Research Coordinator– Pollinators Living in Urban Gardens

Title: Research Coordinator – Pollinators Living in Urban Gardens

Exemption Status: Non-exempt  

Department: Conservation Science

Reports to: Conservation Scientist   

Year-round Full-time, (anticipated one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on grant funding)

Supervises: Volunteers, students 

Year-Round Full-time employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

•  2026 A Guide to Your Benefits JP.pdf 

Compensation Philosophy:

At the Chicago Botanic Garden, our compensation philosophy is rooted in our core values: Growth, Understanding, Resilience, and Trust through Transparency. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Our objective is to create compensation and growth opportunities for our employees that are highly competitive, internally equitable and transparent. The foundation of our efforts is a straightforward approach that can be easily communicated by managers with defined pay ranges for all positions. When posting job openings, we share the minimum salary up to the budgeted amount.

The starting salary for new staff members is determined by considering the salary range assigned to the position and by reviewing the candidate’s qualifications for the job as compared with job responsibilities. Prior work experience should be considered in determining the salary offer, provided that it is relevant to the job. Additional factors such as secondary language proficiency or advanced degrees that enhance performance may also be considered. A candidate’s salary may exceed the minimum amount based on factors such as experience, additional skills (e.g., secondary language proficiency), or pertinent degrees that enhance the individual’s contribution to the role but are not required. Opportunities for increased compensation are provided through referral bonuses, shift differentials, Thank You Pay, promotions, and periodic pay increases based on the Garden's overall performance and financial budgets.

Our total compensation and benefits package is people centric. We prioritize employee wellness across three pillars: physical, mental, and financial. Our goal is to offer innovative total rewards that support continuous professional growth, personal development, and provide the flexibility needed to balance personal and professional commitments.

Position Overview

We are seeking a research coordinator to join the science department. This one-year, full-time term position (with possibility of renewals), beginning after March 2026, focuses on our Pollinators Living in Urban Gardens (PLUG) research. This multiyear project investigates various aspects of the ecology of pollinator gardens. Responsibilities include coordinating and conducting fieldwork and lab work; data management and statistical analyses; writing of reports and manuscripts; and education and outreach activities. The coordinator will also assist with other ongoing projects and tasks in the lab as appropriate.

The overarching objective of PLUG is to transform the way we steward our landscapes by helping people make informed decisions about which plants are best for supporting pollinators. PLUG aims to generate lasting, broad-scale impact via rigorous plant evaluation trials, dissemination of science-backed guidelines for gardeners and growers, and development of standardized protocols for evaluating the pollinator conservation potential of plants. 

Key Responsibilities

• Pollinator surveys (including netting and pollinator identification)
• Plant and floral resource surveys
• Flower nectar sampling
• Coordinating a field team 
• Planning and executing fieldwork
• Laboratory analysis of pollen macronutrients
• Data entry, data analysis, and data visualization
• Report/manuscript writing
• Implementation and development of education and outreach activities
• Other general research tasks (organization of lab, data sheets, cleanup)

Qualifications Required:

• More than two years of research experience in pollination ecology/evolution, insect ecology/evolution, plant ecology/evolution, and/or related areas 
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, entomology, evolution, conservation and/or related fields
• Experience coordinating a field team and/or mentorship of students
• Interest in the natural history of plants, insects/pollinators, gardens, and/or urban environments
• Experience working in both laboratory and field settings  
• A valid driver’s license with a good driving record 
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively to coordinate research activities 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred:

• Quantitative and analytical skills using R
• Experience with scientific data analysis and writing, or a strong willingness to learn these skills
• Experience with education and outreach activities related to ecology

Work Environment, Travel, and Physical Demands:

This position will require work in the office, lab, and field, some of which will not be at the Chicago Botanic Garden. All field locations are in the greater Chicago region. During summer, the majority of time for this position will be spent outside in potentially physically demanding conditions. Standing, walking, and bending for data collection is required. Some requirements for lifting, pushing, or pulling items less than 30 pounds.

To apply:  Submit an application and upload a resume/c.v. for this position.

Please include with your application:

1. Cover letter (one page) that addresses the following three prompts: 
   1. Why the candidate is a good fit for the position, including relevant experiences and interest in the project.
   2. A summary of fieldwork experience relevant to this position
   3. A concise statement as to how this position/project fits into the candidate’s career plans
2. Contact information for at least two references
3. A sample of the candidates writing 

Why Apply? 
 Come work in a setting that is like no other as you support our mission: We cultivate the power of plants to sustain and enrich life. Take the first step toward being one of the employees who make the Garden one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Apply today. Please note that applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, or basis of disability, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified.

In accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, the Chicago Botanic Garden does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its programs or activities, including in employment or admissions. Please call (847) 835-8264 to contact our Title IX Coordinator should you have questions or concerns. Please do not call this number to inquire about job postings or the status of your application, or with solicitations from companies or third-party recruiters.