blog posts

• Aquatic/Fisheries Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Havana, Illinois

  The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking multiple (up to 10) field technicians to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be located in Havana, Illinois. 

• Aquatic Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, Illinois

  The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking up to 3 Aquatic field technicians to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be located in Oglesby, Illinois, at Starved Rock State Park. 

• Avian Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey

  The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking hourly Field Technicians to assist with a project examining which bird species use private lands enrolled under the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), the Illinois Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Illinois Forestry Development Act, and how habitat provided by these properties changes over time.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate - NOAA Firebird - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI - Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

  The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS),  a leader in investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on the NOAA Firebird project (https://noaafirebird.home.blog/) to support our adaptive resource management work. 

• Fisheries/Aquatic Ecology Research Technician (Hourly): Kaskaskia Biological Station: Sullivan, Illinois - Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

  The Kaskaskia Biological Station at the Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking individuals to conduct field and laboratory work in support of research projects on sportfish management and invasion biology in lakes and rivers. This opportunity is available immediately for well-qualified applicants. 40 hours per week, $16 - $17 per hour. 

• Graduate Research Assistantships (MS) - Aquatic/Fisheries Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey

  The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is seeking a graduate research assistant (GRA) starting Summer or Fall 2026 to conduct research on recreational fishing effort and harvest in a large reservoir ecosystem. The GRA will be a member of a research team assessing methods for improving estimates of fishing pressure and investigating emerging issues in sustainable fisheries management, such as the use of sonar technologies in recreational fisheries.

• Director, Illinois State Geological Survey - Deadline to Apply - 6:00 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026

  The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the next Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS). Based in Champaign, Illinois, the Director will guide a renowned team of scientists, researchers, and professionals dedicated to advancing geoscience research and addressing critical natural resource and environmental challenges.  This dual-role position offers a unique opportunity to direct strategic initiatives, lead groundbreaking research, and influence the future of geoscience through high-impact research and statewide service.  

  For more than 120 years, the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) has advanced Illinois’ environmental quality, economic development, and public safety through accurate, objective earth science research and information. As Director of ISGS, you will build on this legacy by providing strategic leadership for a statewide scientific enterprise, guiding policy, strengthening outreach and engagement, and overseeing more than 130 scientists and staff, while also developing an independent, high-impact research program as a Principal Research Scientist. The Director could also serve, or be eligible to serve, as the Illinois State Geologist. 

• Seasonal Aquatic Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey

  INHS is seeking field technicians (1-2) to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois, focusing on the Mississippi River. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection and lab sample processing. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be based in Macomb, Illinois. 

• Molecular Plant Pathology Lab Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey

  The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Molecular Plant Pathology Lab is seeking undergraduate/graduate students or hourly technicians for lab work on DNA extraction, detection, and identification of phytoplasma plant pathogenic bacteria.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate - Hydrogeology

  The Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct research and analysis focused on evaluating feasibility of managed aquifer recharge in shallow aquifers through hydrogeologic modeling and related activities in support of ongoing projects.

• Postdoctoral Research Associate - Water Resources Planning

  The Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) at the Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to a statewide water resources planning project.

• Stewardship and Donor Development Specialist (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI

  The Illinois River Biological Station, part of the Illinois Natural History Survey, is seeking a Stewardship and Donor Development Specialist to support fundraising development efforts by conducting in-depth research, analyzing, and communicating relevant information to support the identification, cultivation, socialization, and stewardship of individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position is a remote/hybrid opportunity with occasional visits to the Illinois River Biological Station required. 

• Aquatic Field Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Macomb, IL

  The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking field technicians (1-2) to conduct applied research in aquatic ecology and large river systems throughout the state of Illinois, focusing on the Mississippi River. Technicians will assist large river ecologists in the collection of standardized long-term river monitoring data with additional targeted data collection and lab sample processing. This position will be 40 hours per week and will be based in Macomb, Illinois. 

• Undergraduate Hourly, Graduate Hourly, Academic Hourly

  We are seeking up to three motivated individuals to participate in and support original research and technology development in one or more areas of carbon capture & utilization, critical materials recovery, and the beneficial utilization of waste materials. Responsibilities include participating in laboratory and bench-scale experiments and analytical characterization to evaluate new materials and processes, assisting in the assembly and troubleshooting of experimental setups, analyzing experimental data, supporting modeling efforts, performing literature searches, as well as preparing reports and documentation.