis efforts within the Chicago Region and the Tollway Network.
This in-person position is located in Champaign, Illinois on the University of Illinois Campus.
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 service 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.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
As a Visiting Senior Scientific Specialist, you will,
- Plan, lead, and conduct botanical field surveys within the Chicago Region and the Tollway network.
- Plan and organize cost- and logistically effective routine overnight fieldwork.
- Secure necessary permits to perform fieldwork.
- Identify and map federal and state-listed threatened and endangered plant species and Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) throughout the Tollway network.
- Identify and map invasive species (herbaceous plants, trees, shrubs) throughout Tollway corridors.
- Assess vegetation cover, biomass, and species composition within Tollway corridors.
- Monitor the phenology of target plant species to inform management decisions.
- Collect and prepare herbarium specimens.
- Lead botanical research studies from experimental design through to publication in scientific journals.
- Secure external funding, including grants, to support botany research and contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and outside agencies.
- Use GIS software for spatial analyses, creating maps, and analyzing spatial patterns.
- Use R or Python for statistical modeling of plant data and ecological analyses.
- Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered annually for conferences and professional meetings.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff to foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance by assigning tasks, scheduling fieldwork and hotel stays, overseeing staff performance, providing coaching and feedback, and approving travel.
- Prioritize tasks; organize and plan surveys and research to ensure projects progress on time.
- Coordinate and collaborate with laboratory staff researchers on related research and habitat management projects.
- Create and maintain positive working relationships with State, Federal, and University partners.
- Perform administrative and logistical tasks associated with the position, such as booking hotels and purchasing equipment for fieldwork and research using university purchasing and reconciling systems.
- Ensure grant and contract obligations are fulfilled promptly, adhering to deadlines.
- Ensure data quality assurance standards are met.
- Ensure facilities, equipment, and supplies are properly maintained.
- Seek external funding for research projects and contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and outside agencies while remaining within the scope of the contractual work or when proper funding support is applied.
- Represent the PaCE Lab, INHS, PRI, and the University of Illinois on committees, symposiums, and outreach events.
- Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of communications and developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural Resources, or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience related to this position.
- A minimum of two years of planning and leading fieldwork and proven ability to identify Midwestern plant species.
- Valid Driver’s License
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural Resources, or a related field.
- Supervisory experience, including training and oversight of employees.
- A minimum of three years of experience leading botanical fieldwork.
- R Analytical and ArcGIS Certifications/Coursework that have led to an advanced-level experience with R and ArcGIS analytical platforms and a breadth of analytical ecological modeling tools.
- Experience with wet-lab techniques, including DNA extraction, library preparation, primer design, and bioinformatics analysis, with a strong background in plant-focused molecular research and its application to ecological studies concerning multi-trophic (e.g., pollinators, birds) interactions.
- Experience conducting controlled greenhouse experiments (herbivory studies, pollen/nectar collection).
- First Aid Certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must have strong plant identification and survey skills, particularly within the Chicago Region and emphasizing species of conservation concern.
- Must have the capacity to evaluate plant communities using appropriate floristic quality indices.
- Proficiency with R and ArcGIS analytical platforms.
- Comprehensive knowledge of Midwest flora, including rare and invasive plant species.
- Strong proficiency in field ecological and laboratory data collection methods and statistical analyses (e.g., programming language R).
- Proficiency in GIS (e.g., ArcGIS) and Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Word and Excel).
- Proven record of written and oral dissemination of scientific results, project management, and effective time management skills.
- Must have effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment with multiple priorities and stringent deadlines under minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
- Must be capable of operating large 4WD pickup trucks.
- Ability to operate a UTV and pull a trailer.
Environmental Demands
The work of this position takes place in field and office settings. Fieldwork requires working in adverse conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), traveling (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, working irregular hours and overnights, and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Office work is intermittently sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions. Overnight travel will be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Appointment Information
This is a Visiting full-time Academic Professional position. This position may become a regular position at a later date depending on funding and programmatic need. The start date is negotiable and the budgeted salary range for this position is $51,000 - $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on February 28, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/13028?c=illinois 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 Anastasia Rahlin at rahlin1@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
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.