Wildlife Technician - Wetlands and Waterbirds
Prairie Research Institute; Forbes Biological Station (Federal)
Details
Application Deadline:
06/15/2025
Published:
05/07/2025
Starting Date:
between 8/15/2025 and 9/15/2025
Ending Date:
after 2/27/2026
Hours per Week:
40 - 50
Salary:
starting at $18 per hour
Education Required:
Some Undergraduate
Experience Required:
none
Location:
20003 NCR 1770E (Havana, Illinois)
Tags:
Undergraduate Opportunities
Description
Job Classification: Hourly Assistant – Research Program Participant
Title: Wildlife Technician-Wetlands and Waterbirds (Grant supported, hourly position)
Agency: Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois
Location: Forbes Biological Station, Havana, IL; fieldwork will be conducted throughout Illinois
Number of positions: 4
Description: The Forbes Biological Station is seeking four research technicians to assist with multiple studies assessing wetland and waterbird ecology along the Illinois River and throughout Illinois. These positions will include a mix of field and lab work. Primary field duties include deploying automated recording units (ARUs) at wetland management areas, identifying moist-soil plants and assessing crop seed production, and conducting waterfowl counts. Primary lab work includes processing ARU data of hunting disturbance. Fieldwork will take place across the state, and overnight travel will be required. Other responsibilities include safe operation of small boats, ATVs, and 4-wheel drive trucks; data entry and management; maintenance of equipment and facilities; and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, wildlife ecology, or related field are preferred. Applicants must be willing to work in inclement conditions including at times heat and biting insects in waders, as well as carrying heavy equipment and samples (≤ 50 lbs) while wading through wetlands for data collection. Deployment of ARUs entails climbing trees with safety equipment, and while experience using this equipment is desired, willingness to learn is satisfactory. Applicants should be comfortable with lab work that consists of sitting at a desk with a computer for extended hours, Applicants who are enthusiastic, personable, organized, and possess a strong work ethic are encouraged to apply. Candidates will be required to work independently and as part of a team.
Salary: $18/hr; 40 hrs/week, plus opportunities for paid overtime. Housing is available on site at a reasonable rate (~$200/month).
Duration: Technicians will begin late August/early September 2025. The positions are funded through the end of February 2026 with the potential to continue for other projects, pending funding and interest.
Application: Review of applications will begin June 15th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic applications are required.
To apply, please send the following in a single document: cover letter, resume/cv, and names and contact information of three references to: agblake@illinois.edu Be sure to reference Fall 2025 Technician in the subject line and specify an available starting date in the Cover Letter.
Title: Wildlife Technician-Wetlands and Waterbirds (Grant supported, hourly position)
Agency: Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois
Location: Forbes Biological Station, Havana, IL; fieldwork will be conducted throughout Illinois
Number of positions: 4
Description: The Forbes Biological Station is seeking four research technicians to assist with multiple studies assessing wetland and waterbird ecology along the Illinois River and throughout Illinois. These positions will include a mix of field and lab work. Primary field duties include deploying automated recording units (ARUs) at wetland management areas, identifying moist-soil plants and assessing crop seed production, and conducting waterfowl counts. Primary lab work includes processing ARU data of hunting disturbance. Fieldwork will take place across the state, and overnight travel will be required. Other responsibilities include safe operation of small boats, ATVs, and 4-wheel drive trucks; data entry and management; maintenance of equipment and facilities; and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: Candidates possessing a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, wildlife ecology, or related field are preferred. Applicants must be willing to work in inclement conditions including at times heat and biting insects in waders, as well as carrying heavy equipment and samples (≤ 50 lbs) while wading through wetlands for data collection. Deployment of ARUs entails climbing trees with safety equipment, and while experience using this equipment is desired, willingness to learn is satisfactory. Applicants should be comfortable with lab work that consists of sitting at a desk with a computer for extended hours, Applicants who are enthusiastic, personable, organized, and possess a strong work ethic are encouraged to apply. Candidates will be required to work independently and as part of a team.
Salary: $18/hr; 40 hrs/week, plus opportunities for paid overtime. Housing is available on site at a reasonable rate (~$200/month).
Duration: Technicians will begin late August/early September 2025. The positions are funded through the end of February 2026 with the potential to continue for other projects, pending funding and interest.
Application: Review of applications will begin June 15th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Electronic applications are required.
To apply, please send the following in a single document: cover letter, resume/cv, and names and contact information of three references to: agblake@illinois.edu Be sure to reference Fall 2025 Technician in the subject line and specify an available starting date in the Cover Letter.
Contact
Abby Blake-Bradshaw
agblake@illinois.edu (preferred contact method)