Visiting Scientific and Outreach Specialist, Land and Indigenous Management

ARBORETUM

The Arboretum is seeking a Visiting Scientific and Outreach Specialist, Land and Indigenous Management to conduct applied research and service activities at the Arboretum with an emphasis on establishment of indigenous gardens, control of invasive species, and introduction of native species in the Southern Arboretum Woodlands and Miles C. Hartley Garden.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after December 1st, 2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee, manage, and coordinate establishment of indigenous gardens and related land management in the Southern Arboretum Woodlands (SAW) and other areas of the Arboretum.
• Develop and implement work plans for Arboretum staff and volunteers.
• Procure new plant material in consultation with Tribal collaborators, campus experts and the Arboretum Collections Committee.
• Recruit, train, and oversee community volunteers, student volunteers, targeted RSOs and student interns to assist with land management.
• Monitor performance of plant communities and employ adaptive management to ensure adverse impacts (such as drought and disease) are managed promptly.
• Plan, establish, and implement engagement programming in collaboration with Tribal partners for students, the community, and specialized groups.
• Keep abreast of developments in the field and cultivate networks with Tribal partners and among other professionals with allied areas of expertise.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in plant sciences, environmental management/natural resource management, or closely related fields.
• Experience in forest land management including operation of powered equipment, precision tree felling, and branch trimming and removal.
• Ability to service and maintain powered equipment and manual tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA Certification Levels 1 & 2: Chainsaw safety and felling.
• State of Illinois (Dept. Agriculture) Commercial/Not-for-hire Pesticide Applicators License in the following categories- general standards, right-of-way, and forestry.
• Experience establishing and managing demonstration research plots.
• Experience in control of invasive species and site preparation for introduction of native flora and/or indigenous cultivars.

Environmental Demands

• Requires work in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects). Lifting, carrying, and manipulating field equipment up to 50 pounds over uneven terrain may be required.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Friday, December 1st, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Michael Ward (mpward@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1021246
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu