Overview

The Morton Arboretum invites nominations and applications for a full-time research position in Forest Ecology, to be part of the newly established Center for Tree Science (https://www.mortonarb.org/cts).  The successful candidate will be a broadly trained forest ecologist with an expertise in community ecology, forest restoration, urban forests, or related field with a keen interest to bridge the gap between academic research and applied management.  The successful candidate will be expected to lead an internationally recognized research program that will attract extramural funding, publish in leading scientific journals, be highly collaborative within the Center for Tree Science and contribute to the Arboretum’s management, conservation, and development of global forests.  The new hire will also be expected to mentor undergraduate and graduate students through a growing internship program and to develop an association with one of the many prestigious research institutions in the Chicago region.

Qualifications:  Ph.D. in plant community ecology or related area required.  Strong background in vegetation sampling, analysis, and experimental design required.  Familiarity with regional woodland plant communities and their management strongly preferred.  Experience in ecological modeling preferred.  Experience interacting with natural areas’ restorers and managers, in both government and private sectors, preferred.  Command of modern statistical analytical methods, and of appropriate general and specialized software.  Must possess a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

Success Factors:  Strong analytical abilities in both field and laboratory situations.  Initiative and resourcefulness in implementing, completing, evaluating, and reporting research projects.  Willingness to conduct interdisciplinary research.  Ability to work effectively as part of a mission-oriented team, including an extensive volunteer support staff.  Willingness and ability to interpret and communicate research results to professionals, the public, and academic audiences.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
·         Physical Demands: Requires some physical activity: walking over varied terrain, bending, limited lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds assisted).  Use of chemicals may be necessary.  Some travel required.

·         Work Environment: Office environment and field situations on and off Arboretum grounds.  Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions.

·         Equipment: General office equipment, field and laboratory equipment, including specialized equipment relating to particular field of research, Arboretum pick-up truck and/or utility vehicle.

·         Schedule: Work requires occasional evening and weekend hours.
Review of applications will begin June 15, 2016, and will continue until the position is filled.  To apply, visit https://mortonarb.org/employment.  For further information or to nominate candidates, please contact Dr. Chuck Cannon, Director of the Center for Tree Science at (630) 719-2071 or ccannon@mortonarb.org.

The Morton Arboretum is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce.