At The Garden — Employment

Employment at the Chicago Botanic Garden

TITLE: Natural Areas Land Management Assistants – FILLED

PURPOSE: Individuals in these positions will assist in the management and development of natural areas created and restored at the Chicago Botanic Garden -- specifically, the 15-acre Dixon Prairie, the 25-acre Skokie River corridor and a 100-acre oak woodland. Approximately 250 native plant species grow in the six prairie types found in the Dixon prairies (mesic, gravel hill, sand, wet, savanna and fen), 200 native plant species in the various wetland and prairie communities that traverse the river corridor, and over 300 native plant species in McDonald Woods.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A significant portion of the work will entail invasive weed management, including herbicide application, mowing, digging, cutting brush, removing debris, and deadheading.

In addition to weed management, activities such as planting, watering, seed nursery oversight, and seed collection and cleaning will be performed under the supervision of one of the Garden’s restoration ecologists. Safe operation of small equipment including mowers, hedge trimmers, water pumps, and sprayers will be required. Care and responsibility for Garden tools and machines is expected.

Some positions will involve significant supervision of volunteers.

Assistants will be expected to learn components of the flora in the native ecosystem in which they are working. Those assistants who participate in the requisite training may be able to assist in controlled burns.

Assistants may assist with plant surveys, data entry, literature research, and report writing. Miscellaneous office work and organizational duties will be required.

All positions are labor-intensive and physically demanding, requiring lifting or carrying heavy loads (up to 40 lbs), working long periods in the out-of-doors under arduous conditions (heat, mosquitoes, exposure to poison ivy etc.), and often performing repetitive tasks.

DEPARTMENT: Restoration Ecology

REPORTS TO: Prairie/River Ecosystems Ecologist or Woodland Ecologist

SUPERVISES: Volunteers

SALARY: $11-12/hour plus paid holidays.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: BS/BA in biological sciences or related field (current junior and seniors may apply). Knowledge of local flora and plant identification skills preferred but not required. Organizational and people skills and an ability to work both independently as well as in a team setting are needed. This assistant position is expected to be able to take and pass the State of Illinois’ General Standards Pesticide License Test and be able to carry and lift 40 pounds. Experience with Microsoft Office Excel and Word programs is desirable. A valid driver’s license is necessary with a good driving record.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Positions open until filled.