Waterfowl and Wetland Bird Ecologist - Forbes Biological Station - Illinois Natural History Survey

https://jobs.illinois.edu/academic-job-board/job-details?jobID=146029&job=assistant-research-scientist-waterfowl-wetland-bird-ecology-illinois-natural-history-survey-pri-146029

INHS is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist in the area of Waterfowl and Wetland Bird Ecology to conduct research and monitoring activities in the field of wetland bird and wetland management to address the goals of the Survey. This position is located at the Forbes Biological Station in Havana, IL.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Conduct research activities related to waterfowl, wading birds, marsh birds, shorebirds, etc. as well as in wetland ecology and other natural resource fields.

Supervise the care of waterfowls in captivity, maintaining records, and verifying birds are being kept in an appropriate way.

Communicate with managers of state, federal, and private wetlands.

Manage, analyze, and translate research and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.

Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.

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

Coordinate and cooperate with the Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and other groups.

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

Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly staff and graduate students and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, professional development, and ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback.

Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.

Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Required Qualifications:

Master’s degree in natural resource management, wildlife biology, ecology, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of three years of experience working with wetland birds (experience may be gained during or prior to Master’s degree). Experience using common software packages for data recording and analysis, reporting, and processing such as ArcGIS or R. Valid Driver’s License. Demonstrated ability to care for waterfowl in captivity. Demonstrated ability to complete data analysis in movement ecology, estimation of abundance. Expertise in wetland management, especially moist-soil management. 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. Demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing (reports and/or papers) and in oral presentations with other scientists and land managers. Demonstrated leadership skills for the purposes of supervising, planning, and monitoring research activities and documenting progress. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.

Environmental Demands:

Will involve working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects, etc.), travel (including driving to and from research sites) throughout the state of Illinois working irregular hours and overnights; lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Overnight travel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position.

Proposed Start Date: Negotiable

Salary: The starting salary for this position is $47,500.00

Appointment Status: This is a regular full-time 12-month academic professional appointment, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continued funding. Eligible for full University benefits package as well as generous vacation and sick leave packages.