Position: Botanist for the Critical Trend Assessment Program, at the Assistant or Associate Research Scientist level, Illinois Natural History Survey, Division of Ecology and Conservation Sciences (grant supported, full-time).
Location: Champaign IL Job Description: Project description: Within the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Critical Trends Assessment Project (CTAP) is responsible for identifying key trends in the biotic resources of the State of Illinois. CTAP biologists monitor population and ecosystem parameters of vascular plants, birds, and terrestrial arthropods at randomly selected sites throughout the State of Illinois. In addition to monitoring these resources, CTAP biologists analyze data to address questions related to the status or trends of IllinoisÂ’ natural resources. Job Description: The biologist will conduct field surveys of plant communities throughout Illinois forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The successful candidate will also collect insects by sweep sampling, locate and evaluate potential study sites, determine site ownership and contact landowners to obtain site access, collect GPS information at study sites, and help maintain and curate a MS Access/SQL database. He or she will also assist with data entry, analysis, and the preparation of CTAP reports. The biologist will be guided by the CTAP coordinator, but will work independently in the field, and will be required to supervise hourly field assistants. The biologist will be required to travel throughout the state during the field season, and occasionally stay overnight while in the field. The biologist will be expected to publish CTAP data in scientific journals and is encouraged to collaborate with other INHS scientists, agencies and institutions. Qualifications: Qualifications: The primary skills needed for this position are an extensive knowledge of the flora and botanical communities of the Midwest, and experience using various plant sampling techniques. The biologist must be willing to spend extensive periods of time traveling during the field season (up to 5 months), and work in remote areas under adverse field conditions. The successful candidate must have good interpersonal skills and work as part of the CTAP team. Experience using database and statistical software such as SAS and MS Access is strongly preferred. Strong written communication skills, meticulous organizational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines are required. A valid automobile drivers license is also required. A Masters degree or higher is preferred. To be considered for an associate appointment, the candidate must also have an equivalent of five years of relevant work experience. Salary: $35,000 - $40,000 Benefits: Generous vacation/sick leave/personal/paid holidays. State Universities Retirement System. State sponsored group health, dental, vision, and life insurance Available: April/May 2008 Application: To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by April 7, 2008. Electronic applications are required (reference PRF# 1551 in subject line.). To apply, submit cover letter, CV, a statement of research interests, and names and contact information for three references to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tel: (217) 244-4592, Fax: (217) 333-4949. For Technical Questions: Technical questions regarding the position should be referred to Dr. Michael Ward (217) 244-4089; e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
