Plants of Concern Program Assistant

Overview

Title:

Plants of Concern Program Assistant

Exemption Status:
Non-exempt

Department:
Conservation Projects

Reports to:

Manager, Plants of Concern

Year-Round Full-time

Supervises:
Interns, Volunteers

Office location:
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, Illinois

This entry level, full-time, 40 hours per week position involves assisting the Plants of Concern program, a widely recognized community science rare plant monitoring program.

• Help train and coordinate volunteer monitors
• Organize and lead volunteer field events
• Create and distribute program communications (newsletter, social media)
• Collect field monitoring data
• Count or estimate number of individuals in rare plant populations, measure population areas, record GPS locations, identify associates and invasive plants, and identify threats and management
• Identify plants
• Manage and analyze monitoring data
• Manage and analyze spatial data
• Assist with reporting to partner agencies and grant funders
• Present work accomplished

January through May: Assist with preparations for landowner meetings across northeastern Illinois, including working with the Plants of Concern database and website to prepare materials and attend meetings. Help finalize reports to funders and secure permits. Perform data management. Develop field schedule and begin monitoring.

May through September: Help develop assignments for and provide support to volunteer monitors. Organize field outings. Assist with intern supervision. Monitor plants in the field.

October through December: Assist with organizing monitoring data and database development. Enter data and conduct statistical analysis for presentation at an advisory group meeting and in grant reports. Use GIS to map population locations and other spatial data. Help finalize Plants of Concern reports. Contribute to website and database development and maintenance.

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Bachelor of Science in ecology, botany, biological sciences, or related field
• Master's level coursework or equivalent experience a plus
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to work well independently as well as on a team
• Ability to communicate effectively with a large, diverse group of volunteers and staff
• Plant identification skills, including use of a dichotomous key
• Love of outdoor work
• Experience in plant monitoring or field research
• Experience with the Microsoft Office suite
• Basic statistical and GIS software experience (R & ArcGIS a plus)
• Experience with database software (Access or SQL) a plus
• Ability and willingness to travel within the Chicago region for field and office work
• A driver's license and access to a personal vehicle required
• Availability for occasional weekend work

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

Final date to receive applications:
Open until suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.

How to Apply:

In addition to the Chicago Botanic Garden application materials, please submit (1) a cover letter that explains why you are interested in this position and briefly outlines relevant experience, and (2) a resume including contact information for three references.

Work in a setting that supports our mission:
We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Apply today. Applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including employment or admissions. For questions, contact the Title IX coordinator at the number provided in official postings.