Seasonal Fisheries Technician (Hourly)
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
Position Location: Kaskaskia Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Sullivan IL
Job Description
Positions are seasonal, May-October, with flexibility for later start dates and earlier end dates to accommodate school schedules. Conduct in-person angler interviews at fishing lakes within the central Illinois region as part of a research project to investigate the effects of harvest regulations on angler catch rates and satisfaction. Specific duties include conducting counts of anglers, identifying anglers’ catch to species of fish, collecting biological information from fish such as lengths and weights, conducting oral interviews, and distributing take-home mail or online surveys. Interviews will be used to develop estimates of fishing effort, harvest rates, and angler perceptions of habitat enhancement and fishery quality. Work will be conducted under the direction of Dr. Joe Parkos (Illinois Natural History Survey, Kaskaskia Biological Station) and in conjunction with faculty, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and other research assistants at the University of Illinois. Most work will be conducted independently at the lakes. Other duties include assisting with fisheries fieldwork, laboratory work, and station maintenance, as needed
Qualifications
High school diploma required. Candidates working toward a B.S. degree in Biology, Natural Resources, or closely related fields are encouraged to apply. Good judgment and interpersonal skills are essential. Candidates will need to identify local sport fish to species or be capable of quickly learning to do so. Candidate must be willing to work in adverse weather conditions. Shifts will include mornings, evenings, and weekends. A valid driver’s license and ability to swim is required.
Salary: Minimum of $15.00 per hour, depending on qualifications.
Available: May 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025; 40 hours per week, weekdays, and weekends
Application: Applications will be considered as they are received, with an expected close date of 4/11/2025, but the position will remain open until filled. Electronic applications are required. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, copy of unofficial college transcripts, and names and contact information of two professional references to Anthony Porreca, 217-728-4851, porreca@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.