The Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is seeking up to 2 Field Technicians to work with Survey botanists to conduct vegetation and seed dispersal surveys. Duties include: 1) assisting with field vegetation surveys, 2) collecting seed material, 3) sorting and identifying seed material, 4) processing and analyzing drone imagery, 5) sharing driving responsibilities to and from field sites, 6) assisting with data entry and verification, and 7) assisting outreach and education activities.
Fieldwork will be conducted at the North Dunes Nature Preserve at Illinois Beach State Park in Zion, Illinois. Housing and transportation will be provided during fieldwork months. The nature preserve contains rare plants and habitats and is part of a RAMSAR site, a wetland of international importance.
Sample and data processing will be conducted at the Illinois Natural History Survey in Champaign, Illinois unless other remote sampling facilities are secured. Housing will not be provided in Champaign.
Qualifications
Candidates must have undergraduate coursework in biology, ecology, botany, or related subjects, preferably with field experience in plant biology. Applicants must be willing and able to: 1) work outdoors under difficult field and environmental conditions, 2) travel to northeastern Illinois with overnight hotel stays and shared driving responsibilities, 3) competently use a computer and other electronic equipment, 4) show good organizational skills, and 5) ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision. Long workdays are expected. A valid driver’s license is required.
Salary: $15 - $19 per hour depending on experience. Up to 40 hours per week.
Available: The estimated dates are May 15, 2025, through August 15, 2025, 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 March 17, 2025; 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.