Research Coordinator - Lawn Alternatives

Chicago Botanic Garden • Glencoe, IL

17h

About The Position

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, will support the Rethinking Lawns project. This is a partnership between the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Park District studying ecosystem services associated with alternative lawn plantings, as well as how to best install and maintain lawn alternative plantings. This position will include field data collection and site maintenance at lawn alternative field sites at the Chicago Botanic Garden and in multiple Chicago Park District parks. During non-field time, a major component of the work will be entering, cleaning, and analyzing data collected. In addition, the lead technician will contribute to manuscript writing and other types of science communication. The successful candidate will join a collaborative group of scientists and land managers in the Chicago area and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in biology or a related scientific field included but not limited to: ecology, environmental sciences, biology, geography, or plant science
• At least one field season working outdoors over a range of weather conditions
• Experience with data analysis and/or scientific writing
• Comfort traveling to neighborhoods throughout Chicago and being outdoors in public urban spaces
• Experience using programs such as Excel for entering and storing data
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Masters in Science degree preferred
• Experience collecting data on plants, pollinators, or soil preferred
• Experience using R for data analysis
• Experience with education and outreach activities related to ecology

Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and analyze data collected as part of the Rethinking Lawns project.
• Assist in manuscript writing.
• Assist with fieldwork in the summer at the Chicago Botanic Garden, and in several sites at Chicago Park District. This will include plant and pollinator identification, collecting water infiltration data and soil data.
• Assist in planting and maintenance of research plantings at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Chicago Park District.
• Assist with additional lab, field, and literature research as needed.
• Coordinate lawn alternatives projects across the Chicago Botanic Garden.
• Assist in other public science communication projects (e.g., writing for the public, giving presentations) as needed.
• Contribute to managing grant expenses and reporting when needed.
• Depending on their interests, the lead technician will be able to expand their work into an independent research project and, if interested, attend/present at conferences.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees