The Population and Community Ecology Lab (PaCE Lab) in the Illinois Natural History Survey (a division of the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) seeks motivated and passionate individuals to aid in the conservation of Illinois amphibians and reptiles. Specifically, we seek seasonal field technicians to collect demographic data on the federally threatened Eastern Massasauga and assist with biotic surveys throughout northern Illinois. Eastern Massasauga research will consist of visual encounter surveys within a long-term population study framework. Eastern Massasauga research will start as soon as March 3 and end on approximately 10 May. Technicians will then focus on biotic surveys in Northern Illinois, which will potentially continue through September.

Technicians will work remotely, either independently or in a team, to collect population-level data (counts, morphometrics, and marking). Duties include data collection, recording, entry, proofing, and preparing summaries for quarterly reports. Technicians will be responsible for decontaminating sampling equipment, maintaining equipment, collecting tissue samples, and operating various hand tools, electronics, and mechanical equipment such as 4WD/UTV vehicles.

Work is performed in woodland, prairie, and wetland environments with exposure to extreme and inclement weather and temperature. The work requires moderate to strenuous physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven, steep, and muddy surfaces, bending, crouching, stretching, lifting, and carrying up to 50 lbs. Long hours in the field can be expected with potential work on the weekend and some holidays, pending crew scheduling. Multi-day trips or long-term housing at study sites are necessary, with overnight travel required. We will provide fleet vehicles, kayaks, motorboats, and UTVs for all fieldwork during such travel. When conducting fieldwork, we will provide field housing at the Eastern Massasauga site from 3 March – 10 May. During northern Illinois biotic surveys, technicians will be provided hotel rooms in the Chicagoland area from Monday to Friday with access to a field vehicle during the week. Transportation to and from Champaign will be provided. Depending on funding, work ethic, and productivity, at least one position may be extended into the following year.

Qualifications

Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology, Ecology, Wildlife, Natural Resources, or a related field and have knowledge and experience in amphibian and reptile identification by sight (adults, juveniles). Must have some or a combination of experience with snake ecology, venomous snakes, or freshwater turtles. Must have proven experience conducting data-intensive field research with meticulous data collection and working effectively and efficiently. Applicants must be able to work independently and as part of a team. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license.  Preference will be given to candidates who can operate UTVs, 4-wheel drive trucks, kayaks, and tow trailers. Working with computer and tablet applications, including Microsoft Office, is required; experience with File Maker Pro is preferred. Candidate must be physically able to hike to sites and work outside under adverse field conditions including, but not limited to, biting insects, rain, sleet, snow, heat, humidity, and uneven terrain while carrying field equipment.

Appointment: We are seeking 2 individuals to fill these roles. Positions will begin on or before March 3, 2025, and end on September 26, 2025.      

Salary: $16 per hour; 40 hours per week.