Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, River Ecology - INHS​/PRI

Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology - INHS/PRI

Visiting Assistant Research Scientist, Large River Ecology Illinois Natural History Survey Prairie Research Institute

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five State Scientific Surveys covering a wide range of expertise, including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology. PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and services that allow citizens and decision makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and across Illinois, the nation, and the world.

The Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), one of the five Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Large River Ecologist who will develop, direct, and conduct research activities focused on issues surrounding the impact, control, and management of bigheaded carp and other potential nuisance or invasive species throughout the Upper Mississippi River. This is an in-person opportunity with the ability to be on site on a regular basis.

This position is located at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, Illinois.

Duties & Responsibilities Include

• Conduct biological monitoring and research on the Illinois River Waterway using multiple types of fishing gear (PDC electrofishing, netting, telemetry) and work closely with fishers to guide contracted invasive carp harvest.
• Collect fish population monitoring data and use the information to develop and evaluate research projects and guide management.
• Coordinate field sampling schedules including identifying sampling locations, completion of equipment inventory for each trip, and safety inspection of marine craft and gear.
• Supervise students and hourly technicians and guide scheduling, task assignment, explaining required sampling techniques, guiding required field data collection necessary to complete projects, and ensuring marine safety protocols are followed.
• Maintain active and open communication between MAM, IRBS staff, collaborators, and other parties.
• Manage, analyze, and translate research, harvest, telemetry, and monitoring data into scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Provide recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Translate scientific data into reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations to be delivered at conferences and professional meetings.
• Work with the lay community to engender positive feedback regarding scientific research.
• Coordinate and cooperate with the Survey, PRI, University of Illinois, and other groups.
• Attend local, regional, national, and international conferences.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, the University, and other state and federal agencies on professional and interagency committees associated with river ecology and fisheries.
• Represent the Survey, PRI, and UIUC committees.
• Ensure facilities and equipment are properly maintained, grant and contract obligations are fulfilled, and data quality assurance standards are met.
• Perform other duties as needed to further the mission and goals of PRI.
• Complete administrative requirements, such as documentation, compliance-related forms, certifications, and mandatory training programs, accurately and within established deadlines.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Physical Demands
Will require working in adverse field conditions (heat,…