INHS is seeking one technician to assist with research on the abundance and diversity of breeding songbirds and woodpeckers in managed Illinois forests. Primary responsibilities will include determining how forest management in Illinois directly affects bird abundance, diversity, and habitat use during the breeding season. Specific field work will include surveying the breeding bird community within several forests throughout Illinois where forest management is or is going to be occurring, conducting point counts to document the diversity and abundance of birds, surveying woodpecker abundance, deploying remote digital cameras and analyzing images, conducting a few nocturnal bird surveys, inventorying forest structure and composition in association with census points, and entering data to assist with summary reports.
The research is being conducted in close collaboration with scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey, and scientists and land managers at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Army Corp of Engineers.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline and have had education or research experience closely related to the primary mission of the project. Experience in identifying (by sight and sound) bird species that breed in Illinois, particularly in forests, is required. Incumbent must have experience conducting point counts or other similar bird survey techniques. Must be willing to work long hours outside under a variety of spring/summer field conditions. Position requires an ability to work well independently or with others. Experience conducting vegetation surveys is preferred, as is familiarity with and an ability to orienteer using a GPS unit. It is expected that applicant is capable of occasionally walking several miles through forests in a given day carrying a backpack over uneven terrain. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license.
Preferred applicant will have some previous experience conducting breeding bird surveys in deciduous forests in the eastern U.S.
Appointment: Starting late-April to mid-May 2021, through 15 August 2021.
Salary: $11-$14 per hour, depending on experience and skills. Field vehicle provided. Position based out of Urbana-Champaign Illinois and housing will be responsibility of successful applicant.
To apply: Email a single PDF (saved as: last name_first name.pdf) including 1) cover letter detailing your interests, qualifications, and availability for this position, 2) resume/CV, and 3) contact information for three references (direct supervisors/instructors only) to Grace Wilson at gracew@illinois.edu (Reference “FieldTech 2021” in subject line). Applications must be received by April 5, 2021, but the position may be filled sooner once a suitable candidate is found.
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