Posted 3/14/19
Senior Scientific Specialist or Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecologist
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 Ecologist or an Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecologist (up to three) (level is dependent on qualifications) to 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. Individuals with strong skills in field identification of Midwestern vascular flora with emphasis on wetland flora are particularly encouraged to apply. This 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 encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/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 Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecologist:
- 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 vegetation 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 Ecologist:
- All of the Major Duties and Responsibilities of Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecologist.
- 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.
Required Qualifications of Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecologist:
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 experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 2 years of experience in field identification of Midwestern 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. Skills in effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership. 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 Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel software. Familiarity with ArcGIS software.
Preferred Qualifications Senior Scientific Specialist, Wetland Plant Ecologist:
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 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 Ecologist:
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 experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 5 years in field identification of Midwestern 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. Skills in effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership. 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 Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel software. Familiarity with ArcGIS software.
Preferred Qualifications of Assistant Scientist, Wetland Plant Ecologist:
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 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.
Proposed Start Date: Negotiable.
Salary: Salary range is $40,000 – $55,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Appointment Status: This is a regular full-time academic professional grant-supported appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding.
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, 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, Human Resources, at jcf@illinois.edu or 217-244-2687 or contact Julie Nieset, Wetland Plant Ecologist, at jenieset@illinois.edu or 217-300-2472.
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
Posted 4/19/18:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mountain Prairie Region
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Mountain Prairie Region is posting several permanent and term positions including vacancies for Wildlife Refuge Specialists, Wildfire Management, Biological Science Technicians (Wetland Mappers), and more—see map and the full list of positions and locations below. Deadlines vary, but the earliest is Friday, April 20th. Other positions (attached) are likely to be posted soon and into the next month. You can be notified when positions are posted by clicking this link and selecting the “Save this search” link in the blue ribbon that appears immediately above the open positions list and either creating a USAJobs account or signing in to your existing USAJobs account and selecting that you would like to be notified DAILY. Positions located in other regions can be found here. Student internships (summer and longer-term) with US Fish & Wildlife Service can be found here.
A few reminders about federal resumes:
- There is no page limit, include ALL experience (paid or otherwise) that is RELEVANT to the position.
- Make sure you tailor your resume VERY SPECIFICALLY and EXPLICITLY to the position you are applying. MAKE SURE you include all experience that you will answer questions to in the Assessment Questionnaire. You should review and include all relevant experience the Assessment Questionnaire asks in your resume VERY SPECIFICALLY AND EXPLICITLY or you could be disqualified. The link to the assessment questionnaire is usually found near the bottom of the How To Apply section. Here is a sample from one of our positions: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10119390