Assistant Field Station Director, Illinois Natural History Survey

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Position Overview

Candidate will support the overall research program, administration, and supervision of staff stationed at Kaskaskia, Sam Parr, and Ridge Lake Biological Stations (25+ staff members); responsibilities include oversight of two major grants with 750K in funding.

Responsibilities

• Conduct biological research on fish ecology and management.
• Develop and implement new research initiatives in the areas of fish ecology and management; serve as co-principal investigator for research projects on sportfish management and invasive Asian carp.
• Recruit and supervise assigned staff, which includes task assignment, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, career development planning, leave/travel approval, and training associated with field research techniques and boating safety.
• Manage, analyze, and translate research and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies.
• Coordinate activities and cooperate with:

1. The University of Illinois and units of the Illinois Scientific Surveys;
2. Other universities, colleges, and museums;
3. Illinois Department of Natural Resources management and other state agencies; and
4. Non-governmental organizations and public interest groups.

• Solicit external funding in support of independent research projects.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles on the biology of fish and aquatic communities.
• Participate on committees and in education and outreach activities.
• Attend and present scientific papers at national and international conferences.
• Direct and conduct biological research on rivers and lakes in Illinois.
• Ensure compliance with Department of Labor and other state/federal regulations and guidelines regarding labor and safety.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards and safety standards are met.
• Work with lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research and how findings benefit citizens.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Successful candidate will contribute to the research program, administration and supervision of staff of the Kaskaskia and Ridge Lake Biological Stations.
• Candidate will have access to outstanding facilities including two wet laboratories and twenty-seven experimental ponds.
• Recently upgraded boats, vehicles and extensive equipment for fisheries and limnological sampling are available at the stations.
• Emphasized areas of research include predator-prey relationships, trophic ecology, foraging behavior, bioenergetics, and reproductive ecology.
• Responsible for new research initiatives in the areas of fish ecology and management as well as serve as co-principal investigator for research projects on sportfish management and invasive Asian carp.
• Individual will be part of an interactive research group including faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, research biologists, and full- and part-time research assistants.
• Successful candidate will have opportunity to compete for Director position in the next several years.

Qualifications

Experience Required:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the area of aquatic ecology research, grant development, and supervision of staff (doctoral experience can be included).
• Experience in planning research activities is required.
• Must have experience in a laboratory setting, as well as field experience using standardized protocols.
• Previous experience translating findings into published articles in scientific journals.
• Experience presenting findings at conferences and/or seminars.

Education:

• Ph.D. in fisheries, zoology, ecology or related.

Training, Licenses or Certifications Required:

• Valid driver's license to travel to and from field sites.
• Must be able to swim.

Knowledge Requirements Required:

• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to collect field and laboratory data.
• Effective personal relations, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated ability to present data at scientific meetings and publish in reputable journals.
• Demonstrated ability to perform effectively with a professional demeanor in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of limited resources and multiple and changing priorities, with minimal supervision.
• The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance or a contingent offer.

Compensation: $52,000-$70,000/year depending upon qualifications. Option for on-site housing.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Here!" For full consideration, applications should be received by 1/31/17 but position will remain open until filled.

Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, copy of college transcripts, and the names and contact information of three professional references. All requested information must be submitted for your application to be considered. Incomplete information will not be reviewed.