Position Description and Application Information
VISITING FISHERIES RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences brings biological, physical, and social scientists together to identify, teach, and publicize solutions for the sustainability of urban, managed, and natural ecosystems from the local to global scale.
Be a part of our story. Join our dynamic and internationally recognized department, which includes 24 tenure-track and specialized faculty members involved in research, teaching, extension, outreach and international activities with expertise in a number of fields including applied ecology, soil and water sciences, and environmental social science. The department offers curricula for approximately 280 undergraduates and 140 graduate students pursuing Ph.D. degrees on campus. NRES is uniquely positioned to address unprecedented threats to the sustainability of natural and coupled human-ecological systems. The conservation of biodiversity and the integrity of ecological systems, environmental social science, basic and applied soil and water science, and sustainable agriculture are particularly active research areas, making NRES poised to address many of the world’s pressing environmental issues.
Job Summary
Coordinate and conduct research and conservation of several projects involving fish in Illinois. Oversee/aid research activities, facilitate data collection, assist with the writing of reports/manuscripts and help with data analyses.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Facilitation, support, and participation in fisheries conservation projects
- Facilitation and participation in the collection and analysis of data on several aspects of paddlefish conservation, including fecundity and gamete quality, response to handling/capture stressors, response to thermal challenges.
- Facilitation and participation in the collection and analysis of data on the impacts of angling tournament practices on sportfish in Illinois, including experimental work with angling tournament practices that can minimize impacts on sportfish in Illinois.
- Facilitation and participation in the collection of data on the spatial ecology, movement, and habitat use of sportfish in Illinois.
- Analysis and management of project data using current statistical techniques.
- Participation in the sharing of project findings with relevant stakeholders.
- Supervising (coordination of efforts and schedules) and training of undergraduate technicians.
- Preparing reports, managing and entering data.
- Maintaining research equipment and facilities: boats, vehicles, fish holding equipment, laboratory workspaces, etc.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, wildlife biology or a related field. Experience with aspects of standard fisheries techniques including fish handling, fish husbandry and collection of fisheries data. Experience with data handling and data analyses using current statistical techniques and program. Ability to safely operate and drive a vehicle possibly with a boat trailer.
Preferred Qualifications
MS degree in fisheries, wildlife biology or a related field
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas: (1) laboratory techniques including physiological (laboratory) assays, (2) fish telemetry including surgeries, collection of telemetry data and analysis of telemetry data, (3) of fish performance including generation of data on metabolic rates, thermal tolerance assays or swimming performance assays, (4) fish care techniques and aspects of fish holding in aquatic facilities/aquaculture facilities, and (5) operation of boats and boat trailers.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Preference will be given to candidates with knowledge of fisheries ecology and conservation, as well as aquatic ecology, along with aspects of aquatic conservation. Knowledge of aspects of fish holding/handling and fisheries techniques, along with the collection of fisheries data, will be an asset. Good judgement, interpersonal skills and problem solving/critical thinking are essential, along with a commitment to safety, and meticulous data recording. Candidate must be willing to work in challenging weather conditions, possible nights/weekends/overnight stays (at project expense), operate and work from a boat, and in experimental ponds. Candidate must be organized and be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience collecting fisheries data in the laboratory or in the field, including field techniques, physiological assays, or assays involving fish performance.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time visiting Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is July 1, 2023, or as soon as possible after that date. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Friday, April 21, 2023. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. Cory Suski (suski@illinois.edu). For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1016422
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu