Field Technicians (3), Ecology and Habitat Use of Wild Turkeys University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, south-central Illinois

Field Technicians (3), Ecology and Habitat Use of Wild Turkeys

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, south-central Illinois

Positions for 3 technicians to assist with research on the behavior and habitat use of wild turkeys in Illinois are available with a tentative start date on or around January 10th, 2025. One position will have an end date of June 30th, 2025, with the other 2 positions ending early in April, 2025. Primary responsibilities for all positions will include trapping, radio-tagging, and tracking wild turkeys and remotely downloading data from their transmitters. Additional responsibilities for the positions that run through June 2025 will change throughout the season and include but are not limited to evaluating turkey transmitter data for incubation activity, assessing nest fate, conducting vegetation surveys, nocturnal bird surveys, conducting camera trapping surveys for mesocarnivores, data entry, and contacting private landowners to obtain access for research activities.

The research is being conducted in close collaboration with scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey, and scientists and land managers at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. All candidates must have completed a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources, Zoology, or a related field. An interest in wildlife ecology and conservation, the ability to work independently and as a team member, willingness to work early mornings and possibly weekends, ability to lift 50 lb bags (corn), drive 4x4 trucks, and the capability to conduct field work under adverse conditions, are necessary. It is expected that applicants are capable of occasionally walking several miles in a given day carrying packs of equipment over uneven terrain. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to pass a standard background check. The details for the positions are as follows:

Technicians - Preferred applicants will have some previous experience in radio-telemetry and handling wildlife (particularly turkeys), and will be proficient with computer programs (GIS, Google products, Office products), and handheld GPS units or orienteering using phone apps. Candidate for the six-month position will be expected to begin work on or around January 10th, 2025, and the position will tentatively end June 30th, 2025, with the possibility of extension depending on funding. Candidates for the three-month positions will be expected to begin work on or around January 10th, 2025, and the positions will tentatively end early in April, 2025.

Salary Range - Techs $14 - $18 per hour depending on experience. Housing and field vehicles provided. Shared housing will be located near Shelbyville, Illinois approximately 0.5 to 1 hour away from field sites.

To apply: Submit by December 13th, 2024, a single PDF (Save as: your last name_first name.pdf) that includes: 1) a letter detailing your interest, qualifications for the position, and availability for the position of interest, 2) curriculum vitae 3) names and contact information for three references (direct supervisors ONLY) to Dr. Jeff Hoover at j-hoover@illinois.edu. Please indicate which position you would prefer: three or six month position. Applications will be evaluated in the order received, and the positions will be filled immediately as suitable candidates are found. Applicants not selected will be notified after positions have been filled.