What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plants of Concern Program Assistant position at Chicago Botanic Garden?
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
Position Overview:
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. The office is based at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.
Responsibilities
In this role you will be responsible for the following:
- Collecting field monitoring data
- Counting or estimating number of individuals in rare plant populations, measuring population areas, recording GPS locations, identifying associate and invasive plants, and identifying threats and management
- Identifying plants
- Helping to recruit, train, and coordinate volunteer monitors
- Organizing and leading volunteer field events
- Creating and distributing program communications (newsletter, social media)
- Entering, managing, and analyzing monitoring data
- Managing and analyzing spatial data
- Assisting with reporting to partner agencies and grant funders
- Presenting 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.
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. |
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Seek to UNDERSTAND. We seek to understand others from their perspective. |
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See one another through a lens of RESILIENCE. We believe that all individuals can experience good outcomes with support. |
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Build TRUST through TRANSPARENCY. We hold ourselves and others accountable by centering decision making that honors all people. |
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Qualifications
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Bachelor of science in ecology, botany, biological sciences, or related background.
- 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 experience 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.
Application Deadline: Search open until suitable candidate is found. No phone calls please.
In addition to the Chicago Botanic Garden application materials, please submit (1) A COVER LETTER that includes why you are interested in this position and briefly outlines relevant experience, and (2) A RESUME including contact information for three references.
Physical Demands:
Field work involves traversing steep or otherwise difficult terrain, or traversing distances of 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.
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, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individual with Disabilities
