Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist, 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 Botanist at either the Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist level. The selected candidate will be responsible for coordinating activities for a three-year NOAA-funded project. The project is a collaboration between the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Illinois State Geological Survey, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, to assess plant communities, hydrology, and water quality in relation to restoration efforts at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, IL. This position will coordinate surveys of vegetative communities using field-based sampling techniques as well as drone-based aerial imagery analysis. The individual will communicate with the Principal Investigators, supervise hourly staff, and assist in all aspects of data collection, entry, analysis, and dissemination. The individual will also assist in Outreach and Education events and the development of a CoastSnap station to engage citizen scientists.
This position is located in Champaign, Illinois on the University of Illinois campus. However, remote work options may be available.
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 Senior Scientific Specialist, you will,
- Collect and organize vegetation and seed dispersal survey data and prepare results for inclusion in technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
- Perform analyses on vegetation and seed dispersal surveys and summarize results into written form for reports, GIS maps, and other outlets.
- Collect and verify plant material (seeds, sterile and fertile plants).
- Interface with scientists and agency staff to coordinate effective communication and presentation of data and progress reports.
- Work with project PIs to provide scientific and technical information in reports, at speaking engagements, in outreach events, and to internal committees.
- Manage social media and CoastSnap station coordination.
- Conduct, organize, and attend stakeholder meetings and presentations.
- Supervise hourly staff. This may include task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and travel approval.
- Perform other administrative duties relevant to this position.
- Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline
As an Assistant Research Scientist, you will
- Participate in all duties listed under the Senior Scientific Specialist level plus,
- Conduct independent analyses on vegetation and seed dispersal surveys and summarize results into written form for reports, GIS maps, and other outlets.
- Conduct independent research as time permits.
- Serve as the lead on providing scientific and technical information in reports, at speaking engagements, in outreach events, and to internal committees.
- Participate in committees or other service activities within the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other outside scientific organizations.
- Publish the results of research in peer-reviewed, scientific journals.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This may include task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and travel approval.
- Seek external funding for research projects or contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and outside agencies.
Senior Scientific Specialist Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
- A minimum of two years of experience in plant ecology.
- Experience with community or landscape-level plant data collection and analyses.
- Experience with Midwestern flora (including wetlands and Great Lake’s coastal vegetation) and plant identification methods (e.g., dichotomous key).
- Experience processing and analyzing GIS data and with mapping techniques.
- Statistical knowledge and proficiency in R.
- Demonstrated record of independent project management and completing assigned tasks in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner, both with minimal supervision and in team settings.
- Experience coherently translating research findings both verbally and in writing to agencies, technicians, the scientific community, and the general public.
- Valid Driver’s license and ability to pass requirements for drone pilot license.
Senior Scientific Specialist Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or related field.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience with plant ecology.
- Experience with vegetation sampling, and plant identification.
- Experience with remote sensing and image analysis.
Assistant Research Scientist Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position.
- A minimum of three years of experience in plant ecology.
- Experience with community or landscape-level plant data collection and analyses.
- Experience with Midwestern flora (including wetlands and Great Lake’s coastal vegetation) and plant identification methods (e.g., dichotomous key).
- Experience processing and analyzing GIS data and with mapping techniques.
- Statistical knowledge and proficiency in R. Demonstrated record of independent project management and completing assigned tasks in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner, both with minimal supervision and in team settings.
- Experience coherently translating research findings both verbally and in writing to agencies, technicians, the scientific community, and the general public.
- Valid Driver’s license and ability to pass requirements for drone pilot license.
Assistant Research Scientist Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in botany, plant ecology, or related field.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience with plant ecology.
- Experience with sampling vegetation, and plant identification.
- Experience with remote sensing and image analysis.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong analytical and data management skills.
- Expertise in plant ecology.
- Knowledge of Midwestern flora (including wetlands and Great Lake’s coastal vegetation).
- Knowledge of including the ability to interpret, create, and manipulate maps.
- Proficiency in commonly employed database and statistical software, including GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) and R.
- Proficiency with data analysis methods.
- Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, 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.
Environmental Demands
Will require travel (including overnight stays and driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois. Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), and travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours. Moving, lifting, and/or carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time, Academic Professional position. The start date is negotiable and the budgeted salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 depending on the level of hire. 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 14, 2025. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/12953?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 Susan McIntyre at sdmcinty@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, COVID-19 vaccination requirements, 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. 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.