Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology

Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 

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. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

 

INHS is seeking a Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecology or an Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology (up to three) (level is dependent on qualifications) 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, assessment, and monitoring. Position is based in Champaign, Illinois.

 

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer.  Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encourages to apply.  For more information, visit http://go.illinois.eud/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities of Senior Scientific Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

• Conduct on-site wetland determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of vegetative and hydrologic characteristics.
• Conduct independent ecological research on natural areas, especially wetlands
• Delineate wetlands by analyzing vegetative and hydrology, locate high-quality natural areas, and identify habitat for threatened and endangered plants and animals in project area.
• Participate in long-term wetland mitigation projects, including locating and evaluating potential mitigation sites, assisting with site design, designing and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations. 

• 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 research on natural areas, especially wetlands. 
• Participate in Survey, PRI, and outside scientific organizations.
• Provide technical expertise to funding agencies, governmental entities, and the general public regarding wetland issues. 
• Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. 
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. 
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities of Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

• Conduct on-site wetland determinations, wetland monitoring, and assess potential sites for wetland mitigation, including interpretation of vegetative and hydrologic characteristics. 
• Delineate wetlands by analyzing vegetative 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, designing and implementing monitoring programs, and providing management recommendations.
• Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies and for publication in professional journals. 
• Seek external funding for research projects and contribute to externally funded projects with colleagues at the Surveys, PRI, and outside agencies. 
• Participate in Survey, PRI, and outside scientific organizations.
• Assist with mentoring and training of junior staff members as it pertains to wetland delineation and monitoring procedures, as well as database use and report writing.
• Provide technical expertise to funding agencies, governmental entities, and the general public regarding wetland issues.
• Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

 

Required Qualifications of Senior Scientific Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Restoration Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position.  A minimum of 2 years of experience in field identification of mid-western vascular flora with emphasis on wetland species. Ability to interpret wetland hydrology.  Valid driver’s license.

 

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. 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 judgement, and strong conflict resolution skills are required. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Familiarity with ArcGIS software.

 

Preferred Qualifications Senior Scientific Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

Masters degree in Botany, Biology, Restoration Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method.  Formal training in ACOE method of wetland determination and delineation.

 

 

Required Qualifications of Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

Bachelor’s degree in Botany, Biology, Restoration Ecology, Hydrology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position.  A minimum of 5 years in field identification of mid-western vascular flora with emphasis on wetland species.  Ability to interpret wetland hydrology. Valid driver’s license.

 

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 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 judgement, and strong conflict resolution skills are required. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases. Familiarity with ArcGIS software.

 

Preferred Qualifications of Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology:

Masters degree in Botany, Biology, Restoration Ecology, Natural Resources and Environmental Science or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position. Experience conducting wetland delineations according to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) method.  Formal training in ACOE method of wetland determination and delineation.

 

Environmental 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 working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

 

This is a regular full-time academic professional appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. The starting date is negotiable and salary is commensurate with experience and skills.

 

Please complete your candidate profile at http://jobs.illinois.edu  and upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and the names and contact information (including e-mail addresses) for three professional references by March 28^th 2019.  Interviews may be conducted before the closing date; however, no hiring decision will be made until after the closing date.  All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

 

For further information, please contact Jon Freiman at jcf@illinois.edu or 217-244-2687. 

 

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.

 

 

 

College Name or Administrative Unit: NP Category: Research Title: Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI (110363) Open Date: 02/28/2019 Close Date: 03/28/2019