Avian Ecology Field Tech (Hourly)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois
Job Description
With the vast majority of land in Illinois being privately owned, private-land conservation programs provide critical habitat for wildlife in a landscape dominated by agriculture. The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking 1-2 highly motivated field technicians to assist with a project examining which bird species are using 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. Fieldwork will involve starting surveys at dawn and sometimes working into the afternoon in the hot and humid Illinois summer with biting insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Responsibilities will include communicating with landowners to schedule site visits, navigating to field locations, conducting multi-species point counts, conducting broadcasts for several species of conservation concern (Red-headed Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and Yellow-billed Cuckoo), sampling vegetation, and entering data. The season will start in mid-May and continue through mid-July. Field technician(s) will be provided with a field vehicle and housing.
Qualifications
Candidates with an interest in avian ecology, working towards, or with a completed degree in Wildlife Science or a related field are encouraged to apply. Experience conducting point counts and broadcast surveys is highly preferable. Candidates must know or be able to quickly learn to identify Illinois species by sight and sound. Field recordings will be provided for study before the start of the field season. The successful applicant will be self-motivated, organized, able to work independently under difficult field conditions, possess good communication skills, and have the desire to learn more about breeding birds in Illinois while facing the challenges of fieldwork with good humor. Must have a driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Salary: $15 - $17 per hour, depending on experience.
Available: mid-May through mid-July, 40 hours per week
To Apply: For full consideration, applications should be received by 02/20/2024, but the position will remain open until filled. Electronic applications are required. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, and names and contact information of three references to Claire Johnson at cjohnsn4@illinois.edu. (Reference “CREP 2024” in the subject line of email). Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
The U of I is an EEO Employer/Vet/Disabled http://go.illinois.edu/EEO that participates in the federal e-Verify program and participates in a background check program focused on prior criminal or sexual misconduct history.
