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Description
~We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life ~
The Chicago Botanic Garden opened a little more than 40 years ago as a beautiful place to visit, and it has matured into one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers. In 2013, one million people visited the Garden's 26 gardens and four natural areas, uniquely situated on 385 acres on and around nine islands, with six miles of lake shoreline. The Garden also has a renowned Bonsai Collection.
The Chicago Botanic Garden has 50,000 members - one of the largest memberships of any U.S. botanic garden. People of all ages, interests, and abilities participate in programs, take classes, and stroll the grounds year-round. Within the nine laboratories of the Garden's Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Plant Conservation Science Center, scientists and graduate students conduct a wide array of plant research.
The Garden is one of only 17 public gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. Its Lenhardt Library contains 110,000 volumes - including one of the nation's best collections of rare botanical books.
Position Overview
Plants of Concern (POC) is recruiting for a seasonal Research Assistant to assist in the development and implementation of a protocol for rapidly assessing natural areas owned by the Chicago Park District.
This 12-week, 35-hour/week position involves collecting data at a wide variety of natural areas owned by the Chicago Park District, including restored and remnant beaches, prairies, woodlands, and wetlands, as well as entering and managing data, assisting with planning of fieldwork, and some analysis of data collected.
Field duties involve collecting and carefully recording data on the presence and abundance of a suite of native species, and collecting spatial data about locations visited. Office duties include preparation of equipment and data sheets, and performing basic analyses and preparation of summary maps.
Responsibilities
In this role you will be responsible for the following:
- Assist in finalizing field data forms and modifying them throughout the project as needed
- Become oriented to sampling sites and familiar with data to be collected
- Engage in field sampling under the guidance of POC staff
- Record and enter data carefully and accurately
- Organize data sheets and data files in preparation for analysis
Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Some background in ecology, botany, biological sciences or a related field
- B.A. or B.S. in progress
- Plant ID skills, including use of a dichotomous key, or ability to learn
- Some experience with field sampling
- Ability to collect precise data
- Strong organizational skills
- Ability to work well independently as well as on a team
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite, particularly Excel and Word
- Basic ArcGIS software experience sought
- Must have a driver's license
- Access to a personal vehicle is helpful, although a company vehicle is usually available for use; mileage for personal vehicle use is reimbursed
Additional Information
Physical Demands:
Fieldwork involves walking over uneven terrain, or traversing distances of two to five 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, and using computers and copy machines.
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 construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
To Apply
Please click below: "Apply Here!" and follow the application instructions on our website.
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.