Stream and Wildlife Research Technicians (2); DeKalb, IL
We are looking to hire two technicians to work on a Master’s student research project which involves studying the potential impacts of beaver dam building patterns on hydrology at a tallgrass prairie preserve in Illinois. This position involves wading through streams, collecting water samples, installing and maintaining wildlife camera traps, and point-counting stumps. Other possible responsibilities include entering data into Microsoft Excel, analyzing spatial data in ArcGIS, processing field samples in a lab, and organizing pictures. Additionally, applicants should have a good knowledge of standard ecological survey protocols. This is a great opportunity for early career scientists to gain fieldwork experience while working in restored and remnant tallgrass prairie ecosystems.
Successful applicants will be employed through Northern Illinois University (NIU). NIU is an AA/EEO institution and is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Moreover, safety of technicians is a primary goal of this research project. Successful applicants and project leaders will establish a working document on field safety procedures (including compliance with relevant Covid-19 regulations) and avenues for reporting workplace misconduct.
Position dates: May 30th – July 29th (slightly flexible if necessary)
Salary: $12/hour 30 hours per week (total of 9 weeks)
Survey site: Nachusa Grasslands (near Lost Nation, IL)
Work schedule: 4 days per week, Monday-Thursday. Work will begin at 0700 and last on site until 1300 (not including travel). The overall plan is to collect field data in the morning, then process collections in DeKalb in the afternoon.
Housing: Housing is not provided through this position. Hired technicians are encouraged to find summer housing in DeKalb, IL to allow for car-pooling to field sites (at no additional cost). Technicians are responsible for securing transportation to field sites if housing is secured in a location outside of DeKalb, IL. Primitive camping is available at the field site during the work week. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required qualifications:
- familiarity with wildlife camera traps;
- knowledge of standard ecological survey procedures;
- ability to record and enter ecological data;
- working towards a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, natural resources management, or a related field;
- proficiency in Microsoft Excel;
- ability to hike through rough terrain while carrying up to 35 pounds of equipment;
- ability to effectively communicate and work with fellow technicians and project leaders;
- ability to work in adverse field conditions (early morning hours; hot, humid conditions; biting flies; wild bison; etc.);
- ability to work and navigate in remote field settings;
- ability to describe project details to the public;
- compliance with appropriate safety protocols
Preferred qualifications:
- a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology, natural resources management, or a related field;
- experience conducting similar fieldwork/surveys;
- experience using GPS devices;
- possession of a valid driver’s license;
- experience operating 4WD trucks and/or UTVs;
- experience analyzing spatial data in ArcGIS
How to apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for two references to Jesse Sikora at jsikora1@niu.edu. Full consideration will be given to applications received on or before March 20th 2021.
