I am looking to fill two field technician positions 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, entail the following responsibilities: Daily Observations: Conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure their well-being. Makes notes of presence of potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking site. Daily Tracking: Conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge and notes their locations before they migrate. Food Preparation and Feeding: Conducts daily preparation of fish and feeding to the hacked ospreys. Planning and Coordination: Conducts regular fish pick-ups from the project partner. Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required. Daily Reports: Contributes to daily reports regarding the behaviors, locations, and fish consumption by ospreys. Makes notes of any other notable events related to the birds. Maintenance: Assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower after the season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gears and equipment. Qualifications for the positions: Successful candidate must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field by July 1, 2014. Experiences working with birds of prey are highly preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ArcGIS, and GPS is highly desirable. Successful candidate must be a team-player, demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail. Candidate must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety. The individual must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours. Application deadline: July 6, 2014 or until the positions are filled. Anticipated starting date: July 14, 2014. Ending date: early October. Salary: $11.00 per hour, full-time. Housing or camping gears (except sleeping bags) are provided. To apply, please email the following to Dr. Tih-Fen Ting at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>: 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 [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
