Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit go.illinois.edu/PRIjob.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.
INHS is seeking a Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist in Wetland Plant Ecology (level is dependent on qualifications) (up to three hires, depending on applicant pool and programmatic need) to Administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, directing, and conducting basic and applied research with an emphasis on the coordination and participation in wetland determinations, assessments, and monitoring.
The position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.
Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecology Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct on-site determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of vegetative and hydrologic characteristics.
- Delineate wetlands by analyzing vegetation and hydrology, locate high-quality natural areas, and identify habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals in project areas.
- Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects, including locating and evaluating potential mitigation sites, assisting with site design, selecting appropriate species for re-vegetation, designing, and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations.
- Conduct independent ecological research on natural areas, especially wetlands.
- Seek external funding for research projects or contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and outside agencies.
- Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies and for publication in professional journals.
- Provide technical expertise to funding sources, government agencies, and the public regarding wetland and natural resource issues.
- 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.
- Participate in the Survey, PRI, and outside scientific organizations.
- Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct on-site determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of vegetative and hydrologic characteristics.
- Delineate wetlands by analyzing vegetation and hydrology, locate high-quality natural areas, and identify habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals in project areas.
- Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects, including locating and evaluating potential mitigation sites, assisting with site design, selecting appropriate species for re-vegetation, designing, and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations.
- Conduct independent ecological research on natural areas, especially wetlands.
- Seek external funding for research projects or contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Survey, PRI, and outside agencies.
- Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies and for publication in professional journals.
- Provide technical expertise to funding sources, government agencies, and the public regarding wetland and natural resource issues.
- Assist with mentoring and training of junior staff as it pertains to wetland delineation and monitoring procedures, as well as database use and report writing.
- Perform other administrative duties within the Wetland Science Program.
- 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.
- Participate in committees or other service activities with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other outside scientific organizations.
- Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecology
Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, restoration ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position. A minimum of 5 years of experience in field identification of Midwestern vascular flora with emphasis on wetland species. Ability to interpret wetland hydrology. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications: Master’s degree in botany, biology, restoration ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field. Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method. Formal training in ACOE method of wetlands determination and delineation.
Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology
Required Qualifications: Master’s degree in botany, biology, restoration ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position. A minimum of 5 years of experience in field identification of Midwestern vascular flora with emphasis on wetland species. Ability to interpret wetland hydrology. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications: Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method. Formal training in ACOE method of wetlands determination and delineation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Strong skills in field identification of Midwestern vascular flora with emphasis on wetland flora. Knowledge of current federal and state wetland delineation requirements. Background in botany or plant ecology with strong plant identification skills and knowledge of Illinois natural communities. Knowledge of threatened and endangered plant species including their identification and habitat. Effective knowledge of Illinois natural communities. 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 in both rural and urban settings. Will require overnight travel for up to one work week at a time. Will require lifting and manipulating field equipment and other items weighing up to 25 pounds over uneven terrain.
Proposed Start Date: Negotiable
Salary: Salary range for this position is $42,000 - $60,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Appointment Status: This is a regular full-time 12-month academic professional appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. Eligible for full University benefits package as well as generous vacation and sick leave packages.
To Apply: Applications must be received by July 6, 2022. Applicants may be interviewed prior to the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after this date. Please visit https://jobs.illinois.edu/ to complete an online profile and to upload 1) a cover letter that clearly articulates how your qualifications and experience make you a viable candidate for this position and should address the qualifications listed above, 2) a CV/resume, and 3) the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) for three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For further information regarding application procedures, you may contact Amber Hall at amberh@illinois.edu or 217-300-4080.
For technical inquiries regarding this position, please contact Paul Marcum at marcum@illinois.edu
University of Illinois faculty, staff, and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.
University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.