Fisheries/Aquatic Ecologist Technician

~ The mission of the Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) is to investigate and document the biological resources of Illinois and other areas, and to acquire and provide natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. ~

Position Overview

Fisheries/Aquatic Ecologist Technician, Kaskaskia Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Sullivan IL under the direction of Dr. Joe Parkos. 

Available:  June 1, 2018; multiple year position, 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field work in lakes, rivers and streams, laboratory behavioral experiments, lab maintenance, fish care, and data processing and analysis.
• Assist with research projects evaluating recruitment, behavior, reproductive strategies and management of crappie, bluegill, Asian carp biology, and stream and river ecology and restoration.
• Participate in numerous laboratory tasks including identification of fish, zooplankton and benthic invertebrates, aging otoliths and diet analysis of fishes.
• Work will be conducted in conjunction with faculty, graduate students, and other research assistants.
• Must be knowledgeable or willing to learn field and laboratory identification of Midwest fish species.
• Experience using large boats, outboard motors, trailers, four wheel drive vehicles along with fisheries, water quality, and related field equipment is preferred. 
• Other duties include maintenance and repair of sampling gears, boats, boat trailers, and laboratory equipment, and general field station upkeep.   

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, aquatic ecology or closely related field.
• Good interpersonal and computer skills are essential.
• Requires significant physical exertion (including carrying 40 or more pounds of gear), commitment to safety, and meticulous data recording. 
• Familiarity with boat operation and safety desirable.
• Candidate must be willing to work in adverse weather conditions, possible nights or weekends, and work from a boat on large water bodies.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to swim is required.
• “The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.”   

Compensation: $12.00 - $12.50 per hour depending upon experience.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to upload your cover letter, resume, copy of college transcripts and names and contact information of three references. (Reference “Technician position” in subject line). For full consideration, applications should be received by 4/6/18, but position will remain open until filled.  Electronic applications required. 

~ The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO. To learn more about the University’s commitment to diversity, please visit our website. ~