Indiana Bat Telemetry Technicians - Northern Plains of Missouri - Apply by 15 April for early consideration!
Job description
The Human-Wildlife Interactions Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is recruiting two Field Telemetry Technicians (one Lead, one Supporting) to aid in an 11-week study of bats in the northern plains of Missouri. The Missouri Bat Project is an 8-year study and collaboration between UIUC and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC). The main goal of the project is to understand how federally endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) are affected by timber management on MDC conservation lands. Technicians will gather data on bat distributions and roosting ecology on six conservation areas, with most time spent outdoors collecting field data. Candidates should expect to work in inclement weather and will be exposed to ticks. Therefore, applicants should be confident in field abilities, noting the physical demands of the work. Must have a flexible schedule and be able to work long hours and different times and days (including weekends and nights). You will live and work in a team environment. The position offers an excellent opportunity to conduct research on federally listed bats and to gain experience working alongside state wildlife biologists and bat ecologists.
Job Requirements:
Lead: This position will aid a PhD student in supervising the work of five technicians and a new MS student. The lead technician will liaison with the project PI, Joy O’Keefe, a PhD student, and collaborators with MDC to coordinate and manage field activities. Both the lead and supporting technician will be responsible for: 1) locating Indiana bat day roost using homing and triangulation radio-telemetry with Yagi antennas, topographical maps, GPS, and compass; 2) collecting data on roost tree characteristics (DBH, tree species identification); 3) conducting nightly exit counts at roost located with telemetry; 4) completing data entry; and 5) assisting with a variety of additional field/lab activities, as needed.
Location:
Northeastern Missouri. The nearest city is Kirksville, MO.
Salary
Temporary, full-time positions. 11 weeks beginning 31 May to 16 August 2024.
Lead: $20/hour
Supporting: $15.50/hour
Bunk housing and field vehicles will be provided. The University of Illinois will not pay for relocation costs (moving expenses).
Qualifications
Lead: Evidence of supervisory experience and at least one field season of advanced radio telemetry experience. Supporting: Evidence of field experience that included a radio telemetry component. For both: Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in wildlife biology, ecology, or closely related field. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience using radio-telemetry methods and/or conducting research on bats. Must have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and be in good physical condition. It is also critical that you are detail-oriented and interested in collecting data for research studies. Must possess a valid driver's license, pass driving record check, and willing to be trained to operate a 4WD vehicle, on- or off-road.
Application process: To apply for this position, please combine your cover letter, resume and contact information for three references into one pdf file and send to Casey Wagnon (cwagnon2@illinois.edu). Applications received by 15 April 2024 will be given the highest consideration. In the subject line of your email, please indicate for which position(s) you are applying.
The University of Illinois does not discriminate based on sex, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, religion, disability, or veteran status. In line with its commitment to equal opportunity, the University will recruit, hire, promote, education, and provide services to people based upon their individual qualifications meeting established criteria.