Stream and River Research Technician (Hourly)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Primary Function of Position: The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking up to 7 research technicians to conduct bioassessments of aquatic life in streams and rivers in Illinois.
Job Description: Research technicians will work on a crew of 2 – 5 people assisting Stream Ecologists with field surveys. Field responsibilities include conducting fish surveys in wadeable and non-wadeable rivers, collecting macroinvertebrate samples, conducting habitat assessments, and water chemistry testing. When not in the field, research technicians conduct laboratory work including data entry, aging fish, macroinvertebrate sorting, and assistance with current research projects. Work hours will vary each day, but the successful applicant(s) would work approximately 40 hours per week with occasional overnight travel. Per-diem and lodging for overnight travel will be provided.
The position will be stationed in Champaign Illinois, but travel will occur throughout the state. Work days can be long, but mostly involve traveling to field sites. Successful applicants will work in scenic Illinois rivers, learn how to identify >50 species of fish, collect field data, and be able to assist with ongoing research projects. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in various types of stream and river ecology research.
Qualifications: Must have or be working towards a bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, fisheries, or natural resources. Valid driver’s license. Ability to carry heavy loads (40+lbs) over uneven terrain. Ability to work long hours (12+ hrs). Ability to work in adverse environmental conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.). Ability to swim. Demonstrated organizational skills and high attention to detail. Ability and experience identifying Midwestern fishes, operating a boat, hauling trailers, and driving four-wheel drive vehicles are preferred.
Salary: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour, depending on experience
Available: June 1 – December 16, 2023. Starting date can be adjusted slightly depending on candidate’s availability, including potential starting date prior to June 1.
To Apply: For full consideration, applications should be received by 5/6/2023, but the positions may be filled sooner as suitable candidates are found. Please send a single PDF file with cover letter, C.V. or résumé, and contact information for three professional references to Greg King at GDKing@illinois.edu (Reference “River Research Technician 2023” in subject line).
The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit http://www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu. The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.
DR. R.W. LARIMORE STREAM ECOLOGY INTERNSHIP
The family and friends of Dr. R. Weldon Larimore have established a legacy fund in honor of his long and distinguished career at the Illinois Natural History Survey (1946-2002) and the University of Illinois (1969-1988). Dr. Larimore was a pre-eminent researcher in stream ecology and a pioneer in many research techniques used today. His research took him all over the world, but Dr. Larimore’s passion was the study of Jordan Creek in Vermilion County, Illinois. The establishment of this fund is to maintain ongoing research in stream ecology, a vital and important part of natural history and aquatic biology.
This scholarship award totaling up to $4,000 will be made available every other year to support an undergraduate researcher. If no suitable proposals are received, the committee reserves the right not to fund any proposal in the current year. The review committee will hold all applications in confidence.
Eligibility
Currently enrolled full-time undergraduate students at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana are eligible to apply. Those in degree programs in environmental sciences, natural resources, biology, animal biology, entomology, geography, or other relevant fields will receive the highest consideration.
The next award will be available in March 2024.
Application Materials
1. Resume
2. Current unofficial transcripts that detail courses taken and grades received
3. Two letters of recommendation submitted directly from the letter writers to Dr. Cao
Application Instructions
• Applicants and letter writers should submit materials to Dr. Yong Cao at yongcao@illinois.edu
• Include the email subject: Stream Ecology Summer Internship
• Attach all application materials as PDF files
Inquiries
Please direct any questions about the Larimore Stream Ecology Internship to Dr. Yong Cao at 217-244-6847 or yongcao@illinois.edu.
