I am looking for three or four field technicians with a strong work ethic to assist with the osprey hacking program in Illinois as part of the osprey recovery effort for this state-endangered species.
The positions, based at different sites, have the following responsibilities:
* Daily Observations – conduct daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being. Make notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site.
* Daily Tracking – conduct daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and note their locations before migration.
* Food Preparation and Feeding – conduct daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys.
* Planning and Coordination – conduct regular fish pick-ups from the project partners. Coordinate with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required.
* Daily Reports – contribute to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys. Record any other notable events related to the birds.
* Maintenance – assist with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking box/tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gear and equipment.
Qualifications for the positions:
Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field. Experiences working with birds of prey, as well as paddling skills, 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 and maintain a valid driver’s license as well as be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and for long hours.
Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the positions are filled.
Starting date: July 1, 2020.
Anticipated ending date: October 6, 2020.
Salary: $500-$560 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences). Housing or camping gear (except sleeping gear) are provided.
To apply, please send the following (via email) to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at 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