Visiting Scientific Specialist, Stream Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit go.illinois.edu/PRIjob
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking a Stream Ecologist to develop and implement research and service projects focused on monitoring and assessing the ecological responses of stream communities to a variety of best management practices under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) in Illinois. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collect biological, chemical, and physical habitat monitoring data from Illinois streams.
- Conduct quality assurance and quality control programs for monitoring data.
- Conduct, develop, and participate in research and service activities of the Survey.
- Conduct and direct field operations.
- Identify relevant research needs and project opportunities.
- Collaborate with the PIs to develop and contribute to proposals for external funding and secure external funding.
- Contribute to the preparation of internal reports, reports to sponsoring agencies, technical reports, and manuscripts for publication.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead students and 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 the safety of staff and equipment.
- Maintain organization, function, and maintenance of field and laboratory equipment.
- Attend scientific conferences, meetings, and training courses and present papers and results.
- Collaborate with Survey staff, University of Illinois faculty, and external colleagues to provide integrated interpretations and applications to existing and new research programs.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
Additional Physical Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds. Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. May require standing and stationary positions. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, 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. A minimum of 1 year of experience conducting electrofishing surveys in wadeable streams. Valid Driver’s License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in biology, ecology, fisheries, 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 managing sponsored research projects and staff, including timely submission of deliverables. Experience collecting and working with aquatic macroinvertebrates. CPR and First Aid Certifications.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficiency with field-based identification of Midwestern fishes. Familiarity with a broad range of stream monitoring and sampling approaches. Demonstrated record of independent project management and completing assigned tasks in an accurate, efficient, and timely manner, both with minimal supervision and in team settings. Demonstrated use of ArcMap and proficiency in commonly employed software and databases. Familiarity with commonly used statistical approaches and office software. 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, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Ability to swim is required.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time, visiting academic professional, grant-supported, 12-month position subject to the continued availability of funding and programmatic need. The current duration of available funding for this position is one year with the possibility of extension. Position may become a regular, non-visiting position later depending on funding and programmatic need. The starting salary is $43,000 and start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by April 19, 2023. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/3596?c=illinois 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 Sarah Molinaro at smolina2@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
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, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, 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. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.