Position Description and Application Information
The Field Technician serves as a research assistant who needs to be effective and skillful in field data collection and NA extraction of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Research assistant knows how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and is required to communicate effectively the research notes.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Daily Survey or Trapping: Conducts daily survey or trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels at multiple study sites over the field season. Uses 60 to 100 Tomahawks for trapping daily depending on the configuration and size of the trapping area. Checks traps every other hour on foot throughout the day. Records vegetation structure and major plant species at individual trap sites. Records locations of the captured squirrels with the GPS units.
- Daily Tagging and Sample Collection: Implants a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification. Records the PIT-tag ID, sex, age, and reproductive condition of each squirrel captured. Collects tissue samples of individual squirrels when required.
- Daily Reports: Submits daily reports on the surveying, trapping, and tagging of Franklin’s ground squirrels. Update the GPS points to the GIS database of Franklin’s ground squirrels.
- Planning and Coordination : Plans and coordinates with the Principal Investigator regarding the replenishment of trapping and tagging supplies, as well as pick-ups.
- Maintenance: Assists with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gears and equipment for trapping, tagging, and tissue collection of Franklin’s ground squirrels.
Environmental demands:
Candidate must be willing to work outdoors in inclement weather and conditions, as well as travel to multiple locations for the project needs. The work requires the ability to lift loads which may exceed 50 pounds, to traverse outdoor terrain on foot without mechanical assistance, and to negotiate a variety of natural obstacles while carrying or transporting a variety of equipment.
Requirements:
Successful candidate must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field before start date. Candidate should have a minimum of one season of directly related field or professional experience. Experiences in GIS and working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable. Successful candidate must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail. Candidate must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety. The individual must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours. All personnel on the project must follow the COVID-19 safety protocol and guidelines as directed for the duration of employment.
The University of Illinois may conduct background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
New Policy: All offers for employment are contingent upon proof of vaccination against the COVID-19 virus, or an approved exemption, pursuant to https://www.uis.edu/academicstaffhandbook/university-policies/fall-2021-covid-19-vaccination-policy-for-new-hires/.
