Associate Research Scientist, Wetland Science - INHS/PRI

$80,000 - $80,000/Yr

University of Illinois - Urbana, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Urbana, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking an Associate Research Scientist specializing in Wetland Science to manage and contribute to the Wetland Science Program (WSP). This position is based in Champaign, IL, and is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing all activities related to wetland research, ensuring the program's success through effective leadership and management. The role involves supervising staff, managing fieldwork, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. The Associate Research Scientist will also serve as the principal investigator on various projects, conducting environmental surveys and assessments, particularly focusing on wetlands, and preparing scientific reports for funding agencies or publication in professional journals. In addition to research responsibilities, the Associate Research Scientist will engage in outreach and education events that align with the mission of the INHS, PRI, and the University of Illinois. The position requires a strong commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and high performance within the team, as well as the ability to negotiate multi-year agreements with sponsors. The candidate will be expected to keep abreast of developments in wetland science and contribute to the overall goals of the INHS and PRI.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance.
• Participate in negotiations to establish multi-year agreements with sponsors.
• Perform quality assurance/quality control through reviewing data and reports.
• Oversee and manage all fieldwork activities associated with sponsored research.
• Oversee the management and growth of WSP databases.
• Ensure safety throughout the WSP.
• Serve as principal investigator leading projects to ensure contract reports and deliverables are met.
• Conduct environmental surveys and assessments focusing on wetlands, wetland delineations, and wetland mitigation/restoration.
• Prepare scientific reports for funding agencies or publication in professional journals.
• Conduct independent research, publish and present results at professional meetings.
• Assist state/federal agencies and the public/private sectors with requested field research assistance.
• Participate in outreach and education events that further the mission of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Represent the WSP, INHS, PRI, and sponsor agency at meetings and other venues in areas of expertise.
• Participate in committee service within INHS and PRI.
• Respond to requests in areas of expertise, particularly wetlands science.

Requirements

• Master's degree in appropriate biological sciences; alternate degree fields will be considered depending on relevance.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience conducting research in Wetland Science or Botany.
• Experience with Illinois native plant communities, including threatened and endangered species.
• Previous experience engaging in research that includes field and laboratory observations, analysis of data, and preparation of publications for recognized journals.
• Experience leading and supervising research projects.
• Experience with interpreting wetland regulations and interacting with associated authoritative agencies (state and federal).
• Valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Ph.D. in appropriate biological sciences.
• Minimum of two years of previous experience conducting research and administrative work as part of the Wetland Sciences group within the Illinois Natural History Survey.

Benefits

• Starting salary of $80,000, commensurate with education, experience, and skills.
• Full-time Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month basis.