WEBSITE + APPLICATION
The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary range is $50,000 to $55,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the full range for a position.
Duties & Responsibilities Include
- Conduct biological monitoring and research on the Illinois River Waterway using multiple types of fishing gear (PDC electrofishing, netting, telemetry) and work closely with fishers to guide contracted invasive carp harvest.
- Collect fish population monitoring data and use the information to develop and evaluate research projects and guide management.
- Coordinate field sampling schedules including identifying sampling locations, completion of equipment inventory for each trip, and safety inspection of marine craft and gear.
- Supervise students and hourly technicians and guide scheduling, task assignment, explaining required sampling techniques, guiding required field data collection necessary to complete projects, and ensuring marine safety protocols are followed.
- Maintain active and open communication between MAM, IRBS staff, collaborators, and other parties.
- Manage, analyze, and translate research, harvest, telemetry, and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
- Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
- Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Work with the lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research.
- Coordinate and cooperate with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other groups.
- Attend local, regional, national, and international conferences.
- Represent the Survey, PRI, the University, and other state and federal agencies on professional and interagency committees associated with river ecology and fisheries.
- Represent the Survey, PRI, and UIUC committees.
- Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards are met.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
- Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs, accurately and within established deadlines.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Physical Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, cold, etc.), lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for sustained distances, regularly during the field season. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting.
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
Will require travel (including driving to and from research sites). Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, or a related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience in standard fish sampling and other sampling techniques important to large river ecology research. Experience leading crews on the IL Waterway using pulsed-DC electrofishing, fyke and hoop nets, and proficiency in IL River fish identification, especially preserved fish identification. Experience trailering, driving, and navigating research boats with outboard motors on large rivers. Valid Driver’s License. The ability to swim is required.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience in standard fish sampling and other sampling techniques important to large river ecology research. Experience driving and troubleshooting 4WD trucks. Experience with writing and presenting scientific reports and scientific journal articles that include standard fisheries statistical analyses. Proficiency using common statistical and georeferencing software such as R and ArcGIS. Boater’s Safety, MOCC training, First-Aid and CPR training, AFS Certified Fisheries Professional, Red Cross or other swim certification.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases, including Microsoft Office, MS Access, ArcGIS, and statistical software packages (R, SAS, etc.). Possess appropriate field and laboratory skills as well as physical skills necessary to carry out work. Must possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, staff, and clients.