Research Technicians – Diving Duck Ecology
Job Classification: Hourly Assistant – Research Program Participant (3 positions)
Title: Waterfowl Research Technician (Grant supported, hourly position)
Agency: Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois
Location: Forbes Biological Station, Havana, IL
Description: We are seeking up to three research technicians for a spring migration study of diving
ducks along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers of Illinois, USA. Duties will include enumerating,
conducting behavioral observations of, trapping, banding, experimentally collecting, and obtaining
blood and tissue from lesser scaup and canvasback; collecting sediment cores and net sweeps;
operating large and small motor boats, layout boats, all-terrain vehicles, and 4X4 vehicles; and
additional tasks as assigned, such as sample processing in the laboratory, data entry, maintenance of
facilities and equipment. This position will involve substantial travel and lethal collection of birds.
Qualifications: The positions require a minimum of a Bachelors degree in biological sciences,
wildlife ecology, or related field; experience with waterfowl identification and enumeration; a valid
driver’s license; and experience operating boats and using firearms. Illinois residents must possess a
F.O.I.D. card (compliant with the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act) and
nonresidents must be registered or able to legally possess a firearm in their state of residence to
be considered. Preferred candidates will have extensive experience using firearms, completed
firearm education and safety courses (e.g., hunters safety), and be comfortable lethally collecting
ducks and completing subsequent necropsies. Preferred candidates will have experience with
waterfowl capture and handling, banding, behavioral observations, collecting sediment cores and net
sweep samples, and seed and invertebrate identification using microscopes. Candidates must be
comfortable working and wading in water and mud; lethally collecting ducks from blinds, layout
boats, or by other means; and working outside in cold and possibly inclement weather for long
periods. Candidates must be willing to work long hours, early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Candidates should be enthusiastic, personable, organized, patient and meticulous, and have a strong
work ethic. Candidates will be required to work independently and as part of a team.
Salary: $8.25–$11/hr (Expected ~ $2,000/month). Housing available at a reduced rate (~
$180/month).
Duration: Approximately 1 February to 31 June 2014 (negotiable)
Application: To ensure full consideration, applications should be received by 18 December 2013, but
review of applications will begin immediately. Electronic applications are required.
To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and names and contact information of three references to:
hroffice@inhs.uiuc.edu (Be sure to reference PRF FORBES in the subject line).
Direct technical questions to Josh Osborn at osbornjm@illinois.edu or (309) 543–3950.
The University of Illinois is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer