Seasonal Herpetological Technician – Hourly
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

 The Population and Community Ecology Lab (PaCE Lab) at the Illinois Natural History Survey (a division of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) seeks a motivated and passionate individual to support the conservation of Illinois amphibians and reptiles. Specifically, we seek a seasonal field technician to assist with biotic surveys throughout northern Illinois, potentially continuing through September. 

Technicians will work remotely, either independently or in a team, to collect population-level data (counts, morphometrics, and marking). Duties include data collection, recording, entry, proofing, and preparing summaries for quarterly reports. Technicians will be responsible for decontaminating sampling equipment, maintaining equipment, collecting tissue samples, and operating various hand tools, electronics, and mechanical equipment such as 4WD/UTV vehicles. 

Work is performed in woodland, prairie, and wetland environments with exposure to extreme and inclement weather and temperature. The work requires moderate to strenuous physical exertion, such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, steep, and muddy surfaces, bending, crouching, stretching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs. Long hours in the field can be expected with potential work on the weekend and some holidays, pending crew scheduling. Multi-day trips or long-term housing at study sites are necessary, with overnight travel required. We will provide fleet vehicles, kayaks, motorboats, and UTVs for all fieldwork during such travel. When conducting fieldwork, technicians will be provided hotel rooms in the Chicagoland area from Monday to Friday with access to a field vehicle during the week. Transportation to and from Champaign will be provided. Depending on funding, work ethic, and productivity, at least one position may be extended into the following year. 

Qualifications

Must have a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife, Natural Resources, or related field, and have knowledge and experience in amphibian and reptile identification by sight (adults, juveniles). Must have some experience with snake ecology or freshwater turtles. Must have proven experience conducting data-intensive field research with meticulous data collection and working effectively and efficiently. Applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license.  Preference will be given to candidates who can operate UTVs, 4-wheel drive trucks, kayaks, and tow trailers. Working with computer and tablet applications, including Microsoft Office, is required; experience with FileMaker Pro is preferred. Candidate must be physically able to hike to sites and work outside under adverse field conditions, including, but not limited to, biting insects, rain, sleet, snow, heat, humidity, and uneven terrain while carrying field equipment. 

Appointment:  Positions will begin as soon as possible and end on September 25, 2026.    

Salary: $16 per hour; 40 hours per week.  

To Apply: To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 10, 2026 (Electronic Applications are required). 

If interested, please email a cover letter, resume/CV, and the names and contact information for three professional references in a single PDF file to Ethan Kessler at ekessle2@illinois.edu.  (Reference “PaCELab Seasonal HerpTech” in subject line). 

Technical questions can be directed to Dr. Ethan Kessler at ekessle2@illinois.edu 

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.