Visiting Scientific Specialist, Botany - INHS/PRI

Laseagrant; Urbana, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) within the Prairie Research Institute seeks a Visiting Botanist to lead vegetation and seed dispersal surveys, data analyses, and reporting. You will coordinate with project PIs and stakeholders, supervise staff, and contribute to publications and outreach.

The role requires field readiness, GIS proficiency, and strong communication skills to translate findings for agencies and the public. Remote/hybrid work options may be available with on-site needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or related field; relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience with community- or landscape-level plant data collection and analysis.
• Experience with GIS data processing and mapping techniques.

Responsibilities

• Collect and organize vegetation and seed dispersal survey data for technical reports and publications.
• Assist with analyses on vegetation and seed dispersal surveys.
• Conduct plant community mapping and assist with aerial imagery surveys.
• Summarize results for reports, GIS maps, and other outlets.
• Supervise hourly staff and coordinate project tasks as needed.
• Attend stakeholder meetings and present findings to diverse audiences.
• Coordinate with PIs to provide scientific information for outreach and reports.
• Ensure safety and compliance in field and lab activities.

Skills

Plant ecology

Midwestern flora

GIS data analysis

Map creation

R programming

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in botany or related field

Tools

ArcGIS

R

Job description

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Botany - INHS/PRI

Visiting ScientificSpecialist, Botany
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Botanist, who will administer research activities of the Survey by developing, planning, coordinating, and conducting vegetation and seed dispersal surveys, data analyses, report writing, and project administration.

Remote and Hybrid work options may be available for this position, with the ability to be on-site as needed per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy.

Duties & Responsibilities Include

• Collect and organize vegetation and seed dispersal survey data and prepare results for inclusion in technical reports, presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Assist with analyses on vegetation and seed dispersal surveys.
• Conduct plant community mapping.
• Assist with aerial imagery (drone) surveys.
• Summarize results into written form for reports, GIS maps, and other outlets.
• Collect and verify plant material (seeds, sterile and fertile plants).
• Interface with scientists and agency staff to coordinate effective communication and presentation of data and progress reports.
• Work with project PIs to provide scientific and technical information in reports, at speaking engagements, in outreach events, and to internal committees.
• Manage social media and CoastSnap station coordination.
• Conduct, organize, and attend stakeholder meetings and presentations.
• Supervise hourly staff. This may include task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and travel approval.
• Perform other administrative duties relevant to this position.
• Ensure the safety of staff and equipment.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs accurately and within established deadlines.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline

Physical Demands

Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.). Ability to move, lift, and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

Will require travel (including overnight stays and driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, working irregular hours.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in botany, plant ecology, or a related field. Alternative degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience with community- or landscape-level plant data collection and analysis. Experience with Midwestern flora (including wetlands and Great Lakes coastal vegetation) and plant identification methods (e.g., dichotomous key). Experience processing and analyzing GIS data and with mapping techniques. Demonstrated record of independent project management and completing assigned tasks in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner, both with minimal supervision and in team settings. Experience translating research findings to agencies, technicians, the scientific community, and the general public. Valid Driver’s license and ability to meet requirements for a drone pilot license.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience working with other Survey scientists on relevant research projects. Supervisory experience. Experience with plant ecology. Experience with sampling vegetation and plant identification. Experience with remote sensing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Expertise in plant ecology. Knowledge of Midwestern flora (including wetlands and Great Lakes coastal vegetation). Knowledge, including the ability to interpret, create, and manipulate maps. Proficiency in commonly employed database and statistical software, including GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) and R. Statistical knowledge and proficiency in R. Proficiency with data analysis methods. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually contingent upon available funding and programmatic needs. The position may be converted to a regular appointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations.
The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary range is $50,000 to $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 18, 2026.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Brenda Molano-Flore at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

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, 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. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail] .

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