Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology - INHS/PRI
University of Illinois

Urbana, Illinois

Posted in Education and Training


This job has expired.

Job Info


Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute


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.

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Wetland Plant Ecologist at either the Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Research Scientist Level. The Wetland Plant Ecologist will 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. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.

Senior Scientific Specialist Duties & 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 Duties & Responsibilities
  • All duties listed under the Senior Scientific Specialist level plus,
  • 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.
Additional Physical 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.

Senior Scientific Specialist Minimum 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 as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience in field identification of Midwestern vascular flora with emphasis on wetland species. Ability to interpret wetland hydrology. Valid Driver's License.

Senior Scientific Specialist 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 Minimum 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 as 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.

Assistant Research Scientist 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.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continuation of funding. The start date is negotiable, and the salary range is $50,000 - $65,000, commensurate with education, experience, skills, and level of hire.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May 8, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Paul Marcum at marcum@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1016538
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu


This job has expired.

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