Assistant Scientist, Large River Fisheries Ecologist (Two Postions Available)
Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS)
Salary: $47,500 (Negotiable)
Project description:
Incumbents will develop, direct, and conduct joint INHS/DNR research projects focused on issues surrounding the impact, control, and management Asian carp and other potential nuisance or invasive species. Direct and conduct year round monitoring of aquatic invasive species (particularly Asian carp) throughout Illinois waterways, as a contributing member of the IL DNR (Department of Natural Resources) Asian carp teams.
Job description:
Direct and conduct biological research on reaches of the Illinois River and Upper Mississippi River using multiple fishing gears (e.g., pulsed-DC electrofishing, AC electrofishing, netting).
Prior to research outings: develop all field sampling schedules including identifying sampling locations, complete equipment inventory for each trip, perform safety inspection of marine craft and electrofishing gear, explain required sampling and field data collection techniques to staff to ensure compliance and project completion.
Determine need for field staff each season and work with HR office on recruitment and selection, including conducting interviews.
Supervise, manage, and mentor staff, including providing appropriate training in field research techniques and boating safety, directing/ prioritizing work duties, and completing performance evaluations, as required.
Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards are met.
Manage and analyze research and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
Translate scientific data into reports, publications, and/or presentations at conferences/professional meetings.
Work with lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research and how the findings benefit citizens.
Coordinate research and public service activities with the University of Illinois and units of the Illinois Scientific Surveys, other universities, colleges, museums, the Long Term River Monitoring (LTRM) network of six field stations, river management agencies, non-governmental organizations and public interest groups.
As time permits and funding is available to buy out contract service: may design and carry out independent research; apply for and obtain extra-mural funding; report findings in scientific journals and at professional meetings; provide technical information in area of expertise; make presentations to service, nature or science groups, schools, or other public meetings; serve professional and scientific societies in such duties as reviewing or editing papers, moderating panels, and serving as a committee member or officer.
Qualifications:
- Education: Required: Bachelor's degree in fisheries, biology, aquatic ecology, zoology, environmental science or a related biological field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Preferred: Master’s degree in fisheries, biology, aquatic ecology, zoology, environmental science or related biological field.
- Experience: Required: Minimum of 2 years of experience with pulsed-DC and/or AC boat electrofishing, fyke and hoop netting, trawling, standard fish sampling, and other sampling techniques important to river ecological research. Demonstrated record with both writing and presenting scientific reports and scientific journal articles that include standard fisheries statistical analyses. Preferred: Experience driving 4WD trucks, trailering boats and working on large river systems by boat.
- Training: Required: The individual must have a valid driver’s license. Preferred: CPR/First Aid, Boater's safety
- Knowledge: Required: Environmental science, fisheries, zoology or ecology background including familiarity with Midwest fish taxonomy. Ability to supervise, train and mentor other staff members. Strong leadership skills and commitment to scientific excellence. Proficiency in fish identification, with a demonstrated commitment to team water and equipment safety. Ability to work under minimal supervision. Familiarity with multiple gear types (electrofishing, netting, seines) and basic taxonomy appropriate to Midwestern, in-land river ecosystems. Ability to work well with and supervise others, establishing solid professional working relationships. Must be able to swim, and be able to work in extreme weather conditions. Must be comfortable on small boats in large river settings, able to swim, and work in extreme weather conditions.
- Preferred: Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Access, ArcGIS products and statistical software packages. Basic and specialized knowledge in a designated related specialty area and has kept abreast of developments within the discipline, Possesses ability to have a sustained record of completing assigned work in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner. Efficient organizational and communication skills.
Salary: Starts at $47,500 per year. Negotiable depending on experience. These are regular, academic professional, full-time grant supported 12-month positions. The estimated starting date is February 1, 2017.
Benefits: Generous vacation and sick leave. State Universities Retirement System. Group health, dental, vision and life insurance.
Applications must be received by January 12, 2018. To apply, all candidates must submit an online profile through https://jobs.illinois.edu. Qualified candidates must upload a letter detailing qualifications noted above, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. For further information, please contact Angela Young, Human Resources, Illinois Natural History Survey, 217-244-7793, younga@illinois.edu.
For technical questions regarding this position, please contact: Jason DeBoer, jadeboer@illinois.edu.
