Assistant Research Scientist, Hunter Research
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace differences. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.
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.
Why Work at the Prairie Research Institute?
Highlights of Employee Benefits
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), which 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, is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist who will contribute to the research activities of the Survey by conducting research essential to the Survey’s Illinois Learn to Hunt Program. This position will contribute to the Regional Recruitment, Retention, and Reengagement of Illinois Hunters. Remote and Hybrid work options are available.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Collect data to enhance and improve knowledge and understanding of the needs and efficacy of R3 program development and delivery.
- Conduct scientific surveys toward identifying motivations, constraints, and behaviors of potential new hunters, existing hunters, and lapsed hunters.
- Assess the needs of local clientele. This includes surveying stakeholder needs, networking, and collaborating with relevant groups.
- Compile and clean data to ensure quality control/quality assurance.
- Assemble data to be utilized in technical reports to granting agencies and peer-reviewed publications.
- Evaluate the impact of the program initiatives in a planned and statistically relevant fashion. Evaluation plans should focus on short- and long-term impacts and changes.
- Maintain and improve upon basic and advanced knowledge in specialized research areas.
- Assist with quarterly and annual program reports provided to the granting agency.
- Proofread and edited final project reports for granting agencies and constituents.
- Comply with all reporting deadlines and requirements.
- Provide program leadership, interpret, and integrate information, teach in the field of designated expertise, maintain competencies to develop and deliver educational programming, and assist clients with the appropriate resource base.
- Using research findings, advise in the planning of hunter recruitment workshops, seminars, and outreach activities aimed at educating the Illinois public on the specifics of hunting.
- Assist in the development of high-impact programs for diverse audiences aimed at mentoring and educating adults on the specifics of hunting.
- Incorporate data in the development of outreach content for a variety of platforms using various media types (e.g., webinars, podcasts, infographics, articles).
- Prioritize, organize, and plan to ensure projects move forward on time.
- Collaborate with Illinois DNR and program partners to meet objectives in the Illinois R3 Strategic Plan.
- Develop and implement a strategic plan to reengage the Illinois public in hunting based on research data.
- Develop and foster strategic initiatives that focus on creating equity among under-represented groups in the Illinois hunting population.
- Provide outreach and service to the public, the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, sponsors, and professional organizations of program research findings.
- Advise planners as to the execution of outreach and education events aimed at educating the adult Illinois public on the specifics of hunting.
- Identify relevant topics, news, reminders, and other important and timely information that is of interest to Illinois hunters.
- Develop effective and contemporary approaches to communication with clientele and utilize social media to provide support for new hunters through relevant content posting, answering questions, and fostering discussion among followers of program social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube).
- Contribute to program-developed monthly newsletters.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, wildlife management, conservation, recreation, 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 with wildlife management practices and hunting specific to this position. Experience in conducting independent research, including focus groups. Experience with database management. Experience working with diverse audiences. Valid Driver’s License. Must be able to obtain an Illinois Firearms Owner Identification Card (FOID).
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in wildlife management, conservation, recreation, or related field. Equivalent experience will be acceptable. Experience with hunter instruction and outreach education. Experience working with various Natural Resource Agencies and stakeholders. Experience presenting to diverse audiences. Hunter Safety Instruction
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Familiarity with the culture and practice of hunting in the Midwest. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software applications (e.g., Adobe Products, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, website design and maintenance). Proficiency in using common social media platforms. Ability to work independently and to multitask on several key projects and efforts.
Environmental Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (temperature, humidity, biting insects, etc.). Travel throughout the state of Illinois, working irregular hours, weekends, and overnight. The willingness to incorporate harvested game carcasses into demonstrations is a plus. Overnight travel will be necessary.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position. The starting salary is $67,000 and is commensurate with education, experience, and skill. The start date is negotiable.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on May 6, 2024. Apply for this position at https://illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/10163?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 Dan Stephens at danieljs@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 requirements, 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.
