The Human-Wildlife Interactions Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is recruiting two Field Netting Technicians to aid in an 11-week study of bats in the northern plains of Missouri. The Missouri Bat Project is an 8-year study and collaboration between UIUC and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The main goal of the project is to understand how federally endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) are affected by timber management on MDC conservation lands. Technicians will aid in gathering data on bat population dynamics, distributions, and roosting ecology on six conservation areas. The positions are heavily field based with most time spent outdoors collecting field data. Conditions, including weather, may vary and are likely to include working in rain and around biting insects and ticks. Therefore, applicants should be confident in field abilities and should consider the physical demands of the work. Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work long hours and different times and days (including weekends and nights, as needed). You will live and work in a team environment. The position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct research on federally listed bats and to gain experience working alongside state wildlife biologists and bat ecologists.
The Mist Netting Technicians Requirements: The successful candidates will be responsible for the following: 1) assisting with the capture and handling of multiple bat species, including federally listed bats, using mist-net surveys; 2) following decontamination protocols during and after each netting night; 3) organizing and preparing field gear for mist netting surveys; 4) managing data and biological samples; and 5) assisting with a variety of additional field/lab activities, including radio-telemetry, roost exit count surveys, and bioacoustic surveys.
Location
Northeastern Missouri. The nearest city is Kirksville, MO.
Salary and Housing
Temporary, full-time positions.
$15.50/hour for 11 weeks starting May 30th to August 16th.
Bunk housing and field vehicles will be provided. The housing will consist of rooms with bunk beds, as well as a shared living space, kitchen, and full bathroom. Wi-Fi will be accessible at the fieldhouses. Successful applicants should expect the shared lodging to include coed living situations. The University of Illinois will not pay for relocation costs (moving expenses).
Qualifications
Completion of a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in wildlife biology, biology, ecology, or a closely related field. Must have completed the pre-exposure series of rabies vaccinations and have experience handling and mist netting for bats. Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be in good physical condition. It is also critical that you are detail-oriented and interested in collecting data for research studies. Must possess a valid driver's license, pass driving record check, and willing to be trained to operate a 4WD vehicle, on- or off-road.
