Fisheries Technician
The Lake Michigan Biological Station, part of the Illinois Natural History Survey, is seeking fisheries technicians to participate in daily research activities related to monitoring yellow perch population dynamics, nearshore and tributary fish assemblages, benthic invertebrate and zooplankton resources, and sport fish harvest dynamics along the Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan. Interview shoreline and boat anglers on their fishing effort, expenditures, harvest, and biological characteristics of fish in their possession. Responsible for assisting with field sampling of fishes, benthic invertebrates, and zooplankton as well as with laboratory sample processing and gear maintenance. Fieldwork will be done from small boats on a large body of water, and in tributaries, using a variety of gears (e.g., gill nets, backpack electrofishing). Laboratory work entails frequent time spent at microscopes identifying organisms, as well as fish dissections and processing structures for aging. Responsible for detailed record keeping and interacting with the public in a professional manner. Work may occur in a hatchery setting, including water changes and care of larval fish.
Qualifications
Must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fisheries, aquatic ecology, zoology, or a closely related field. The candidate must be physically able to lift up to 30+ pounds (including from a depth of up to 60 feet), walk up to two miles, and work outside under adverse field conditions including, but not limited to, biting insects, cold and hot temperatures, humidity, no shade, and rain. The candidate must be able to work on a large body of water and be aware of the possibility of motion sickness. The candidate must be able to work with chemical preservatives. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be able to swim and be willing to work early mornings and weekends. Additional experience with marine craft and interacting with the public is a plus.
Job Location: Lake Michigan Biological Station – Zion, Illinois; fieldwork at various locations in Cook County and Lake County, Illinois
Wage: $14–$15 per hour.
Position Availability: March/April 2021, multiple-year position, 40 hours per week (includes weekend/holiday work)
To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume or CV, copy of the academic transcript, and list of three references (with emails) to Charlie Roswell at croswell@illinois.edu. Indicate in the Subject line of the email “LMBS TECH 2021.” Applications will be reviewed as they come in and hire may be chosen at that time.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO
The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility
