Research Technician Fellowship (Temporary)

The Research Technician Fellowship is intended to welcome undergraduate and high school students, ages 16 and over, who are interested in learning about tree science. No experience is necessary. Fellows will be mentored and trained as they assist in laboratory and/or field operations under close supervision. 

To apply, individuals will complete the online application form; while encouraged, a resume and cover letter are not required. A brief true/false survey will be sent immediately to confirm interest, followed by a required questionnaire within one week to determine project interest and allow applicants an opportunity to provide additional details. Applications will be accepted until positions are filled.    

Project descriptions:

Arboriculture Lab (full-time, 10 weeks, summer): Trees growing in urban environments experience harsh conditions throughout their lives. It is important for tree care managers and practitioners to understand the challenges that trees face and how to care for them to best address those challenges. The Arboriculture Science Lab at The Morton Arboretum conducts applied research investigating tree response to external stressors and how to care for trees to enable them to be resilient to those stressors. Our aim is to provide tree care managers with the scientific knowledge that can help them improve tree health, growth, and longevity.

Students participating in this fellowship will have the opportunity to work on projects that involve tree biomechanics, physiology, and pruning among others. Projects will include a mix of field work and lab work, and will expose the student to a variety of techniques and tools used in arboriculture research and practice. Candidates need not have prior tree care experience, but an eagerness to learn about trees is essential.

Soil Ecology Lab (full-time, 10 weeks, summer): The Soil Ecology Lab at The Morton Arboretum studies plant-soil interactions in a changing world. We investigate how interactions among plants, microbes, and soil influence ecosystem responses to environmental changes. We seek to translate ecological understanding of plant-soil interactions into effective techniques for restoring and managing natural and urban ecosystems. The fellow will participate in a variety of projects where we ask how trees impact soil properties; how plants, fungi, and soils respond to management; and how to improve urban soils for trees and ecosystem services.

This fellowship will expose the fellow to a mix of field, greenhouse, and lab work. Fieldwork includes plant surveys, sample collections, and soil sampling; greenhouse work includes measuring plant growth and photosynthesis rates; and lab work includes processing soil samples, analyzing soil nutrient contents, and sorting litter collected monthly from plots throughout the Arboretum. We seek a fellow with a desire to learn more about soils and plants to join our supportive and passionate group.

Essential Functions may include: 

• Provide support to a scientist for the implementation of research and related projects. 
• Assist with data and sample collection, sample processing, data analysis, and record keeping on research and related projects. 
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform routine lab maintenance by keeping laboratory and field equipment in good working order. 
• May maintain living plants in the field and greenhouse. 
• May voucher and assist with the curation of herbarium specimens. 

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Current enrollment in high school, an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program, with an interest in studying biology, environmental sciences, or a related field. Must be 16 years of age or older. Organization and independent working skills preferred. Willingness and eagerness to learn necessary field, laboratory, and library research skills required. Experience with database, spreadsheet, and statistical/graphics computer programs, and Google applications beneficial. Depending on the position, may require possession of a valid driver’s license, which is subject to insurability and an annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) report.

Success Factors: Ability and willingness to work in laboratory and field environments. Good written and oral communication skills. Clear thought, visual acuity, and manual dexterity needed. Ability to embrace and align with the organization’s employee core values to be inclusive, take ownership, work together, keep learning, and make the Arboretum exceptional.

Physical Demands and Work Environment for all positions: 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 lbs. assisted). Use of chemicals may be necessary. 
• Work Environment: Office environment, Arboretum grounds, field locations, which may include state parks and forest preserves, and/or remote locations. 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, hand tools.

The Center for Tree Science Integrated Mentorship Program is committed to supporting students and professionals at every stage in their career. As we continue to grow a vibrant and innovative scientific community, flexible work assignments may be available. 

         The hiring rate for this position is $20.00/hour. This position is also eligible for a competitive benefits package.   

The Morton Arboretum is a champion for diversity, supporting a culture of inclusion that attracts, inspires, and engages people to achieve success. The Arboretum is committed to hire and develop employees based on job-related qualifications irrespective of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. To increase diversity in professions related to the public garden realm, we encourage applications from underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans.  

The Morton Arboretum is dedicated to complying with our obligations as an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants are guaranteed equal consideration for employment.