Técnicos de investigación ornitólogos

Positions are available for a crew leader and 2 technicians to assist with research on the behavioral ecology and habitat use of Wild Turkeys in Illinois in association with forest management. The work involves capturing and attaching GPS radio transmitters to captured hen turkeys during the winter to study relationships between survival, habitat use, and habitat characteristics at multiple spatial and temporal scales throughout the year. Using VHF telemetry, hens are then relocated to remotely download data. Additional responsibilities will change throughout the season and include, but are not limited to: evaluating data for incubation activity, assessing nest fate, conducting vegetation surveys, nocturnal bird surveys, surveying acorn abundance, deploying CO2-baited traps for black flies, conducting camera trapping surveys for mesocarnivores, and data entry.
The research is being conducted in close collaboration with scientists at the Illinois Natural History Survey, and scientists and land managers at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Army Corp of Engineers. All candidates must have completed a B.S. degree in Wildlife Ecology, Natural Resources, Zoology, or a related field. An interest in wildlife ecology and conservation, the ability to work independently and as a team member, and the capability to conduct field work under adverse conditions, are necessary. Applicants will be required to lift/carry 50 lb bags of corn and heavy equipment during the capture season. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and will be required to pass a background check. The details for each position are as follows:

Crew leader - Preferred candidates will have prior experience in handling and tracking wildlife, experience working with tracking data (location and/or activity), proficient with computer programs (GIS, Google products, Office products), vegetation identification skills (Midwest vegetation), and prior experience as a crew leader or similar position. This person will be expected to communicate regularly with the field crew, private land owners, public land managers, and the graduate students overseeing the research. Candidate will be expected to begin work by January 8th, 2018, and the position will tentatively end June 29th, 2018, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding.

Technicians - Preferred applications will have some previous experience in tracking and handling wildlife, and will be proficient with computer programs (GIS, Google products, Office products). Candidate will be expected to begin work by January 12th, 2018, and the position will tentatively end June 29th, 2018, with the possibility of extension dependent on funding.



Salary Ranges - Crew leader $14- $16, Techs $12 - $14 per hour depending on experience. Housing and field vehicles provided. Details of housing will be provided at a later date.



To apply: Submit by October 27, 2017 a single PDF (Save as: your last name_first name.pdf) that includes: 1) a letter detailing your interest, qualifications for the position, and availability for the position of interest, 2) curriculum vitae 3) names and contact information for three references (direct supervisors ONLY) to Christine Parker at ilturkeywrangler@gmail.com. Applications will be evaluated in the order received. Applicants will be notified after all positions have been filled.