Plants of Concern Research Assistant, Midewin - Seasonal

T itle: Plants of Concern Research Assistant - Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie

Exemption Status: Non-exempt

Department: Plant Science and Conservation

Reports to: Manager, Plants of Concern

Seasonal Full-time

Position Overview:

As part of a cooperative program with Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Plants of Concern is recruiting for a seasonal research assistant.

This approximately 6-month, 35-hour/week position involves a suite of studies on rare plants at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, including those restricted to the unique dolomite prairie habitat. The Midewin program is part of a broader Plants of Concern regional rare plant monitoring program. The research assistant will travel to Midewin, near Joliet, Illinois, and nearby sites for approximately 30 days of field work. The remaining time will be spent working at the Chicago Botanic Garden and remotely.

Field duties involve recruiting, training, coordinating, and working with volunteers to monitor selected species through demographic study, censusing, sampling, and photo points. Office duties include data entry and statistical analysis, report writing, and GIS applications. The research assistant will have the opportunity to present accomplished work at Plants of Concern volunteer and stakeholder events. Three to four days of weekend work possible.

Responsibilities

In this role you will be responsible for the following:

Through September.

• Develop or modify field datasheets.
• Become oriented to Midewin monitoring sites and familiar with data to be collected.
• Develop schedule for fieldwork.
• Recruit, engage, train, organize, and support community science volunteers.
• Conduct rare plant monitoring field work with volunteers and assist with other Midewin data collection, as necessary.
• Organize and enter data.

October through December.

• Complete data entry and analysis on multi-year dataset (using R statistical software).
• Organize and catalog monitoring and other photos (digital format).
• Work with supervisor on annual report to submit to granting agency.

Chicago Botanic Garden Values & Behaviors:

VALUES As an organization, we...	BEHAVIORS As an organization, we...
Prioritize a culture of GROWTH. We commit to remaining curious in how we approach our work.	Create and maintain spaces for learning. Test new ideas and are willing to take risks to achieve our vision. Collaborate to strengthen our skills and impact. Demonstrate perseverance and humility as we work toward our long-term impact.
Seek to UNDERSTAND. We seek to understand others from their perspective.	Provide opportunities for input and feedback from others. Actively listen to all points of view. Consider individuals' lived experiences. Advocate for and protect time for reflection especially during times of conflict or confusion.
See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE. We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support.	Give others the space to balance work and personal needs. Support others and demonstrate empathy especially during challenging and stressful times. Seek opportunities to learn from and about one another. Ask questions about and anticipate the needs of others.
Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY. We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people.	Communicate information in a timely manner. Provide clarity in complex situations with the goal of common understanding. Discuss both positive and negative outcomes openly. Evaluate the impacts of our actions.

Qualifications

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor of science degree in ecology, botany, biological sciences, or related background
• Plant ID skills, including use of a dichotomous key
• Field experience in plant monitoring or field research
• Love of outdoor work
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Basic statistical and GIS software experience (R & ArcGIS experience a plus)
• Excellent organizational skills
• Interest in working with community science volunteers
• Ability to work well independently as well as on a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with a large, diverse group of volunteers and staff
• A driver's license and access to a personal vehicle
• Availability for occasional weekend work

Physical Demands: Fieldwork involves walking over uneven terrain, or traversing distances of up to 2 miles while carrying equipment. Bending, stooping, and kneeling are often necessary. Fieldwork may occur during hot weather when insects are active. Office work involves sitting, standing, typing, using computers and copy machines.

Why Apply?
Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.