Bat Survey Field Technician (Hourly)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Job Description
The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking 1 field technician to assist with 2026 summer field sampling for the Illinois Bat Conservation Program (IBCP), including acoustic surveys and mist-netting. Technicians will generally work in teams of 2 to complete tasks that include communicating with landowners, deploying stationary bat acoustic recorders, driving mobile acoustic transects, and assisting with mist-netting with the field team. Technicians will also be responsible for backing up, processing, and data entry of the acoustic output.
Rabies vaccine will be required for bat handling and can be provided by the Survey upon hire. Overnight and long-distance travel with unpredictable hours will be expected.
Qualifications
Must be working towards or have obtained a bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, entomology, natural resources, or a related field. Must have experience conducting fieldwork in an ecology-related field. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, be comfortable driving 4WD vehicles for long distances, and be willing to receive a rabies vaccine upon employment to handle bats.
Preference will be given to those with experience deploying bat acoustic monitors or mist-netting.
Housing is not provided, but there are many housing options for university students away for the summer. Lodging and a vehicle will be provided during field work.
Salary: Salary is $20 per hour; up to 40 hours per week. The estimated start date is May 25, 2026, but it can be flexible and have a flexible end date of August 14th.
To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by March 20, 2026. Interviews may take place before the application deadline, and the position may be filled prior to the deadline. If interested, please submit via email a cover letter detailing qualifications above, resume/CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references in one document to Brittany Rogness at BRogness@illinois.edu. (Reference “2026 Summer IBCP Tech” in subject line).
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.