I am looking for three field technicians with a strong work ethic to join my team for the Franklin’s ground squirrel project in Central Illinois.  The field technicians need to be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.  Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Duties and responsibilities include:

Trapping – Conduct daily trapping of Franklin’s ground squirrels at multiple sites over the field season.

Tagging – Implant a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification and fit radio-collars to targeted juveniles.

Tracking – Conduct daily radio-tracking of juvenile Franklin’s ground squirrels on foot or in vehicle depending on the movement patterns and dispersal distances of individual squirrels.  Record locations of the squirrels with the GPS units through triangulation or homing.  Follow the squirrels until they immerge.

Daily Reports – Submit daily reports on the trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Maintenance – Assist with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gear and equipment for trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin’s ground squirrels.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field.  Experiences in radio-telemetry and working with small mammals in the field are highly preferred.  Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable.  Successful candidates must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail.  Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety.  Individuals must have a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver’s license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours.

Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.

Starting date: May 15, 2017.

Anticipated ending dates: August 18, 2017 (for two positions) and October 31, 2017 (for one position).

Salary: $440-$500 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences), plus mileage reimbursement for radio-tracking.

To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>.

1.  Cover letter addressing background and extent of qualifications;

2.  Resume, including contact information for three references; and

3.  Transcripts (unofficial or scanned copy acceptable).

Tih-Fen Ting

Department of Environmental Studies

University of Illinois at Springfield

Springfield, IL 62703

(217) 206-7876

tting1@uis.edu<mailto:tting1@uis.edu>

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