Whip-poor-will Ecology Technician - Central Illinois

Institution: University of Illinois, Illinois Natural History Survey

Location: Central Illinois (Havana area)

Start Date: May 1, 2021

Job Description:

We are seeking 2 to 3 field technicians to work on 2 closely-related Master’s projects investigating the behavior, habitat use, and prey availability of whip-poor-wills in Illinois. Technicians will be tasked with assisting in capturing, banding, and radio tagging whip-poor-wills, VHF tracking of birds, nest searching, nocturnal aural surveys, insect collection and identification, and vegetation surveys. Housing in central Illinois and shared field vehicles will be provided. Work will begin in early May (some flexibility) and extend into July. Rate of pay is $11 to $14 per hour DOE.

Qualifications:

- Completed or pursuing a degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology or a related field.

- Experience with avian field work and bird handling.

- Willingness to work primarily at night (sometimes alone).

- Ability to collect accurate, detailed data in the field.

- Maintain a hardworking and positive attitude through the rigors of fieldwork.

- Must possess a valid driver’s license and good driving record.

- Must adhere to appropriate COVID-19 guidelines to ensure safety of crew.

Previous experience affixing radio tags to small birds, VHF radio telemetry, insect collection and identification, and operating 4x4 vehicles is also preferred.

To apply, send a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references in a single PDF to both Sarah Stewart (sarahhaleystewart@gmail.com) and Grant Witynski (gwitynski@gmail.com). Please send with the subject line “Whip Tech 2021”.