I am looking for a field technician with a strong work ethic to join my team for the Franklin's ground squirrel project in Central Illinois. The field technician needs to be effective and skillful in data collection, including trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin's ground squirrels. Field technician knows how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and is required to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Duties and responsibilities include: Trapping - Conducts daily trapping of Franklin's ground squirrels at multiple sites over the field season. Tagging - Implants a passive integrated transponder (PIT) to each newly captured squirrel for identification and fits radio-collars to targeted juveniles. Tracking - Conducts daily radio-tracking of juvenile Franklin's ground squirrels on foot or in vehicle depending on the movement patterns and dispersal distances of individual squirrels. Records locations of the squirrels with the GPS units through triangulation or homing. Follows the squirrels until they immerge. Daily Reports - Submits daily reports on the trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin's ground squirrels. Maintenance - Assists with the maintenance, clean-up, and inventory of the field gears and equipment for trapping, tagging, and tracking of Franklin's ground squirrels. Requirements: Successful candidate must have a B.S. degree in environmental science, wildlife, biology, or related field. Experiences in radio-telemetry and working with small mammals in the field 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 a personal vehicle, maintain a valid driver's license, and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours. Application: Review of applications will start immediately until the position is filled. Starting date: May 16, 2016. Anticipated ending date: October 15, 2016. Salary: $400-$440 per WEEK (depending on the skills and experiences), plus mileage reimbursement for radio-tracking. To apply, please send the following (via email) 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]>
