The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking field technicians to conduct biological monitoring of grasslands in east-central Illinois. This includes identifying plants and measuring their abundance; aiding with insect surveys using sweep, vacuum, and pitfall trap methods; and observing behavior of monarch butterfly adults. Duties include: 1) conducting field surveys of grassland plants and insects, 2) driving and navigating to study sites, 3) data entry in an office setting, 4) identifying plant samples (with opportunity to practice insect identification), and 5) assisting with other office and field work as needed.
Qualifications
Candidates must have field experience in plant or insect biology (candidates that have worked on other taxa will be considered), or undergraduate course work in biology, ecology, botany, entomology, or related fields. Applicants must be willing and able to: 1) work outside under sometimes difficult field and environmental conditions (summer heat, rain, biting and stinging arthropods, poison ivy, etc.), 2) travel to study sites four days per week with shared driving responsibilities, 3) competently use a computer and other electronic equipment, and 4) show good organizational and observational skills with attention to detail. A valid driver’s license is required.
Salary: $15.30 per hour, 40 hours per week.
Availability: This position is scheduled to begin on May 30, 2023. Position will end in the middle of August 2023. Start and end dates are somewhat flexible.
To Apply: Electronic Applications Required: Please email cover letter explaining your interests, qualifications, and dates of availability, CV/resume, and contact information for three references to Elizabeth Hrycyna at ehrycyna@illinois.edu (please include “Summer Field Technician” in the subject line). Applications received before March 20, 2023, will be given priority consideration; however, this position will remain open until filled.
Please direct technical questions to David Zaya (dzaya1@illinois.edu) and Elizabeth Hrycyna (ehrycyna@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.
