Rail Banding Technician

Job Category: Seasonal

Salary: $15/hour + time and a half for overtime

Housing: Available onsite for a reduced rate (~$200/month).

Duration: Start date is approximately March 15th and continues until approximately May 31st.

Description:

We are hiring one research technician to assist an M.S. student with a rail migration study in the Illinois River Valley. The primary study area is located on Emiquon Preserve, one of the largest restored wetlands in the Midwest, with secondary sites nearby. The focus of the project is to band and attach Motus tags to Sora and Virginia Rail to help understand migration timing and stopover duration in central Illinois. Candidates must contribute to a positive work environment, be able to work in a marsh environment in all weather conditions, and generally endure the physical demands of fieldwork during early spring in the Midwest. Housing is available in a bunkhouse at Forbes Biological Station https://forbes-bio-station.inhs.illinois.edu/ in Havana, Illinois for a reduced rate. Forbes Biological Station also provides an excellent opportunity to network with researchers who focus on waterfowl and wetland management and ecology; depending on availability there may be opportunities to learn about or participate in other ongoing projects.

Primary duties will include but are not limited to:

                Deploying and maintaining walk-in clover traps, audio lures, solar panels, and camera traps

                Checking traps in wet and muddy locations in all weather conditions

                Handling, banding, collecting morphological measurements, and attaching Motus tags to rails

                Troubleshooting electrical systems such as audio lures, solar panels, and 12V batteries

                Operating a 4X4 truck in traffic and on narrow gravel roads with steep shoulders

                Checking Motus tower operation and data extraction

                Entering and proofing data

Required Qualifications:

                Hold or are currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology or a similar discipline

                Valid driver’s license

                Be comfortable walking in mud and on steep slopes

                Be comfortable working in an environment with insects and ticks

Preferred Applicants:

                Experience with fieldwork in wetland environments

                Experience handling birds

                Experience banding and attaching radio tags

To Apply:

Applications should be received by January 10th, but a review of applications will begin immediately, and the position may be filled before the deadline. Please send a cover letter detailing skills and experience, resume, and the names and contact information of three references to Chad Cremer: ccremer@illinois.edu (be sure to reference “Rail Tech” in the subject line).

Illinois is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Illinois welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity (www.inclusiveillinois.illinois.edu).

Contact Person: Chad A. Cremer

Contact Email: ccremer@illinois.edu