Deadline: Sun, 09/15/2024 - 12:00pm Employer: Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute Job Field: Fisheries Job Type: Full Time Location: Illinois Location Detail: Havana, IL Job Description: The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS) investigates and documents the biological resources of Illinois and other areas and acquires and provides natural history information that can be used to promote the common understanding, conservation, and management of these resources. INHS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. To learn more visit go.illinois.edu/PRIjob The Illinois Natural History Survey’s Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) is one of six stations of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration (UMRR) Program’s Long Term Resource Monitoring element (LTRM), funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and administered by the United States Geological Survey’s Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Staff here also coordinate the Long-Term Survey and Assessment of Large River Fishes in Illinois (LTEF) on the Illinois River Waterway and select pools on the Upper Mississippi River, black carp research on the La Grange Reach of the Illinois River, fish and vegetation monitoring and research at the Emiquon Preserve, and aid in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources ongoing management of bighead and silver carps. The need for flexible research and monitoring of water quality, native and invasive aquatic organisms is the scientific foundation of IRBS. INHS is seeking a Quantitative Ecologist to synthesize and quantitatively evaluate invasive carp harvest and telemetry data needed to help better inform rapid, adaptive invasive carp harvest management and efficiency in the Upper Mississippi River. The position duties will require a balance of field sampling, laboratory science, data analysis, and writing. Scientists will have the opportunity to assist with other ongoing aquatic ecology research objectives, analysis, and contribution to research products at the field station and collaborate among field station and partner agency scientists. This position will be based in Havana, Illinois. Duties & Responsibilities Build and evaluate predictive harvest models that contribute to invasive carp management in the upper Mississippi River using telemetry and harvest data. Synthesize and model invasive carp harvest, telemetry, and data on reproduction and recruitment in the upper Mississippi River to help contribute to invasive carp adaptive management and overall integrated pest management strategy. Evaluate current designs, sample sizes, gears, and effort allocations used to sample carp in Illinois’ rivers and identify best practices to increase efficiency and effectiveness of harvest. Work closely with and coordinate efforts between state, federal, and University partners associated with the project. Analyze data, synthesize results, and author annual technical reports and multiple manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals. Assist other biologists with experimental design, analysis, and writing for a variety of aquatic ecology-related projects. Disseminate research findings to management agencies, the scientific community, and public through presentations at professional meetings, public outreach activities, and in written reports. Ensure the safety of staff and equipment. Respond to requests for scientific/technical information and communicate effectively with collaborators. Participate in community outreach and service event, and mentor hourly staff. Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline. Additional Physical Demands The work of this position takes place in an office setting. The work is sedentary and involves sitting for extended periods of time working at a computer, using a keyboard and mouse, and using repetitive hand motions for data entry. Will require working in a lab environment. Lab safety equipment use is required. May require standing and stationary positions. Occasional overnight travel may occur. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications Master’s degree in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience with analytical/statistical method application to ecology-based research questions and demonstrated research communication through peer-reviewed manuscripts. Valid Driver’s License. Preferred Qualifications Ph.D. in Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries, Statistics, Ecological Statistics, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. A minimum of 3 years of experience applying statistical techniques to ecological data and familiarity or have conducted field and laboratory research on large rivers or other large aquatic systems. Ability to apply statistical techniques to ecological data. Experience analyzing advanced modeling approaches for fisheries or wildlife and familiarity with the implementation of ecological and multivariate models are preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Strong analytical skills and strong proficiency with R or SAS statistical software and its application to ecological-based statistics. Must be able to write clearly and scientifically as demonstrated through prior publications. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills. Ability to apply analytical/scientific thinking to define and solve problems. Ability to work independently, collect and analyze field data, and coherently communicate findings (verbally and in writing) to grant agencies and to scientific and public communities. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, 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. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, R or comparable platform, GIS, and other commonly used software is required. Salary: Appointment Information This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis, renewable annually based upon satisfactory progress in the position and continuation of funding. The start date is negotiable, and the starting salary is $60,000, commensurate with education, experience, and skill. How to Apply: Application Procedures & Deadline Information Applications must be received by September 15, 2024. Apply for this position at (Insert Link) using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of the posting. Applications not submitted through this website will not be considered. Application materials must include a Cover letter that clearly outlines your qualifications and experience as it relates to this position, A CV or resume, and Names and contact information (including email addresses) for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dr. James Lamer at lamer@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
