Conservation Research Coordinator - Resource

Title: Conservation Research Coordinator – Dolomite Prairie and Slag Restoration

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt  

Department: Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action

Reports to: Conservation Scientist   

Resource, working approximately 10 - 15 hours per week  (anticipated one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on program funding)

Supervises: Volunteers, students 

Resource employees of the Chicago Botanic Garden are eligible for the following Benefits:

• Wellness initiative benefit, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Retirement plan
• Garden membership - free to employees at Household Plus level
• Discounts to Garden Shop, Cafe, Garden-sponsored educational classes
• Employee events such as Orchid show, Night of 1,000 Jack-o'-Lanterns, Lightscape employee & friends preview night

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 Conservation Research Coordinator to join the the Negaunee Institute's conservation science team at the Chicago Botanic Garden. This is a one-year, hourly resource position (with the possibility of renewal) beginning in July 2026. The coordinator will work closely with Chicago Botanic Garden scientists and partners at the Chicago Park District and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on restoration and research projects focused on rare dolomite prairie habitats and urban slag landscapes.

This multi-year project investigates the ecology, community structure, and restoration of exposed alkaline substrate habitats, including remnant dolomite prairies and former industrial slag deposits. These habitats support a unique assemblage of native and rare species and provide an opportunity to develop science-based approaches for restoration and management. The coordinator will assist with field and laboratory research, project coordination, data management and analysis, report and manuscript preparation, and education and outreach activities. The coordinator will also contribute to other ongoing projects within the conservation science program as appropriate.

The overarching goal of this project is to work with land managers to restore and recreate rare Illinois habitats while developing best practices for the conservation and establishment of native plant communities. Results from this work will directly inform restoration planning, species reintroductions, and long-term stewardship of these unique ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise field technicians, students, and volunteers 
• Plan and conduct vegetation, pollinator, and habitat surveys 
• Conduct GIS mapping and spatial analyses 
• Design and implement seed germination and establishment experiments 
• Manage, analyze, and visualize ecological data 
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations 
• Develop and participate in education and outreach activities 
• Assist with general laboratory and research operations 

Qualifications Required:

• 2+ years research experience in ecology/evolution, environmental science, and/or related areas 
• Has (or will have by start date) a Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, entomology, evolution, conservation, and/or related fields
• Experience in coordinating a field team and/or mentorship of students
• Interest in the natural history of plants, restoration, 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:

• Proficiency in R for ecological data analysis and visualization
• Experience with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS or QGIS)
• Experience identifying Midwestern flora and/or pollinators
• Experience preparing scientific reports, publications, or presentations
• Experience with restoration ecology, seed biology, or conservation research

Work Environment, Travel, and Physical Demands:

This position will require office, lab, and field work, 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: 

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 field work 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 candidate’s 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, 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.