Seasonal Invasive Species Field Technician
Northern Illinois University (State)
Details
Application Deadline:
06/12/2025
Published:
05/28/2025
Starting Date:
after 7/1/2025
Ending Date:
after 8/18/2025
Hours per Week:
20 - 40
Salary:
starting at $16 per hour
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
at least 1 year
Location:
Dekalb, Illinois
Tags:
Graduate Opportunities
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
PROJECT SUMMARY
This project is focused on a host-parasite complex in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes Region. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impacts of parasites on Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) by monitoring the presence and absences of faucet snails (Bithynia tentaculata) along its distribution edges throughout the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Field technicians will be responsible for collecting samples from targeted water bodies throughout the Midwest and transporting them back to Northern Illinois University. They will also be responsible for recording data on appropriate data sheets and digitalizing data sheets in Microsoft Excel from sampling trips. This position is 20-40hrs/week and includes traveling with overnight trips. Sampling locations are may be remote and may require hiking and camping with field equipment (waders, buckets, secchi disks, coolers, vegetation rake, and camping gear). Collections will be conducted along rocky/gravel shorelines either by wading or watercraft. Technicians should be comfortable with working on their feet for long periods of time on uneven substrate and from a boat.
Housing will not be provided by the university.
QUALIFICATIONS
Valid Driver's License and Boating License (preferred)
Experience with Microsoft Excel
Knowledge and experience operating 4-wheel drive vehicles/ATV/UTVs
Experience operating vehicles with a boat trailer
Experience launching boats from boat launches
Knowledge on aquatic macrophytes and invertebrates within the Upper Mississippi River Basin/Great Lakes Region
Basic swimming, hiking, and camping skills
Please submit your application with cover letter, CV, and references to z2037913@students.niu.edu
This project is focused on a host-parasite complex in the Upper Mississippi River Basin and Great Lakes Region. The goal of this study is to evaluate the impacts of parasites on Lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) by monitoring the presence and absences of faucet snails (Bithynia tentaculata) along its distribution edges throughout the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Field technicians will be responsible for collecting samples from targeted water bodies throughout the Midwest and transporting them back to Northern Illinois University. They will also be responsible for recording data on appropriate data sheets and digitalizing data sheets in Microsoft Excel from sampling trips. This position is 20-40hrs/week and includes traveling with overnight trips. Sampling locations are may be remote and may require hiking and camping with field equipment (waders, buckets, secchi disks, coolers, vegetation rake, and camping gear). Collections will be conducted along rocky/gravel shorelines either by wading or watercraft. Technicians should be comfortable with working on their feet for long periods of time on uneven substrate and from a boat.
Housing will not be provided by the university.
QUALIFICATIONS
Valid Driver's License and Boating License (preferred)
Experience with Microsoft Excel
Knowledge and experience operating 4-wheel drive vehicles/ATV/UTVs
Experience operating vehicles with a boat trailer
Experience launching boats from boat launches
Knowledge on aquatic macrophytes and invertebrates within the Upper Mississippi River Basin/Great Lakes Region
Basic swimming, hiking, and camping skills
Please submit your application with cover letter, CV, and references to z2037913@students.niu.edu
Contact
Scott Herman
z2037913@students.niu.edu (preferred contact method)