Field Technician

Field Technician (4 Vacancies)

Posting Category:

About UIS:
Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs. You are encouraged to visit the university web page at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Final date to receive applications: 6/19/2026

Minimum Starting Salary: $16.00 per hour

Summary:

The field technicians (four technicians) are field researchers who need to be effective in field data collection, including observing and tracking of ospreys. Field technicians know how to operate and adjust, when necessary, various instruments for data acquisition and are required to communicate effectively the research notes. Successful candidates also need to have excellent interpersonal skills for working effectively with different stakeholders and partners.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Daily Observations:
Conducts daily behavioral observations of osprey chicks at the hacking site to ensure that each osprey is eating properly and there is no aggression toward each other. In addition, makes notes of all behaviors observed of each osprey as well a presence of other potential predators or competitors in the vicinity of the hacking sites. Daily Tracking:
Conducts daily tracking of ospreys once they fledge; makes notes of their locations with the GPS units as well as the surrounding vegetation/habitat characteristics, including the perch conditions. Makes notes of their behaviors and well-being, in particular their attempts to hunt. Food Preparation and Feeding:
Conducts daily preparation of fresh or completely thawed fish for the osprey chicks and feed them twice a day. Makes notes of the amount of fish provided each meal, the amount consumed, and the amount of left-over. Cuts fish into small chucks for feeding early on and graduate small chucks into bigger pieces that allow ospreys to exercise grabbing fish with their talons and tearing fish for feeding.

Continues to provide fish until all ospreys have migrated. Daily Reports:
Submits daily reports regarding the behaviors and fish consumption by ospreys, as well as makes notes of any other notable events related to the ospreys on that day. Uploads the GPS points into the GIS database for ospreys. Planning and Coordination:
Plans and coordinates with the Illinois River Biological Station (IRBS) or Kaskaskia Biological Station (KBS) for obtaining fish for feeding ospreys. Conducts regular pick-ups of fish from the IRBS or KBS. Coordinates with the field personnel at the other hacking site for project purposes when required. Maintenance:
Assists with the maintenance and clean-up of the hacking tower before and after the hacking season, as well as the maintenance and inventory of the field gears and equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Successful candidates must have a B.S. degree in wildlife, environmental science, biology, or related field before start date. The individual must have and maintain a valid driver's license and be able to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions for long hours. Candidates are experienced with kayaking.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates have a minimum of one season of directly related field or professional experience. Experiences working with birds of prey are highly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to work outdoors

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment with little supervision

Plans and arranges own work for various tasks, refers only unusual cases to supervisor

Excellent writing and data entry skills that reflect accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to identify raptors and other species

Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Earth, and GPS

Ability to kayak for hours

Ability to cut and prepare fish for feeding

Successful candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills, follow instructions well, and pay attention to detail

Candidates must have a commitment to field personnel and equipment safety

Ability to follow the COVID-19 safety protocol and guidelines as directed for the duration of employment.

Physical Demands:

Standing :
Frequently Walking :
Frequently Sitting :
Frequently Lifting :
Frequently Carrying :
Frequently Pushing :
Frequently Pulling :
Frequently Climbing :
Frequently Balancing :
Frequently Stooping :
Frequently Kneeling :
Frequently Crouching :
Frequently Crawling :
Rarely Reaching :
Frequently Handling :
Frequently Grasping :
Frequently Feeling :
Occasionally Talking :
Occasionally Hearing :
Constantly Repetitive Motions :
Occasionally Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination :
Constantly Taste/Smell :
Rarely Performing Manual Tasks :
Constantly

Working Conditions:

Extreme cold :
Rarely Extreme heat :
Constantly Humid :
Constantly Wet :
Constantly Noise :
Rarely Hazards :
Occasionally Temperature Change :
Occasionally Atmospheric Conditions :
Constantly Vibration :
Rarely

Travel Requirements:

5%…