Senior Scientific Specialist, Field Ecology - Illinois Natural History Survey
Senior Scientific Specialist, Field Ecology
The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. This position will be based in Champaign, Illinois, and will require the individual to be on-site.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist taxonomic experts with surveys for amphibians, reptiles, freshwater mollusks, fishes, birds, pollinators, and noctuid moths.
- Periodically conduct large-scale freshwater turtle trapping in the Des Plaines River Valley.
- Coordinate and collaborate with other lab experts on related projects.
- Conduct seasonal overnight fieldwork.
- Plan overnight fieldwork to be cost and logistically effective.
- Secure appropriate approvals and permits to conduct fieldwork.
- Create and maintain working relationships with State, Federal, and University partners.
- Conduct aquatic eDNA studies.
- Pin, spread, and properly voucher insect specimens (predominantly noctuid moths).
- Conduct data analysis using appropriate statistical methods and model building in R.
- Conduct spatial data analyses using GIS, remote sensing, and spatial methods.
- Translate scientific data into memos, reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
- Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff.
- Prioritize, organize, and plan to ensure projects progress on time.
- Perform necessary administrative tasks associated with this position.
- Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained and data quality assurance standards are met.
- Purchase and maintain field equipment and supplies needed for projects.
- Seek external funding for research projects.
- Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
- Keep abreast of communications and developments in this discipline.
- Represent the Survey, PRI, and University of Illinois on committees.
Additional Physical Demands
Working irregular hours in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting/stinging insects, etc.) and required overnight travel throughout Illinois. Lifting, carrying, and hiking equipment weighing up to 50 lbs. will be necessary.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelors in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural Resources, or related field. A minimum of two years of planning and leading fieldwork. Advanced-level experience with R and ArcGIS analytical platforms. Valid Driver's License.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s in Biology, Ecology, Conservation, Natural Resources, or related field. Supervisory experience, including training and oversight of employees. A minimum of three years of experience in fieldwork with relevant taxa.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working taxonomic knowledge of midwestern amphibians, reptiles, freshwater mollusks, fishes, pollinators, and noctuid moths. Proficiency in GIS and statistical analysis. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continuation of funding. The starting salary is $50,000, commensurate with education, experience, and skill.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by November 17, 2023. Apply for this position at Career Site (csod.com) using the Apply Now button. Application materials must include a cover letter, CV or resume, and names and contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
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