Assistant Research Scientist, Applied Ecology

Assistant Research Scientist, Applied Ecology

Illinois Natural History Survey

Prairie Research Institute

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs  
 

The Illinois Natural History Survey is seeking an Ecologist to support the quantitative needs of the Survey’s ongoing and future research projects, which are broadly focused on wetland birds, especially marsh birds and waterfowl. In the first few years this position will work on the NOAA Firebird project (https://noaafirebird.home.blog/), as well as projects focused on Canada Goose movement ecology, beach stewardship practice impacts on beach nesting birds, among others. Longer term this position will have opportunities to develop new projects along with the rest of the station staff. This position will be based out of the Forbes Biological Station in Havana, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities

·         Analyze research data from monitoring projects and individual tracking projects, including movement data, point counts, and call broadcast surveys.

·         Manage project datasets and databases.

·         Inform study design of new student and staff projects and proposals.

·         Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.

·         Lead and assist with writing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.

·         Conduct research activities related to wetland birds in Illinois and elsewhere in North America.

·         Conduct research activities in wetland ecology and other natural resource fields.

·         Lead and facilitate research activities through a structured decision-making process.

·         Lead specific projects, and contribute to many others in study design, and analysis.

·         Provide outreach and services to the public, the Survey, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, PRI, UIUC, and other professional organizations.

·         Represent the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other agencies on committees.

·         Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, and ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback and travel approval.

·         Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.

·         Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Additional Physical Demands
Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. The work of this position also takes place in an office setting as well as the field. The office component is sedentary and involves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience at it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience analyzing ecological data (which can include graduate work). Experience using common software packages for data recording and analysis, reporting, and processing such as R. Experience publishing in peer reviewed publications and gray literature. Valid Driver’s License                 

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in one or more of the following areas (movement data analysis, database creation and management and/or structured decision making). Experience working as part of large multi-institution projects. Experience presenting results to stakeholders and incorporating stakeholder feedback into future work.                              

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with other scientists, researchers, and staff. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills.  Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.  Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.  Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.  

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continuation of funding. The start date is negotiable, and the starting salary is $57,000, commensurate with education, experience, and skill.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by September 5, 2023.  Apply for this position at illinois.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/7529?c=illinois using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2) a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Auriel Fournier at auriel@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.