• Seasonal Insect Survey Technician (Hourly) - Illinois Natural History Survey - Deadline to Apply: March 21, 2026

    Illinois Natural History Surveyhourly

    Seasonal Corn and Soybean Survey Technician (Hourly)
    Illinois Natural History Survey
    Prairie Research Institute
    University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

     

    Job Description

    The Illinois Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Program is seeking qualified and self-motivated individuals to work as part of its field crops insect monitoring team during the summer. Field work responsibilities focus on conducting surveys aimed at detecting insect pests in corn and soybeans. Laboratory responsibilities include sorting, identifying, and cataloging insect pests. Successful candidates will gain knowledge about insect threats of Illinois field crops and a better understanding of new and emerging pests. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in insect identification, field research, and pest management.

    The position will be based out of Champaign, Illinois, but daily travel of 2-3 hours to field sites throughout the state is expected.

    Qualifications 

    • Background in entomology, biology, natural resources, or horticulture is desired, but not required.
    • Good verbal communication skills, ability, and willingness to interact with the public are essential.
    • Candidate should be highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of working with minimal supervision.
    • Must have a valid driver's license.
    • Must be able to read and follow maps/GPS to trap sites.
    • Must be able to follow insect monitoring protocols and maintain accurate, detailed records.
    • Must be able to screen traps and handle insect samples.
    • Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois, and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. 

    Salary: $15 - $17 per hour, depending on qualifications. Up to 40 hours per week.  

    Available: June 1 – August 14, 2026, with the possibility of extension depending on funding and programmatic need.

    To Apply: Email cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references to Kelly Estes, IL CAPS Coordinator at kcook8@illinois.edu (Reference “Insect Survey Tech 2026” in subject line).  For full consideration, applications should be received by 03/21/2026, but the position may be filled sooner when a suitable candidate is found. The position will remain open until it is filled.

    For questions or more information about the position, please contact Kelly Estes at kcook8@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.