Field Technician

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)..

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.

• 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 chunks for feeding early on and graduates small chunks 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 gear and equipment.

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.

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

• 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

• Standing :
  Frequently
• Walking :
  Frequently
• Sitting :
  Frequently
• Lifting :
  Frequently
• Carrying :
  Frequently
• Pushing…