Seasonal Aquatic Ecology & Lab Technician (Hourly)
Lake Michigan Biological Station
Illinois Natural History Survey
University of Illinois
Job Description
The Lake Michigan Biological Station is looking for Seasonal Technicians to interview shoreline and boat anglers on their fishing effort, expenditures, harvest, and biological characteristics of fish in their possession. Participate in monitoring of sport fish harvest dynamics along the Illinois shoreline of Lake Michigan, as well as research activities related to monitoring yellow perch population dynamics, nearshore fish assemblages, and benthic invertebrate and zooplankton prey resources. Responsible for detailed record keeping and interacting with the public in a professional manner. Assist with field sampling of nearshore fishes, benthic invertebrates, and zooplankton, as well as with laboratory sample processing and gear maintenance. Field work will be done from small boats on a large body of water using a variety of gears. Laboratory work entails time spent at microscopes identifying organisms, as well as fish dissections and processing structures for aging. Work may occur in a hatchery setting. This position will be located at the Lake Michigan Biological Station in Zion, Illinois. Fieldwork will take place at several sites in Cook County, IL, and Lake County, IL.
Qualifications
Must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Natural Resources, Ecology, or related field. The candidate must be able to work in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), walking up to two miles over uneven terrain. Lift, carry, push, and pull equipment weighing up to 50 pounds (including from a depth of over 30 feet). Must be able to work on a large body of water and be aware of the possibility of motion sickness. Must be able to swim. Must be able to work with chemical preservatives. Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, be able to swim, and be willing to work early mornings and weekends. Additional experience with marine craft and interacting with the public is a plus.
Salary: $17.00 – $19.00 per hour, depending on experience.
Available: May/June 2024 – October 2024, with possible extension depending on programmatic need. 40 hours per week, including weekend and holiday work.
To Apply: For full consideration, applications should be received by May 24, 2024, but the position will remain open until filled. Electronic applications are required. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume/CV, copy of your academic transcript, and names and contact information of three references to Charlie Roswell at croswell@illinois.edu (Reference “Creel Tech 2023” in the subject line of email). Applications will be reviewed as they are received and positions may be filled before the closing date.
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.
