Senior ScientificSpecialist, Aquatic Ecology
Illinois Natural History Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignThe Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), a leaderin investigating and preserving biological resources in Illinois and beyond, isseeking an
Aquatic Ecologist who will plan,coordinate, and conduct basic research and applied studies related to GreatLakes Aquatic Ecology and communicate the results of those studies in a varietyof formats and venues.
This in-person position is located in Zion, Illinois at the LakeMichigan Biological Station.
The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of theUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago,St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering awide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology,sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI's mission is to provideobjective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens anddecision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development,enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for thepeople, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world. Learn moreat https://go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.
As an Aquatic Ecologist, you will,- Oversee and coordinate field work related to Great Lakes nearshore reefs to collect data needed to meet contract deliverables.
- Coordinate the deployment of acoustic telemetry equipment (receivers, acoustic tags) to address management needs for sportfish throughout the Great Lakes.
- Maintain a reference collection of lower trophic level aquatic invertebrates to assist in understanding trophic dynamics in the Great Lakes.
- Conduct and assist with other research projects on aquatic ecology and/or fisheries at the Lake Michigan Biological Station.
- Ensure the safety of staff and assist with equipment upkeep and maintenance.
- Maintain compliance with university animal care protocols (IACUC) and SOPs as related to project needs.
- Assess data on biota associated with nearshore reefs in the Great Lakes to identify new research needs and project opportunities.
- Utilize fish movement data to understand and visualize habitat use patterns of target sportfish species in the Great Lakes.
- Conduct data verification and analysis to disseminate research findings through presentations at professional meetings, technical reports, and publishing in peer-reviewed publications.
- Provide technical guidance and assistance to interested municipal, state, and federal management agencies involved in coastal resilience in Illinois and across the Great Lakes.
- Contribute efforts towards obtaining externally funded research projects by preparing data summaries, assisting with cost estimates, and compiling relevant primary literature.
- Supervise and lead hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignments, scheduling, and ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback.
- Train hourly workers on aquatic invertebrate identification techniques. This includes providing relevant background, supervising training, and overseeing progress as new protocols are introduced.
- Organize and participate in scientific/technical meetings, conferences, and workshops, and participate in professional organizations.
- Respond to requests for information about aquatic ecology and provide technical expertise to the Illinois Natural History Survey staff, government agencies, academia, industry, and the general public. Responses include written memorandum reports, public presentations, telephone conversations, literature and data searches, and occasional fieldwork.
- Communicate results of studies as presentations and lectures to a wide variety of audiences in a variety of venues including public lectures and meetings, educational settings, field trips, professional organization conferences and meetings, and academic or research seminars.
- Participate in activities of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources related to the restoration and management of natural resources along the Lake Michigan coast.
- Contribute in the areas of education, outreach, and/or service to the Illinois Natural History Survey, PRI, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois.
- Enhance the reputation of the Illinois Natural History Survey and PRI at the state, national, and international levels.
- Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
- Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or related field. Alternate degree fields may be considered depending on the nature and depth of experience as it relates to this position.
- A minimum of 2 years of experience working in the field of aquatic ecology.
- Experience in quantifying biological community dynamics, statistical analysis of aquatic ecology data, and dissemination of scientific results.
- Experience with protocols, techniques, and equipment used by the Great Lakes aquatic ecologists, including SCUBA surveys of reef environments.
- Experience with acoustic telemetry equipment and datasets, including data analysis and visualization of fish movement.
- Experience with identification of Great Lakes benthic invertebrates as well as supervising the training of staff on identification protocols.
- Substantial experience operating boats on large lakes and other navigable waterways.
- Experience in data analysis and communication including report writing and publication of research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
- Experience in staff supervision, and experience conducting ecological research in team situations.
- Valid Driver's License, Open-Water SCUBA Certification.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
- First-Aid and CPR Training, Boater Safety Training.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities- Must understand the need for adaptive scientific methods and assessment to further the understanding of the aquatic ecology of the Great Lakes.
- Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organization, teamwork, and leadership skills.
- Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision.
- Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills.
- Affinity for and experience with cooperative or interdisciplinary research with scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey, professionals at other surveys throughout PRI or other academic units, as well as governmental and other academic institutions.
- Proficiency in commonly employed software and databases.
- The ability to swim is required.
Environmental DemandsOvernighttravel may be necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. Willrequire working in adverse field conditions (heat, humidity, biting insects,cold, etc.), and travel (including driving to and from research sites)throughout the state of Illinois. The position involves lifting and carryingequipment weighing up to 50 lbs. The work of this position also takes place inan office setting as well as the field. The office component is sedentary andinvolves remaining in a stationary position for extended periods working at acomputer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions.Ability to operate small vessel platforms (less than 40 feet in length) on theGreat Lakes and ability to serve as Master-of-the-Vessel and to give shipboardinstructions to crew members following standard practices and procedures.
Appointment InformationThis is full-time, Academic Professional Appointment. The start date is negotiable and the
budgetedsalary for this position is $56,000. The salary is competitive and commensuratewith qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity.
Application Procedures & Deadline InformationApplications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 31, 2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered.
Application materials must include a 1) cover letter that clearlyoutlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, 2)a CV or resume, and 3) names and contact information (including emailaddresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will notbe considered. For further information about this specific position, pleasecontact Hilary Glandon at halane@illinois.edu.For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1028470
Job Category: Research
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu
