Seasonal Creel/Fisheries Technician
The Lake Michigan Biological Station, part of the Illinois Natural History Survey, is seeking a seasonal creel/fisheries technician to interview shoreline and boat anglers on their fishing effort, expenditures, harvest, and biological characteristics of fish in their possession. Participate in monitoring of sport fish harvest dynamics along the Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan, as well as research activities related to monitoring yellow perch population dynamics, nearshore fish assemblages, and benthic invertebrate and zooplankton prey resources. Responsible for detailed record keeping and interacting with the public in a professional manner. Assist with field sampling of nearshore 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 using a variety of gears. Laboratory work entails frequent time spent at microscopes identifying organisms, as well as fish dissections and processing structures for aging. 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 Management, Natural Resources, Aquatic Ecology, or related field.
The candidate must be able to work in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), walking up to two miles over uneven terrain. Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (including from a depth of 30 feet). Must be able to work on a large body of water and be aware of the possibility of motion sickness. Must be able to swim. 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.
Location: This position is based at the Lake Michigan Biological Station in Zion, IL, though creel surveys and other fieldwork will occur at several sites in Cook County and Lake County, IL.
Salary: $14–$15 per hour.
Position Availability: April/ May 2021 – Fall 2021 (extension possible); 40 hours per week (includes weekend/holiday work)
Application: 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 “Creel Technician 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.
