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  • Field Technician (Osprey Project; 2 positions), University of Illinois at Springfield

    Sep 20, 2021 9:30 am by Susan HelminkJobs

    Position Website and Application Information

    The Field Technician serves as a field researcher who needs to be effective and skillful in field data collection, including observing and tracking of ospreys, as well as feeding ospreys.  The Field Technician knows how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and is required to communicate the research notes effectively.

     

    Duties and responsibilities:

    • Daily Observations: Conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure that each osprey is eating properly and there is no aggression toward each other. In addition, makes notes of all behaviors observed of each osprey as well as presence of other potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking sites.
    • Daily Tracking: Conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge; makes notes of their locations with the GPS units as well as the surrounding vegetation/habitat characteristics, including the perch conditions. Makes notes of their behaviors and well-being, in particular their attempts to hunt.
    • Food Preparation and Feeding: Conducts daily preparation of fresh or completely thawed fish for the osprey chicks and feed them 2 to 3 times a day. Makes notes of the amount of fish provided each meal, the amount consumed, and the amount of left-over. Cuts fish into small chunks for feeding early on and graduate small chunks into bigger pieces that allow ospreys to exercise grabbing fish with their talons and tearing fish for feeding. Continue to provide fish until all ospreys have migrated.
    • Planning and Coordination: Plans and coordinates with the Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) or Kaskaskia Biological Station (KBS) for obtaining fish for feeding ospreys. Conducts regular pick-ups of fish from the IRBS or KBS. Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.
    • Daily Reports: Submits daily reports regarding the behaviors and fish consumption by ospreys, as well as makes notes of any other notable events related to the ospreys on that day. Uploads the GPS points into the GIS database for ospreys.
    • Maintenance: Assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower before and after the hacking season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gears and equipment.

     

    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 working with birds of prey 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/.