Visiting Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Ecology - INHS​/PRI

Visiting Scientific Specialist, Aquatic Ecology

Illinois Natural History Survey
PRAI - Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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 service 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.

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The Illinois Natural History Survey, one of the five State Scientific Surveys housed by the Prairie Research Institute, is seeking a Visiting Scientific Specialist who will conduct basic and applied research in the area of Aquatic Ecology, overseeing Lake Michigan Creel surveys and other fisheries work at the Lake Michigan Biological Station.

This position will be located at the Lake Michigan Biological Station in Zion, Illinois. This position will be expected to work at the Biological Station on a full-time basis.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

• Conduct interviews of shoreline and boat anglers on their fishing efforts, expenditures, harvest, and biological characteristics of fish in their possession.
• Oversee and coordinate Lake Michigan Creel and fisheries research at the Lake Michigan Biological Station.
• Ensure grant obligations are met in a timely manner.
• Supervise, mentor, and lead hourly workers to achieve success and foster a culture of innovation and high-level performance at both individual and organizational levels. This includes task assignment, scheduling, ongoing performance management with coaching and feedback, and travel approval.
• Ensure facilities and equipment, including boats, trailers, and sampling gear, are properly utilized and maintained.
• Conduct and lead interviews for seasonal and long-term hourly workers.
• Participate in data collection, data verification, data analysis, and report writing.
• Prepare research proposals and disseminate research findings through presentations at professional meetings, technical reports writing, and publishing in peer-reviewed publications.
• Manage and analyze research and monitoring data in scientific findings and provide management recommendations to funding agencies, collaborators, and other interested parties.
• Maintain detailed records, enter and check large volumes of data.
• Conduct outreach activities and events to benefit the mission and visibility of the Survey, PRI, and University of Illinois.
• Coordinate safety activities and meetings discussing safe creel practices, both in-house and with other entities in the area.
• Co-manage social media for the Lake Michigan Biological Station.
• Perform other duties to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois.
• Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.
• Conduct and assist with other research projects on fisheries issues and/or aquatic ecology.

Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or related field. Alternate degree fields will be considered depending on the nature and depth of the experience as it relates to this position. Experience engaging and interacting with the public. Experience with field collection protocols. Experience using standard laboratory protocols and adherence to safety policies. Valid Driver’s License.

Experience with protocols, techniques, and equipment used by the Great Lakes fisheries scientists and ecologists. Previous experience in trailering and operating boats on navigable waterways. Experience in data analysis and communication including report writing and presentations. Experience in staff supervision and…