Visiting Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Ecology 
Illinois Natural History Survey 
Prairie Research Institute 
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 

  The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology.  PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn more at https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs. 

The Illinois Natural History Survey, one of the five State Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Scientific Specialist who will conduct basic and applied research in the area of Aquatic Ecology, overseeing Lake Michigan Creel surveys and other fisheries work at the Lake Michigan Biological Station. 

This position will be located at the Lake Michigan Biological Station in Zion, Illinois. This position will be expected to work at the Biological Station on a full-time basis.  

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.  

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews of shoreline and boat anglers on their fishing efforts, expenditures, harvest, and biological characteristics of fish in their possession. 
• Oversee and coordinate Lake Michigan Creel and fisheries research at the Lake Michigan Biological Station. 
• Ensure grant obligations are met in a timely manner. 
• Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels.  This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and travel approval.
• Ensure facilities and equipment, including boats, trailers, and sampling gear, are properly utilized and maintained. 
• Conduct and lead interviews for seasonal and long-term hourly workers.
• Participate in data collection, data verification, data analysis, and report writing. 
• Prepare research proposals and disseminate research findings through presentations at professional meetings, technical reports writing, and publishing in peer-reviewed publications.
• Manage and analyze research and monitoring data in scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Maintain detailed records, enter and check large volumes of data.
• Conduct outreach activities and events to benefit the mission and visibility of the Survey, PRI, and University of Illinois. 
• Coordinate safety activities and meetings discussing safe creel practices, both in-house and with other entities in the area.
• Co-manage social media for the Lake Michigan Biological Station. 
• Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Conduct and assist with other research projects on fisheries issues and/or aquatic ecology.  

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience engaging and interacting with the public. Experience with field collection protocols. Experience using standard laboratory protocols and adherence to safety policies. Valid Driver’s License.     

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with protocols, techniques, and equipment used by the Great Lakes fisheries scientists and ecologists. Previous experience in trailering and operating boats on navigable waterways. Experience in data analysis and communication including report writing and presentations. Experience in staff supervision and conducting ecological research in team situations. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understand recreational fishing activities and methodology. 
• Ability to work on large bodies of water with active wave movement. 
• Ability to identify sport fish species in Lake Michigan and use dichotomous keys to identify aquatic specimens.
• Basic understanding of fish anatomy. 
• Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines. 
• Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.  
• Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.  
• The ability to swim is required. 

Environmental Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, cold, etc.) and significant travel (including driving to and from research sites) in the Chicago metropolitan area and throughout the state of Illinois. Overnight travel may be required for some meetings and conferences. Position involves lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. (including from a depth of 30 feet). Must be able to work on a large body of water and be aware of the possibility of motion sickness. Must be able to work with chemical preservatives. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting as well as in the field. The office component is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Visiting Academic Professional position. Funding is currently secured through June 30, 2027. Continuation of the position beyond this date will be contingent upon the availability of funding and programmatic needs. The position may also be converted to a regular appointment in the future, subject to funding and programmatic considerations.  

The start date is negotiable, and the budgeted salary range for this position is $48,000 - $50,000. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. 

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents. 

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Monday, March 9, 2026.  Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/16248?c=illinois,  by using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Charlie Roswell at croswell@illinois.edu.  For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive. 

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify. 

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.