*FIELD AND LAB SPECIALIST*
The Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment at the
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign seeks a *full time technician
in the DeLucia lab* (https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.life.illinois.edu%2Fdelucia%2Findex.htm&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cf160de54a5bf4edee40e08d7aedba2c2%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637170130662733749&sdata=MrrgNCUkIe7rELRsuzlU5mLQLonoxo%2FOXCEwwb2GUwU%3D&reserved=0).
This is a 12-month non-tenure-track Academic Professional position, and
can be renewed annually for an additional year, contingent on progress,
and the availability of funds. The overall goal of the project is to
investigate whether adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) grazing can increase
the delivery of regulating services from grazed pastures used for
livestock production compared to the “business as usual†continuous
grazing (CG). Our objectives are to: (1) Characterize the impact of AMP
on the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) versus CG
management; (2) Quantify the efficiency at which pastures under AMP and
CG use water; and, (3) Understand the mechanisms by which grazing
management strategies affect CO2, CH4 and N2O and H2O fluxes from
pastures. This project is part of a multi-partner effort that helps
understand how grazing strategies affect farm resiliency, carbon
sequestration, soil diversity, animal wellbeing and productivity.
Partners include Arizona State University, Michigan State University,
Texas A&M University, Rice University, Colorado State University,
University of Exeter, and Carbon Nation. The successful candidate will
conduct field work, laboratory experiments, and data processing and
analysis to characterize the impact of adaptive multi-paddock (AMP) on
the regulation of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs; CO2, CH4 and N2O) versus
continuous grazing (CG) management; to quantify the efficiency at which
pastures under AMP and CG use water; and; to understand the mechanisms
by which grazing management strategies affect CO2, CH4 and N2O and H2O
fluxes from pastures
*MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
Establish and maintain eddy covariance towers and sampling of field
experiments on working farms in Alabama and Tennessee, U.S.A. Extensive
travel to field sites will be required. Process data including data
generated from the eddy covariance towers; analyze soil, gas, and plant
samples. Prepare field supplies; maintain field instrumentation related
to this project (including canopy and soil chambers). Independently lead
scientific field research including survey design and implementation;
supervision, tasking and scheduling of staff; and maintaining
appropriate staffing levels to ensure project success. Purchase and
receive scientific supplies, maintaining an adequate level to support
project deliverables. Assist with data compilation and analysis.
*QUALIFICATIONS*
Education: Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, or
related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered/accepted
depending on depth and breadth of experience and skills as related to
this position.
Experience: Required:  At least six months’ supervisory experience.
Research experience in the laboratory and/or field. Preferred: ÂÂ
Research experience in the field and in the laboratory related to
biogeochemistry (e.g., trace gas flux measurements, soil sampling, gas
chromatography, eddy covariance); experience working on farms and with
farmers. Experience using various statistical programs.
/Training, Licenses or Certifications: /
Required:  A valid driver’s license is required due to traveling to
research sites throughout the U.S.
/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: /
Ability to work effectively as both a team member/leader and
independently with minimal supervision. Basic computer skills (MS Word,
Excel). Ability to plan and coordinate research activities. Effective
communication, organizational, personal relations, and leadership
skills. Ability to travel to research sites throughout the U.S. for
short sampling campaigns. Prefer the ability to carry out statistical
analyses.
/Environmental Demands: /
Ability to work long days in the field under hot and humid conditions.
/Salary:/ Commensurate with experience and qualifications
*Applications must be received by February 21, 2020*. To apply, all
candidates must submit an online profile through
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fjobs.illinois.edu&data=02%7C01%7Cmadeline.hennessey%40uconn.edu%7Cf160de54a5bf4edee40e08d7aedba2c2%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C637170130662733749&sdata=SBCp4UZuo7UMHLnQjKQ6D%2FYXcVRQteM%2BcI8USiFZVv0%3D&reserved=0 by the close of the posting period. The
starting date is flexible as soon as April 1st. Qualified candidates
must upload a letter that details qualifications noted above, resume,
and the names and contact information of three professional references.ÂÂ
All requested information must be submitted for your application to be
considered. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
For information about the position, please contact: Dr. Nuria
Gomez-Casanovas, ngomezca@igb.illinois
The successful candidate will be supervised by Dr. Nuria Gomez-Casanovas
and by Dr. Evan H. DeLucia.